This article covers the installation of conductors, equipment, and field wiring for electric signs and outline lighting, regardless of voltage. All installations and equipment using neon tubing, such as signs, decorative elements, skeleton tubing, or art forms, are covered by this article.
Informational Note: Sign and outline lighting illumination systems include, but are not limited to, cold cathode neon tubing, high-intensity discharge lamps (HID), fluorescent or in candescent lamps, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and electroluminescent and inductance lighting.
LED Sign Illumination System. A complete lighting system for use in signs and outline lighting consisting of light-emitting diode (LED) light sources, power supplies, wire, and connectors to complete the installation.
Neon Tubing. Electric-discharge luminous tubing, including cold cathode luminous tubing, that is manufactured into shapes to illuminate signs, form letters, parts of letters, skeleton tubing, outline lighting, other decorative elements, or art forms and filled with various inert gases.
Section Sign. A sign or outline lighting system, shipped as subassemblies, that requires field-installed wiring between the subassemblies to complete the overall sign. The subassemblies are either physically joined to form a single sign unit or are installed as separate remote parts of an overall sign.
Sign Body. A portion of a sign that may provide protection from the weather but is not an electrical enclosure.
Skeleton Tubing. Neon tubing that is itself the sign or outline lighting and is not attached to an enclosure or sign body.
Fixed, mobile, or portable electric signs, section signs, outline lighting, and retrofit kits, regardless of voltage, shall be listed, provided with installation instructions, and installed in conformance with that listing, unless otherwise approved by special permission.
Field-installed skeleton tubing shall not be required to be listed where installed in conformance with this Code.
Outline lighting shall not be required to be listed as a system when it consists of listed luminaires wired in accordance with Chapter 3.
Signs and outline lighting systems shall be marked with the manufacturer's name, trademark, or other means of identification; and input voltage and current rating.
Signs and outline lighting systems with lampholders for incandescent lamps shall be marked to indicate the maximum allowable lamp wattage per lampholder. The markings shall be permanently installed, in letters at least 6 mm (1/4 in.) high, and shall be located where visible during relamping.
Marking labels shall be permanent, durable and, when in wet locations, shall be weatherproof.
All signs, outline lighting, skeleton tubing systems, and retrofit kits shall be marked to indicate that field wiring and installation instructions are required.
Exception: Portable, cord-connected signs are not required to be marked.
Each commercial building and each commercial occupancy accessible to pedestrians shall be provided with at least one outlet in an accessible location at each entrance to each tenant space for sign or outline lighting system use. The outlet(s) shall be supplied by a branch circuit rated at least 20 amperes that supplies no other load. Service hallways or corridors shall not be considered accessible to pedestrians.
Branch circuits that supply signs shall be rated in accordance with 600.5(B)(1) or (B)(2) and shall be considered to be continuous loads for the purposes of calculations.
Branch circuits that supply neon tubing installations shall not be rated in excess of 30 amperes.
Branch circuits that supply all other signs and outline lighting systems shall be rated not to exceed 20 amperes.
Wiring methods used to supply signs shall comply with 600.5(C)(1), (C)(2), and (C)(3).
The wiring method used to supply signs and outline lighting systems shall terminate within a sign, an outline lighting system enclosure, a suitable box, or a conduit body.
Signs and transformer enclosures shall be permitted to be used as pull or junction boxes for conductors supplying other adjacent signs, outline lighting systems, or floodlights that are part of a sign and shall be permitted to contain both branch and secondary circuit conductors.
Metal or nonmetallic poles used to support signs shall be permitted to enclose supply conductors, provided the poles and conductors are installed in accordance with 410.30(B).
Each sign and outline lighting system, feeder circuit or branch circuit supplying a sign, outline lighting system, or skeleton tubing shall be controlled by an externally operable switch or circuit breaker that opens all ungrounded conductors and controls no other load. The switch or circuit breaker shall open all ungrounded conductors simultaneously on multi-wire branch circuits in accordance with 210.4(B). Signs and outline lighting systems located within fountains shall have the disconnect located in accordance with 680.12.
Exception No. 1: A disconnecting means shall not be required for an exit directional sign located within a building.
Exception No. 2: A disconnecting means shall not be required for cord-connected signs with an attachment plug.
The disconnect shall be located at the point the feeder circuit or branch circuit(s) supplying a sign or outline lighting system enters a sign enclosure or a pole in accordance with 600.5(C)(3) and shall disconnect all wiring where it enters the enclosure of the sign or pole.
The disconnecting means shall be within sight of the sign or outline lighting system that it controls. Where the disconnecting means is out of the line of sight from any section that is able to be energized, the disconnecting means shall be lockable in accordance with 110.25.
The following shall apply for signs or outline lighting systems operated by electronic or electromechanical controllers located external to the sign or outline lighting system:
- The disconnecting means shall be located within sight of the controller or in the same enclosure with the controller.
- The disconnecting means shall disconnect the sign or outline lighting system and the controller from all ungrounded supply conductors.
- The disconnecting means shall be designed such that no pole can be operated independently and shall be lockable in accordance with 110.25.
Switches, flashers, and similar devices controlling transformers and electronic power supplies shall be rated for controlling inductive loads or have a current rating not less than twice the current rating of the transformer.
Metal equipment of signs, outline lighting, and skeleton tubing systems shall be grounded by connection to the equipment grounding conductor of the supply branch circuit(s) or feeder using the types of equipment grounding conductors specified in 250.118.
Exception: Portable cord-connected signs shall not be required to be connected to the equipment grounding conductor where protected by a system of double insulation or its equivalent. Double insulated equipment shall be distinctively marked.
The equipment grounding conductor size shall be in accordance with 250.122 based on the rating of the overcurrent device protecting the branch circuit or feeder conductors supplying the sign or equipment.
Equipment grounding conductor connections shall be made in accordance with 250.130 and in a method specified in 250.8.
Auxiliary grounding electrode(s) shall be permitted for electric signs and outline lighting systems covered by this article and shall meet the requirements of 250.54.
Metal parts of a building shall not be permitted as a secondary return conductor or an equipment grounding conductor.
Metal parts and equipment of signs and outline lighting systems shall be bonded together and to the associated transformer or power-supply equipment grounding conductor of the branch circuit or feeder supplying the sign or outline lighting system and shall meet the requirements of 250.90.
Exception: Remote metal parts of a section sign or outline lighting system only supplied by a remote Class 2 power supply shall not be required to be bonded to an equipment grounding conductor.
Metal parts of a building shall not be permitted to be used as a means for bonding metal parts and equipment of signs or outline lighting systems together or to the transformer or power-supply equipment grounding conductor of the supply circuit.
Listed flexible metal conduit or listed liquidtight flexible metal conduit that encloses the secondary circuit conductor from a transformer or power supply for use with neon tubing shall be permitted as a bonding means if the total accumulative length of the conduit in the secondary circuit does not exceed 30 m (100 ft).
Small metal parts not exceeding 50 mm (2 in.) in any dimension, not likely to be energized, and spaced at least 19 mm (3/4 in.) from neon tubing, shall not require bonding.
Where listed nonmetallic conduit is used to enclose the secondary circuit conductor from a transformer or power supply and a bonding conductor is required, the bonding conductor shall be installed separate and remote from the nonmetallic conduit and be spaced at least 38 mm (11/2 in.) from the conduit when the circuit is operated at 100 Hz or less or 45 mm (13/4 in.) when the circuit is operated at over 100 Hz.
Signs or outline lighting installed inside a fountain shall have all metal parts bonded to the equipment grounding conductor of the branch circuit for the fountain recirculating system. The bonding connection shall be as near as practicable to the fountain and shall be permitted to be made to metal piping systems that are bonded in accordance with 680.53.
Live parts, other than lamps, and neon tubing shall be enclosed. Transformers and power supplies provided with an integral enclosure, including a primary and secondary circuit splice enclosure, shall not require an additional enclosure.
Enclosures shall have ample structural strength and rigidity.
Sign and outline lighting system enclosures shall be constructed of metal or shall be listed.
Sheet copper or aluminum shall be at least 0.51 mm (0.020 in.) thick. Sheet steel shall be at least 0.41 mm (0.016 in.) thick.
Metal parts of equipment shall be protected from corrosion.
Sign or outline lighting system equipment shall be at least 4.3 m (14 ft) above areas accessible to vehicles unless protected from physical damage.
Neon tubing, other than listed, dry-location, portable signs, readily accessible to pedestrians shall be protected from physical damage.
Informational Note: See 600.41(D) for additional requirements.
Signs and outline lighting systems shall be installed so that adjacent combustible materials are not subjected to temperatures in excess of 90°C (194°F).
The spacing between wood or other combustible materials and an incandescent or HID lamp or lampholder shall not be less than 50 mm (2 in.).
Signs and outline lighting system equipment for wet location use, other than listed watertight type, shall be weatherproof and have drain holes, as necessary, in accordance with the following:
All cords shall be junior hard-service or hard-service types as designated in Table 400.4 and have an equipment grounding conductor.
The manufacturer of portable or mobile signs shall provide listed ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. The ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be an integral part of the attachment plug or shall be located in the power-supply cord within 300 mm (12 in.) of the attachment plug.
Portable or mobile signs in dry locations shall meet the following:
- Cords shall be SP-2, SPE-2, SPT-2, or heavier, as designated in Table 400.4.
- The cord shall not exceed 4.5 m (15 ft) in length.
Field-installed secondary circuit wiring for electric signs, retrofit kits, outline lighting systems, and skeleton tubing systems shall be in accordance with their installation instructions and 600.12(A), (B), or (C).
Neon and secondary circuit wiring of 1000 volts or less shall comply with 600.31.
Neon secondary circuit wiring of over 1000 volts shall comply with 600.32.
Where the installation complies with 600.33 and the power source provides a Class 2 output that complies with 600.24, either of the following wiring methods shall be permitted as determined by the installation instructions and conditions.
- Wiring methods identified in Chapter 3
- Class 2 cables complying with Part 111 of Article 725
Ballasts, transformers, electronic power supplies, and Class 2 power sources shall be of the self-contained type or be enclosed by placement in a listed sign body or listed separate enclosure.
Ballasts, transformers, electronic power supplies, and Class 2 power sources shall be located where accessible and shall be securely fastened in place.
Ballasts, transformers, electronic power supplies, and Class 2 power sources shall be installed as near to the lamps or neon tubing as practicable to keep the secondary conductors as short as possible.
Ballasts, transformers, electronic power supplies, and Class 2 power sources used in wet locations shall be of the weatherproof type or be of the outdoor type and protected from the weather by placement in a sign body or separate enclosure.
A working space at least 900 mm (3 ft) high × 900 mm (3 ft) wide × 900 mm (3 ft) deep shall be provided at each ballast, transformer, electronic power supply, and Class 2 power source or at its enclosure where not installed in a sign.
Ballasts, transformers, electronic power supplies, and Class 2 power sources shall be permitted to be located in attics and soffits, provided there is an access door at least 900 mm × 562.5 mm (36 in. × 221/2 in.) and a passageway of at least 900 mm (3 ft) high × 600 mm (2 ft) wide with a suitable permanent walkway at least 300 mm (12 in.) wide extending from the point of entry to each component. At least one lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch shall be installed in such spaces. At least one point of control shall be at the usual point of entry to these spaces. The lighting outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment requiring servicing.
Ballasts, transformers, electronic power supplies, and Class 2 power sources shall be permitted to be located above suspended ceilings, provided that their enclosures are securely fastened in place and not dependent on the suspended-ceiling grid for support. Ballasts, transformers, and electronic power supplies installed in suspended ceilings shall not be connected to the branch circuit by flexible cord.
Ballasts shall be identified for the use and shall be listed.
Ballasts shall be thermally protected.
Transformers and electronic power supplies shall be identified for the use and shall be listed.
Transformers and electronic power supplies other than the following shall have secondary-circuit ground-fault protection:
- Transformers with isolated ungrounded secondaries and with a maximum open circuit voltage of 7500 volts or less
- Transformers with integral porcelain or glass secondary housing for the neon tubing and requiring no field wiring of the secondary circuit
Secondary-circuit voltage shall not exceed 15,000 volts, nominal, under any load condition. The voltage to ground of any output terminals of the secondary circuit shall not exceed 7500 volts, under any load condition.
Transformers and electronic power supplies shall have a secondary-circuit current rating of not more than 300 mA.
Secondary circuit outputs shall not be connected in parallel or in series.
Transformers and electronic power supplies that are equipped with secondary-circuit ground-fault protection shall be so marked.
Signs and outline lighting systems supplied by Class 2 transformers, power supplies, and power sources shall comply with the requirements of Class 2 circuits and 600.24(A), (B), (C), and (D).
Class 2 power supplies and power sources shall be listed for use with electric signs and outline lighting systems or shall be a component in a listed electric sign.
Metal parts of signs and outline lighting systems shall be grounded and bonded in accordance with 600.7.
Part II of this article shall apply to all of the following:
- Field-installed skeleton tubing
- Field-installed secondary circuits
- Outline lighting
These requirements are in addition to the requirements of Part I.
Conductors shall be installed using any wiring method included in Chapter 3 suitable for the conditions.
Conductors shall be listed, insulated, and not smaller than 18 AWG.
Conductors shall be installed so they are not subject to physical damage.
Bushings shall be used to protect wires passing through an opening in metal.
Conductors shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit, flexible metal conduit, liquidtight flexible metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, metal enclosures; on insulators in metal raceways; or in other equipment listed for use with neon secondary circuits over 1000 volts.
Conduit or tubing shall contain only one conductor.
Conduit or tubing shall be a minimum of metric designator 16 (trade size 1/2).
Other than at the location of connection to a metal enclosure or sign body, nonmetallic conduit or flexible nonmetallic conduit shall be spaced no less than 38 mm (11/2 in.) from grounded or bonded parts when the conduit contains a conductor operating at 100 Hz or less, and shall be spaced no less than 45 mm (13/4 in.) from grounded or bonded parts when the conduit contains a conductor operating at more than 100 Hz.
Metal parts of a building shall not be permitted as a secondary return conductor or an equipment grounding conductor.
Conductors shall be insulated, listed as gas tube sign and ignition cable type GTO, rated for 5, 10, or 15 kV, not smaller than 18 AWG, and have a minimum temperature rating of 105°C (221°F).
Conductors shall be so installed that they are not subject to physical damage.
Sharp bends in insulated conductors shall be avoided.
Secondary conductors shall be separated from each other and from all objects other than insulators or neon tubing by a spacing of not less than 38 mm (11/2 in.). GTO cable installed in metal conduit or tubing requires no spacing between the cable insulation and the conduit or tubing.
Insulators and bushings for conductors shall be listed for use with neon secondary circuits over 1000 volts.
The insulation on all conductors shall extend not less than 65 mm (21/2 in.) beyond the metal conduit or tubing.
Conductors shall be permitted to run between the ends of neon tubing or to the secondary circuit midpoint return of listed transformers or listed electronic power supplies and provided with terminals or leads at the midpoint.
The length of secondary circuit conductors from a high-voltage terminal or lead of a transformer or electronic power supply to the first neon tube electrode shall not exceed the following:
- 6 m (20 ft) where installed in metal conduit or tubing
- 15 m (50 ft) where installed in nonmetallic conduit
All other sections of secondary circuit conductor in a neon tube circuit shall be as short as practicable.
Splices in high-voltage secondary circuit conductors shall be made in listed enclosures rated over 1000 volts. Splice enclosures shall be accessible after installation and listed for the location where they are installed.
The wiring methods and materials shall be installed in accordance with the sign manufacturer's installation instructions using any applicable wiring methods from Chapter 3 and the requirements for Class 2 circuits contained in Part III of Article 725, as applicable.
Class 2 cable used in a wet location shall be identified for use in wet locations or have a moisture-impervious metal sheath.
Secondary wiring shall be installed in accordance with (B)(1) and (B)(2).
- Support wiring shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Cables and conductors installed exposed on the surface of ceilings and sidewalls shall be supported by the building structure in such a manner that the cable is not be damaged by normal building use. Such cables shall be supported by straps, staples, hangers, cable ties, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable. The installation shall also comply with 300.4(D).
- Connections in cable and conductors shall be made with listed insulating devices and be accessible after installation. Where made in a wall, connections shall be enclosed in a listed box.
Where subject to physical damage, the conductors shall be protected and installed in accordance with 300.4.
The length and design of the tubing shall not cause a continuous overcurrent beyond the design loading of the transformer or electronic power supply.
Tubing shall be supported by listed tube supports. The neon tubing shall be supported within 150 mm (6 in.) from the electrode connection.
A spacing of not less than 6 mm (1/4 in.) shall be maintained between the tubing and the nearest surface, other than its support.
Field-installed skeleton tubing shall not be subject to physical damage. Where the tubing is readily accessible to other than qualified persons, field-installed skeleton tubing shall be provided with suitable guards or protected by other approved means.
Terminals of the electrode shall not be accessible to unqualified persons.
Connections shall be made by use of a connection device, twisting of the wires together, or use of an electrode receptacle. Connections shall be electrically and mechanically secure and shall be in an enclosure listed for the purpose.
Neon secondary conductor(s) shall be supported not more than 150 mm (6 in.) from the electrode connection to the tubing.
Electrode receptacles shall be listed.
Where electrodes penetrate an enclosure, bushings listed for the purpose shall be used unless receptacles are provided.
A listed cap shall be used to close the opening between neon tubing and a receptacle where the receptacle penetrates a building. Where a bushing or neon tubing penetrates a building, the opening between neon tubing and the bushing shall be sealed.
Electrode enclosures shall be listed.
Electrode enclosures that are listed for use in dry, damp, or wet locations shall be permitted to be installed and used in such locations.
Electrode enclosures installed in damp and wet locations shall be specifically listed and identified for use in such locations.
The provisions of this article apply to field-installed wiring using off-site manufactured subassemblies for branch circuits, remote-control circuits, signaling circuits, and communications circuits in accessible areas.
Manufactured Wiring System. A system containing component parts that are assembled in the process of manufacture and cannot be inspected at the building site without damage or destruction to the assembly and used for the connection of luminaires, utilization equipment, continuous plug-in type busways, and other devices.
Manufactured wiring systems shall be permitted in accessible and dry locations and in ducts, plenums, and other air-handling spaces where listed for this application and installed in accordance with 300.22.
Exception No. 1: In concealed spaces, one end of tapped cable shall be permitted to extend into hollow walls for direct termination at switch and outlet points.
Exception No. 2: Manufactured wiring system assemblies installed outdoors shall be listed for use in outdoor locations.
Manufactured wiring system types shall not be permitted where limited by the applicable article in Chapter 3 for the wiring method used in its construction.
Cable shall be one of the following:
- Listed Type AC cable containing nominal 600-volt, 8 to 12 AWG insulated copper conductors with a bare or insulated copper equipment grounding conductor equivalent in size to the ungrounded conductor.
- Listed Type MC cable containing nominal 600-volt, 8 to 12 AWG insulated copper conductors with a bare or insulated copper equipment grounding conductor equivalent in size to the ungrounded conductor.
- Listed Type MC cable containing nominal 600-volt, 8 to 12 AWG insulated copper conductors with a grounding conductor and armor assembly listed and identified for grounding in accordance with 250.118(10). The combined metallic sheath and grounding conductor shall have a current-carrying capacity equivalent to that of the ungrounded copper conductor.
Conduit shall be listed flexible metal conduit or listed liquidtight flexible conduit containing nominal600-volt, 8 to 12 AWG insulated copper conductors with a bare or insulated copper equipment grounding conductor equivalent in size to the ungrounded conductor.
Exception No. 1 to (1) and (2): A luminaire tap, no longer than 1.8 m (6 ft) and intended for connection to a single luminaire, shall be permitted to contain conductors smaller than 12 AWG but not smaller than 18 AWG.
Exception No. 2 to (1) and (2): Listed manufactured wiring assemblies containing conductors smaller than 12 AWG shall be permitted for remote-control, signaling, or communication circuits.
Exception No. 3 to (2): Listed manufactured wiring systems containing unlisted flexible metal conduit of noncircular cross section or trade sizes smaller than permitted by 348.20(A), or both, shall be permitted where the wiring systems are supplied with fittings and conductors at the time of manufacture.
Flexible cord suitable for hard usage, with minimum 12 AWG conductors, shall be permitted as part of a listed factory-made assembly not exceeding 1.8 m (6 ft) in length when making a transition between components of a manufactured wiring system and utilization equipment not permanently secured to the building structure. The cord shall be visible for the entire length, shall not be subject to physical damage, and shall be provided with identified strain relief.
Exception: Listed electric-discharge luminaires that comply with 410.62(C) shall be permitted with conductors smaller than 12 AWG.
Busways shall be listed continuous plug-in type containing factory-mounted, bare or insulated conductors, which shall be copper or aluminum bars, rods, or tubes. The busway shall be provided with an equipment ground. The busway shall be rated nominal 600 volts, 20, 30, or 40 amperes. Busways shall be installed in accordance with 368.12, 368.17(D), and 368.30.
Each section shall be marked to identify the type of cable, flexible cord, or conduit.
Receptacles and connectors shall be of the locking type, uniquely polarized and identified for the purpose, and shall be part of a listed assembly for the appropriate system. All connector openings shall be designed to prevent inadvertent contact with live parts or capped to effectively close the connector openings.
Other component parts shall be listed for the appropriate system.
This article covers electrical equipment, lighting accessories, and wiring systems used to connect, contained within, or installed on office furnishings.
Office Furnishing. Cubicle panels, partitions, study carrels, workstations, desks, shelving systems, and storage units that may be mechanically and electrically interconnected to form an office furnishing system.
Wiring systems shall be identified as suitable for providing power for lighting accessories and utilization equipment used within office furnishings. A wired partition shall not extend from floor to ceiling.
Exception: Where permitted by the authority having jurisdiction, these relocatable wired partitions shall be permitted to extend to, but shall not penetrate, the ceiling.
These assemblies shall be installed and used only as provided for by this article.
All conductors and connections shall be contained within wiring channels of metal or other material identified as suitable for the conditions of use. Wiring channels shall be free of projections or other conditions that might damage conductor insulation.
The electrical connection between office furnishings shall be a flexible assembly identified for use with office furnishings or shall be permitted to be installed using flexible cord, provided that all the following conditions are met:
- The cord is extra-hard usage type with 12 AWG or larger conductors, with an insulated equipment grounding conductor.
- The office furnishings are mechanically contiguous.
- The cord is not longer than necessary for maximum positioning of the office furnishing but is in no case to exceed 600 mm (2 ft).
- The cord is terminated at an attachment plug-and-cord connector with strain relief.
Lighting equipment shall be listed and identified for use with office furnishings and shall comply with 605.6(A), (B), and (C).
A means for secure attachment or support shall be provided.
Where cord and plug connection is provided, it shall comply with all of the following:
- The cord length shall be suitable for the intended application but shall not exceed 2.7 m (9 ft) in length.
- The cord shall not be smaller than 18 AWG.
- The cord shall contain an equipment grounding conductor, except as specified in 605.6(B)(4).
- Cords on the load side of a listed Class 2 power source shall not be required to contain an equipment grounding conductor.
- The cord shall be of the hard usage type, except as specified in 605.6(B)(6).
- A cord provided on a listed Class 2 power source shall be of the type provided with the listed luminaire assembly or of the type specified in 725.130 and 725.127.
- Connection by other means shall be identified as suitable for the conditions of use.
Receptacles shall not be permitted in lighting accessories.
Individual office furnishings of the freestanding type, or groups of individual office furnishings that are electrically connected, are mechanically contiguous, and do not exceed 9.0 m (30 ft) when assembled, shall be permitted to be connected to the building electrical system by a single flexible cord and plug, provided that all of the conditions of 605.9(A) through (D) are met.
The flexible power supply cord shall be extra-hard usage type with 12 AWG or larger conductors with an insulated equipment grounding conductor and shall not exceed 600 mm (2 ft) in length.
The receptacle(s) supplying power shall be on a separate circuit serving only the office furnishing and no other loads and shall be located not more than 300 mm (12 in.) from the office furnishing that is connected to it.
An individual office furnishing or groups of interconnected individual office furnishings shall not contain more than 13 15-ampere, 125-volt receptacle outlets.
This article covers the installation of electrical equipment and wiring used in connection with cranes, monorail hoists, hoists, and all runways.
Informational Note: For further information, see ANSI B30, Safety Code for Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Jacks, and Slings.
Festoon Cable. Single- and multiple-conductor cable intended for use and installation in accordance with Article 610 where flexibility is required.
Informational Note: Festoon cable consists of one or more insulated conductors cabled together with an overall jacket. It is rated 60°C (140°F), 75°C (167°F), 90°C (194°F), or 105°C (22I°F) and 600 V.
Equipment used in locations that are hazardous because of the presence of flammable gases or vapors shall conform to Article 501.
Equipment used in locations that are hazardous because of combustible dust shall conform to Article 502.
Equipment used in locations that are hazardous because of the presence of easily ignitible fibers or flyings shall conform to Article 503.
Where a crane, hoist, or monorail hoist operates over readily combustible material, the resistors shall be located as permitted in the following:
- A well ventilated cabinet composed of noncombustible material constructed so that it does not emit flames or molten metal
- A cage or cab constructed of noncombustible material that encloses the sides of the cage or cab from the floor to a point at least 150 mm (6 in.) above the top of the resistors
Where multiconductor cable is used with a suspended pushbutton station, the station shall be supported in some satisfactory manner that protects the electrical conductors against strain.
A bushing shall be permitted to be used in lieu of a box at the end of a rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, or electrical metallic tubing where the raceway terminates at unenclosed controls or similar equipment, including contact conductors, collectors, resistors, brakes, power-circuit limit switches, and dc split-frame motors.
Conductors shall comply with Table 310.104(A) unless otherwise permitted in 610.13(A) through (D).
A conductor(s) exposed to external heat or connected to resistors shall have a flame-resistant outer covering or be covered with flame-resistant tape individually or as a group.
Conductors for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits, installed in accordance with Article 725, shall be permitted.
The allowable ampacities of conductors shall be as shown in Table 610.14(A).
Table 610.14(A) Ampacities of Insulated Copper Conductors Used with Short-Time Rated Crane and Hoist Motors. Based on Ambient Temperature of 30°C (86°F).
| Maximum Operating Temperature | Up to Four Simultaneously Energized Conductors in Raceway or Cable1 | Up to Three ac2 or Four dc1 Simultaneously Energized Conductors in Raceway or Cable | Maximum Operating Temperature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75°C (167°F) | 90°C (194°F) | 125°C (257°F) | |||||
| Size (AWG or kcmil) | Types MTW, RHW, THW, THWN, XHHW, USE, ZW | Types TA, TBS, SA, SIS, PFA, FEP, FEPB, RHH,THHN, XHHW, Z, ZW | Types FEP, FEPB, PFA, PFAH, SA, TFE, Z, ZW | Size (AWG or kcmil) | |||
| 60 Min | 30 Min | 60 Min | 30 Min | 60 Min | 30 Min | ||
| 16 | 10 | 12 | - | - | - | - | 16 |
| 14 | 25 | 26 | 31 | 32 | 38 | 40 | 14 |
| 12 | 30 | 33 | 36 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 12 |
| 10 | 40 | 43 | 49 | 52 | 60 | 65 | 10 |
| 8 | 55 | 60 | 63 | 69 | 73 | 80 | 8 |
| 6 | 76 | 86 | 83 | 94 | 101 | 119 | 6 |
| 5 | 85 | 95 | 95 | 106 | 115 | 134 | 5 |
| 4 | 100 | 117 | 111 | 130 | 133 | 157 | 4 |
| 3 | 120 | 141 | 131 | 153 | 153 | 183 | 3 |
| 2 | 137 | 160 | 148 | 173 | 178 | 214 | 2 |
| 1 | 143 | 175 | 158 | 192 | 210 | 253 | 1 |
| 1/0 | 190 | 233 | 211 | 259 | 253 | 304 | 1/0 |
| 2/0 | 222 | 267 | 245 | 294 | 303 | 369 | 2/0 |
| 3/0 | 280 | 341 | 305 | 372 | 370 | 452 | 3/0 |
| 4/0 | 300 | 369 | 319 | 399 | 451 | 555 | 4/0 |
| 250 | 364 | 420 | 400 | 461 | 510 | 635 | 250 |
| 300 | 455 | 582 | 497 | 636 | 587 | 737 | 300 |
| 350 | 486 | 646 | 542 | 716 | 663 | 837 | 350 |
| 400 | 538 | 688 | 593 | 760 | 742 | 941 | 400 |
| 450 | 600 | 765 | 660 | 836 | 818 | 1042 | 450 |
| 500 | 660 | 847 | 726 | 914 | 896 | 1143 | 500 |
| AMPACITY CORRECTION FACTORS | |||||||
| Ambient Temperature (°C) | For ambient temperatures other than 30°C (86°F), multiply the ampacities shown above by the appropriate factor shown below. |
Ambient Temperature (°F) | |||||
| 21-25 | 1.05 | 1.05 | 1.04 | 1.04 | 1.02 | 1.02 | 70-77 |
| 26-30 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 79-86 |
| 31-35 | 0.94 | 0.94 | 0.96 | 0.96 | 0.97 | 0.97 | 88-95 |
| 36-40 | 0.88 | 0.88 | 0.91 | 0.91 | 0.95 | 0.95 | 97-104 |
| 41-45 | 0.82 | 0.82 | 0.87 | 0.87 | 0.92 | 0.92 | 106-113 |
| 46-50 | 0.75 | 0.75 | 0.82 | 0.82 | 0.89 | 0.89 | 115-122 |
| 51-55 | 0.67 | 0.67 | 0.76 | 0.76 | 0.86 | 0.86 | 124-131 |
| 56-60 | 0.58 | 0.58 | 0.71 | 0.71 | 0.83 | 0.83 | 133-140 |
| 61-70 | 0.33 | 0.33 | 0.58 | 0.58 | 0.76 | 0.76 | 142-158 |
| 71-80 | - | - | 0.41 | 0.41 | 0.69 | 0.69 | 160-176 |
| 81-90 | - | - | - | - | 0.61 | 0.61 | 177-194 |
| 91-100 | - | - | - | - | 0.51 | 0.51 | 195-212 |
| 101-120 | - | - | - | - | 0.40 | 0.40 | 213-248 |
Note: Other insulations shown in Table 310.104(A) and approved for the temperature and location shall be permitted to be substituted for those shown in Table 610.14(A). The allowable ampacities of conductors used with 15-minute motors shall be the 30-minute ratings increased by 12 percent.
1For 5 to 8 simultaneously energized power conductors in raceway or cable, the ampacity of each power conductor shall be reduced to a value of 80 percent of that shown in this table.
2For 4 to 6 simultaneously energized 125°C (257°F) ac power conductors in raceway or cable, the ampacity of each power conductor shall be reduced to a value of 80 percent of that shown in this table.
Where the secondary resistor is separate from the controller, the minimum size of the conductors between controller and resistor shall be calculated by multiplying the motor secondary current by the appropriate factor from Table 610.14(B) and selecting a wire from Table 610.14(A).
| Time in Seconds | Ampacity of Wire in Percent of Full-Load Secondary Current |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| On | Off | ||
| 5 | 75 | 35 | |
| 10 | 70 | 45 | |
| 15 | 75 | 45 | |
| 15 | 45 | 65 | |
| 15 | 30 | 75 | |
| 15 | 15 | 85 | |
| Continuous Duty | 110 | ||
Conductors external to motors and controls shall be not smaller than 16 AWG unless otherwise permitted in (1) or (2):
- 18 AWG wire in multiconductor cord shall be permitted for control circuits not exceeding 7 amperes.
- Wires not smaller than 20 AWG shall be permitted for electronic circuits.
Contact wires shall have an ampacity not less than that required by Table 610.14(A) for 75°C (167°F) wire, and in no case shall they be smaller than as shown in Table 610.14(D).
| Minimum Size of Wire (AWG) |
Maximum Distance Between End Strain Insulators or Clamp-Type Intermediate Supports |
|---|---|
| 6 | 9.0 m (30 ft) or less |
| 4 | 18 m (60 ft) or less |
| 2 | Over 18 m (60 ft) |
Table 610.14(E) Demand Factors
| Number of Cranes or Hoists |
Demand Factor |
|---|---|
| 2 | 0.95 |
| 3 | 0.91 |
| 4 | 0.87 |
| 5 | 0.84 |
| 6 | 0.81 |
| 7 | 0.78 |
For one motor, 100 percent of motor nameplate full-load ampere rating shall be used.
For multiple motors on a single crane or hoist, the minimum ampacity of the power supply conductors shall be the nameplate full-load ampere rating of the largest motor or group of motors for any single crane motion, plus 50 percent of the nameplate full-load ampere rating of the next largest motor or group of motors, using that column of Table 610.14(A) that applies to the longest time-rated motor.
For multiple cranes, hoists, or both, supplied by a common conductor system, calculate the motor minimum ampacity for each crane as defined in 610.14(E), add them together, and multiply the sum by the appropriate demand factor from Table 610.14(E).
Additional loads, such as heating, lighting, and air conditioning, shall be provided for by application of the appropriate sections of this Code.
Each crane, monorail, or hoist shall be provided with a visible nameplate marked with the manufacturer's name, rating in volts, frequency, number of phases, and circuit amperes as calculated in 610.14(E) and (F).
Where a crane or hoist is operated by more than one motor, a common-return conductor of proper ampacity shall be permitted.
Contact conductors shall comply with 610.21(A) through (H).
Main contact conductors carried along runways shall be supported on insulating supports placed at intervals not exceeding 6.0 m (20 ft) unless otherwise permitted in 610.21(F).
Such conductors shall be separated at not less than 150 mm (6 in.), other than for monorail hoists where a spacing of not less than 75 mm (3 in.) shall be permitted. Where necessary, intervals between insulating supports shall be permitted to be increased up to 12m (40 ft), the separation between conductors being increased proportionately.
Bridge wire contact conductors shall be kept at least 65 mm (21/2 in.) apart, and, where the span exceeds 25 m (80 ft), insulating saddles shall be placed at intervals not exceeding 15 m (50 ft).
Conductors along runways and crane bridges, that are of the rigid type specified in 610.13(B) and not contained within an approved enclosed assembly, shall be carried on insulating supports spaced at intervals of not more than 80 times the vertical dimension of the conductor, but in no case greater than 4.5 m (15 ft), and spaced apart sufficiently to give a clear electrical separation of conductors or adjacent collectors of not less than 25 mm (1 in.).
Monorail, tram rail, or crane runway tracks shall be permitted as a conductor of current for one phase of a 3-phase, ac system furnishing power to the carrier, crane, or trolley, provided all of the following conditions are met:
- The conductors supplying the other two phases of the power supply are insulated.
- The power for all phases is obtained from an insulating transformer.
- The voltage does not exceed 300 volts.
- The rail serving as a conductor shall be bonded to the equipment grounding conductor at the transformer and also shall be permitted to be grounded by the fittings used for the suspension or attachment of the rail to a building or structure.
All sections of contact conductors shall be mechanically joined to provide a continuous electrical connection.
Collectors shall be designed so as to reduce to a minimum sparking between them and the contact conductor; and, where operated in rooms used for the storage of easily ignitible combustible fibers and materials, they shall comply with 503.155.
A disconnecting means that has a continuous ampere rating not less than that calculated in 610.14(E) and (F) shall be provided between the runway contact conductors and the power supply. The disconnecting means shall comply with 430.109. This disconnecting means shall be as follows:
- Readily accessible and operable from the ground or floor level
- Lockable open in accordance with 110.25
- Open all ungrounded conductors simultaneously
- Placed within view of the runway contact conductors
Exception: The runway conductor disconnecting means for electrolytic cell lines shall be permitted to be placed out of view of the runway contact conductors where either of the following conditions are met:
- Where a location in view of the contact conductors is impracticable or introduces additional or increased hazards to persons or property
- In industrial installations, with written safety procedures, where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the equipment
A disconnecting means in compliance with 430.109 shall be provided in the leads from the runway contact conductors or other power supply on all cranes and monorail hoists. The disconnecting means shall be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.
Where a monorail hoist or hand-propelled crane bridge installation meets all of the following, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be omitted:
- The unit is controlled from the ground or floor level.
- The unit is within view of the power supply disconnecting means.
- No fixed work platform has been provided for servicing the unit.
Where the disconnecting means is not readily accessible from the crane or monorail hoist operating station, means shall be provided at the operating station to open the power circuit to all motors of the crane or monorail hoist.
The continuous ampere rating of the switch or circuit breaker required by 610.32 shall not be less than 50 percent of the combined short-time ampere rating of the motors or less than 75 percent of the sum of the short-time ampere rating of the motors required for any single motion.
The runway supply conductors and main contact conductors of a crane or monorail shall be protected by an overcurrent device(s) that shall not be greater than the largest rating or setting of any branch-circuit protective device plus the sum of the nameplate ratings of all the other loads with application of the demand factors from Table 610.14(E).
Branch circuits shall be protected in accordance with 610.42(A). Branch-circuit taps, where made, shall comply with 610.42(B).
Crane, hoist, and monorail hoist motor branch circuits shall be protected by fuses or inverse-time circuit breakers that have a rating in accordance with Table 430.52. Where two or more motors operate a single motion, the sum of their nameplate current ratings shall be considered as that of a single motor.
Where two or more motors are connected to the same branch circuit, each tap conductor to an individual motor shall have an ampacity not less than one-third that of the branch circuit. Each motor shall be protected from overload according to 610.43.
Where taps to control circuits originate on the load side of a branch-circuit protective device, each tap and piece of equipment shall be protected in accordance with 430.72.
Taps without separate overcurrent protection shall be permitted to brake coils.
Each motor, motor controller, and branch-circuit conductor shall be protected from overload by one of the following means:
- A single motor shall be considered as protected where the branch-circuit overcurrent device meets the rating requirements of 610.42.
- Overload relay elements in each ungrounded circuit conductor, with all relay elements protected from short circuit by the branch-circuit protection.
- Thermal sensing devices, sensitive to motor temperature or to temperature and current, that are thermally in contact with the motor winding(s). A hoist or trolley shall be considered to be protected if the sensing device is connected in the hoist's upper limit switch circuit so as to prevent further hoisting during an overload condition of either motor.
Where two or more motors drive a single trolley, truck, or bridge and are controlled as a unit and protected by a single set of overload devices with a rating equal to the sum of their rated full-load currents, a hoist or trolley shall be considered to be protected if the sensing device is connected in the hoist's upper limit switch circuit so as to prevent further hoisting during an overtemperature condition of either motor.
Each motor shall be provided with an individual controller unless otherwise permitted in 610.51(A) or (B).
Where two or more motors drive a single hoist, carriage, truck, or bridge, they shall be permitted to be controlled by a single controller.
One controller shall be permitted to be switched between motors, under the following conditions:
- The controller has a horsepower rating that is not lower than the horsepower rating of the largest motor.
- Only one motor is operated at one time.
Conductors of control circuits shall be protected against overcurrent. Control circuits shall be considered as protected by overcurrent devices that are rated or set at not more than 300 percent of the ampacity of the control conductors, unless otherwise permitted in 610.53(A) or (B).
Taps to control transformers shall be considered as protected where the secondary circuit is protected by a device rated or set at not more than 200 percent of the rated secondary current of the transformer and not more than 200 percent of the ampacity of the control circuit conductors.
Where the opening of the control circuit would create a hazard, as for example, the control circuit of a hot metal crane, the control circuit conductors shall be considered as being properly protected by the branch-circuit overcurrent devices.
The dimension of the working space in the direction of access to live parts that are likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall be a minimum of 750 mm (21/2 ft). Where controls are enclosed in cabinets, the door(s) shall either open at least 90 degrees or be removable.
All exposed non-current-carrying metal parts of cranes, monorail hoists, hoists, and accessories, including pendant controls, shall be bonded either by mechanical connections or bonding jumpers, where applicable, so that the entire crane or hoist is a ground-fault current path as required or permitted by Article 250, Parts V and VII .
Moving parts, other than removable accessories, or attachments that have metal-to-metal bearing surfaces, shall be considered to be electrically bonded to each other through bearing surfaces for grounding purposes. The trolley frame and bridge frame shall not be considered as electrically grounded through the bridge and trolley wheels and its respective tracks. A separate bonding conductor shall be provided.
This article covers the installation of electrical equipment and wiring used in connection with elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, platform lifts, and stairway chairlifts.
Informational Note No. 1: For further information, see ASME A17.1 -2010/CSA B44-10, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.
Informational Note No. 2: For further information, see CSA B44.1-11/ASME-A17.5-2011, Elevator and Escalator Electrical Equipment Certification Standard.
Informational Note No. 3: The term wheelchair lift has been changed to platform lift. For further information, see ASME A18.1-2008, Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Lifts.
Informational Note No. 1: The motor controller, motion controller, and operation controller are located in a single enclosure or a combination of enclosures.
Informational Note No. 2: Figure 620.2, No. 2 is for information only.
Control Room (for Elevator, Dumbwaiter). An enclosed control space outside the hoistway, intended for full bodily entry, that contains the elevator motor controller. The room could also contain electrical and/or mechanical equipment used directly in connection with the elevator or dumbwaiter but not the electric driving machine or the hydraulic machine.
Control Space (for Elevator, Dumbwaiter). A space inside or outside the hoistway, intended to be accessed with or without full bodily entry, that contains the elevator motorcontroller. This space could also contain electrical and/or mechanical equipment used directly in connection with the elevator or dumbwaiter but not the electrical driving machine or the hydraulic machine.
Control System. The overall system governing the starting, stopping, direction of motion, acceleration, speed, and retardation of the moving member.
Controller, Motion. The electrical device(s) for that part of the control system that governs the acceleration, speed, retardation, and stopping of the moving member.
Controller, Motor. The operative units of the control system comprised of the starter device(s) and power conversion equipment used to drive an electric motor, or the pumping unit used to power hydraulic control equipment.
Controller, Operation. The electrical device(s) for that part of the control system that initiates the starting, stopping, and direction of motion in response to a signal from an operating device.
Machine Room (for Elevator, Dumbwaiter). An enclosed machinery space outside the hoistway, intended for full bodily entry, that contains the electrical driving machine or the hydraulic machine. The room could also contain electrical and/or mechanical equipment used directly in connection with the elevator or dumbwaiter.
Machinery Space (for Elevator, Dumbwaiter). A space inside or outside the hoistway, intended to be accessed with or without full bodily entry, that contains elevator or dumbwaiter mechanical equipment, and could also contain electrical equipment used directly in connection with the elevator or dumbwaiter. This space could also contain the electrical driving machine or the hydraulic machine.
Operating Device. The car switch, pushbuttons, key or toggle switch(s), or other devices used to activate the operation controller.
Remote Machine Room and Control Room (for Elevator, Dumbwaiter). A machine room or control room that is not attached to the outside perimeter or surface of the walls, ceiling, or floor of the hoistway.
Remote Machinery Space and Control Space (for Elevator, Dumbwaiter). A machinery space or control space that is not within the hoistway, machine room, or control room and that is not attached to the outside perimeter or surface of the walls, ceiling, or floor of the hoistway.
Signal Equipment. Includes audible and visual equipment such as chimes, gongs, lights, and displays that convey information to the user.
Informational Note Figure 620.2. No. 2 Control System.
Branch circuits to door operator controllers and door motors and branch circuits and feeders to motor controllers, driving machine motors, machine brakes, and motor-generator sets shall not have a circuit voltage in excess of 1000 volts. Internal voltages of power conversion equipment and functionally associated equipment, and the operating voltages of wiring interconnecting the equipment, shall be permitted to be higher, provided that all such equipment and wiring shall be listed for the higher voltages. Where the voltage exceeds 600 volts, warning labels or signs that read "DANGER — HIGH VOLTAGE" shall be attached to the equipment and shall be plainly visible. The danger sign(s) or label(s) shall comply with 110.21(B).
Lighting circuits shall comply with the requirements of Article 410.
Branch circuits for heating and air-conditioning equipment located on the elevator car shall not have a circuit voltage in excess of 1000 volts.
All live parts of electrical apparatus in the hoistways, at the landings, in or on the cars of elevators and dumbwaiters, in the wellways or the landings of escalators or moving walks, or in the runways and machinery spaces of platform lifts and stairway chairlifts shall be enclosed to protect against accidental contact.
Informational Note: See 110.27 for guarding of live parts (1000 volts, nominal, or less).
Working space shall be provided about controllers, disconnecting means, and other electrical equipment in accordance with 110.26(A).
Electrical equipment in (A)(1) through (A)(4) is provided with flexible leads to all external connections so that it can be repositioned to meet the clear working space requirements of 110.26:
- Controllers and disconnecting means for dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, platform lifts, and stairway chairlifts installed in the same space with the driving machine
- Controllers and disconnecting means for elevators installed in the hoistway or on the car
- Controllers for door operators
- Other electrical equipment installed in the hoistway or on the car
The insulation of conductors shall comply with 620.11 (A) through (D).
All conductors in raceways shall have flame-retardant insulation.
Conductors shall be Type MTW, TF, TFF, TFN, TFFN, THHN, THW, THWN, TW, XHHW, hoistway cable, or any other conductor with insulation designated as flame retardant. Shielded conductors shall be permitted if such conductors are insulated for the maximum nominal circuit voltage applied to any conductor within the cable or raceway system.
For lighting circuits, 14 AWG copper, 20 AWG copper or larger conductors shall be permitted in parallel, provided the ampacity is equivalent to at least that of 14 AWG copper.
For other circuits, 20 AWG copper.
24 AWG copper. Smaller size listed conductors shall be permitted.
Conductors shall have an ampacity in accordance with 620.13(A) through (D). With generator field control, the conductor ampacity shall be based on the nameplate current rating of the driving motor of the motor-generator set that supplies power to the elevator motor.
Informational Note No. 1: The heating of conductors depends on root-mean-square current values, which, with generator field control, are reflected by the nameplate current rating of the motor-generator driving motor rather than by the rating of the elevator motor, which represents actual but short-time and intermittent full-load current values.
Informational Note No. 2: See Informational Note, Figure 620.13, No. 2.
Figure 620.13 Informational Note Single-Line Diagram, No. 2
Conductors supplying a single motor shall have an ampacity not less than the percentage of motor nameplate current determined from 430.22(A) and (E).
Informational Note: Some elevator motor currents, or those motor currents of similar function, exceed the motor nameplate value. Heating of the motor and conductors is dependent on the root-mean square (rms) current value and the length of operation time. Because this motor application is inherently intermittent duty, conductors are sized for duty cycle service as shown in Table 430.22(E).
Conductors supplying a single motor controller shall have an ampacity not less than the motor controller nameplate current rating, plus all other connected loads. Motor controller nameplate current ratings shall be permitted to be derived based on the rms value of the motor current using an intermittent duty cycle and other control system loads, if present.
Conductors supplying a single power transformer shall have an ampacity not less than the name plate current rating of the power transformer plus all other connected loads.
Informational Note No. 1: The nameplate current rating of a power transformer supplying a motor controller reflects the nameplate current rating of the motor controller at line voltage (transformer primary).
Informational Note No. 2: See Informative Annex D, Example No. D10.
Conductors supplying more than one motor, motor controller, or power transformer shall have an ampacity not less than the sum of the nameplate current ratings of the equipment plus all other connected loads. The ampere ratings of motors to be used in the summation shall be determined from Table 430.22(E), 430.24 and 430.24, Exception No. 1.
Informational Note: See Informative Annex D, Example Nos. D9 and D10.
Feeder conductors of less ampacity than required by 620.13 shall be permitted, subject to the requirements of Table 620.14.
Table 620.14 Feeder Demand Factors for Elevators
| Number of Elevators on a Single Feeder |
Demand Factor* |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.00 |
| 2 | 0.95 |
| 3 | 0.90 |
| 4 | 0.85 |
| 5 | 0.82 |
| 6 | 0.79 |
| 7 | 0.77 |
| 8 | 0.75 |
| 9 | 0.73 |
| 10 or more | 0.72 |
* Demand factors are based on 50 percent duty cycle (i.e., half time on and half time off).
The motor controller rating shall comply with 430.83. The rating shall be permitted to be less than the nominal rating of the elevator motor, when the controller inherently limits the available power to the motor and is marked as power limited.
Informational Note: For controller markings, see 430.8.
Conductors and optical fibers located in hoistways, in escalator and moving walk wellways, in platform lifts, stairway chairlift runways, machinery spaces, control spaces, in or on cars, in machine rooms and control rooms, not including the traveling cables connecting the car or counterweight and hoistway wiring, shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or wireways, or shall be Type MC, MI, or AC cable unless otherwise permitted in 620.21(A) through (C).
(a) Cables used in Class 2 power-limited circuits shall be permitted to be installed between risers and signal equipment and operating devices, provided the cables are supported and protected from physical damage and are of a jacketed and flame-retardant type.
(b) Flexible cords and cables that are components of listed equipment and used in circuits operating at 30 volts rms or less or 42 volts dc or less shall be permitted in lengths not to exceed 1.8 m (6 ft), provided the cords and cables are supported and protected from physical damage and are of a jacketed and flame-retardant type.
(c) The following wiring methods shall be permitted in the hoistway in lengths not to exceed 1.8 m (6 ft):
- Flexible metal conduit
- Liquidtight flexible metal conduit
- Liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit
- Flexible cords and cables, or conductors grouped together and taped or corded, shall be permitted to be installed without a raceway. They shall be located to be protected from physical damage and shall be of a flame-retardant type and shall be part of the following:
- Listed equipment
- A driving machine, or
- A driving machine brake
Exception to 620.21(A)(1)(c)(1), (2), and (3): The conduit length shall not be required to be limited between risers and limit switches, interlocks, operating buttons, and similar devices.
(d) A sump pump or oil recovery pump located in the pit shall be permitted to be cord connected. The cord shall be a hard usage oil-resistant type, of a length not to exceed 1.8 m (6 ft), and shall be located to be protected from physical damage.
(a) Flexible metal conduit, liquidtight flexible metal conduit, or liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit of metric designator 12 (trade size 3/8), or larger, not exceeding 1.8 m (6 ft) in length, shall be permitted on cars where so located as to be free from oil and if securely fastened in place.
Exception: Liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit of metric designator 12 (trade size 3/8), or larger, as defined by 356.2(2), shall be permitted in lengths in excess of 1.8 m (6 ft).
(b) Hard-service cords and junior hard-service cords that conform to the requirements of Article 400 (Table 400.4) shall be permitted as flexible connections between the fixed wiring on the car and devices on the car doors or gates. Hard-service cords only shall be permitted as flexible connections for the top-of-car operating device or the car-top work light. Devices or luminaires shall be grounded by means of an equipment grounding conductor run with the circuit conductors. Cables with smaller conductors and other types and thicknesses of insulation and jackets shall be permitted as flexible connections between the fixed wiring on the car and devices on the car doors or gates, if listed for this use.
(c) Flexible cords and cables that are components of listed equipment and used in circuits operating at 30 volts rms or less or 42 volts dc or less shall be permitted in lengths not to exceed 1.8 m (6 ft), provided the cords and cables are supported and protected from physical damage and are of a jacketed and flame-retardant type.
(d) The following wiring methods shall be permitted on the car assembly in lengths not to exceed 1.8 m (6 ft):
- Flexible metal conduit
- Liquidtight flexible metal conduit
- Liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit
- Flexible cords and cables, or conductors grouped together and taped or corded, shall be permitted to be installed without a raceway. They shall be located to be protected from physical damage and shall be of a flame-retardant type and shall be part of the following:
- Listed equipment
- A driving machine, or
- A driving machine brake
(a) Flexible metal conduit, liquidtight flexible metal conduit, or liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit of metric designator 12 (trade size 3/8), or larger, not exceeding 1.8 m (6 ft) in length, shall be permitted between control panels and machine motors, machine brakes, motor-generator sets, disconnecting means, and pumping unit motors and valves.
Exception: Liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit metric designator 12 (trade size 3/8) or larger, as defined in 356.2(2), shall be permitted to be installed in lengths in excess of 1.8 m (6 ft).
(b) Where motor-generators, machine motors, or pumping unit motors and valves are located adjacent to or underneath control equipment and are provided with extra-length terminal leads not exceeding 1.8 m (6 ft) in length, such leads shall be permitted to be extended to connect directly to controller terminal studs without regard to the carrying-capacity requirements of Articles 430 and 445. Auxiliary gutters shall be permitted in machine and control rooms between controllers, starters, and similar apparatus.
(c) Flexible cords and cables that are components of listed equipment and used in circuits operating at 30 volts rms or less or 42 volts dc or less shall be permitted in lengths not to exceed 1.8 m (6 ft), provided the cords and cables are supported and protected from physical damage and are of a jacketed and flame-retardant type.
(d) On existing or listed equipment, conductors shall also be permitted to be grouped together and taped or corded without being installed in a raceway. Such cable groups shall be supported at intervals not over 900 mm (3 ft) and located so as to be protected from physical damage.
(e) Flexible cords and cables in lengths not to exceed 1.8 m (6 ft) that are of a flame-retardant type and located to be protected from physical damage shall be permitted in these rooms and spaces without being installed in a raceway. They shall be part of the following:
- Listed equipment
- A driving machine, or
- A driving machine brake
The following wiring methods shall be permitted on the counterweight assembly in lengths not to exceed 1.8 m (6 ft):
- Flexible metal conduit
- Liquidtight flexible metal conduit
- Liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit
- Flexible cords and cables, or conductors grouped together and taped or corded, shall be permitted to be installed without a raceway. They shall be located to be protected from physical damage, shall be of a flameretardant type, and shall be part of the following:
- Listed equipment
- A driving machine, or
- A driving machine brake
Flexible metal conduit, liquidtight flexible metal conduit, or liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit shall be permitted in escalator and moving walk wellways. Flexible metal conduit or liquidtight flexible conduit of metric designator 12 (trade size 3/8) shall be permitted in lengths not in excess of 1.8 m (6 ft).
Exception: Metric designator 12 (trade size 3/8), nominal, or larger liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit, as defined in 356.2(2), shall be permitted to be installed in lengths in excess of 1.8 m (6 ft).
Hard-service cords that conform to the requirements of Article 400 (Table 400.4) shall be permitted as flexible connections on escalators and moving walk control panels and disconnecting means where the entire control panel and disconnecting means are arranged for removal from machine spaces as permitted in 620.5.
Flexible metal conduit or liquidtight flexible metal conduit shall be permitted in platform lifts and stairway chairlift runways and machinery spaces. Flexible metal conduit or liquidtight flexible conduit of metric designator 12 (trade size 3/8) shall be permitted in lengths not in excess of 1.8 m (6 ft).
Exception: Metric designator 12 (trade size 3/8) or larger liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit, as defined in 356.2(2), shall be permitted to be installed in lengths in excess of 1.8 m (6ft).
Cables used in Class 2 power-limited circuits shall be permitted to be installed within platform lifts and stairway chairlift runways and machinery spaces, provided the cables are supported and protected from physical damage and are of a jacketed and flame-retardant type.
Flexible cords and cables that are components of listed equipment and used in circuits operating at 30 volts rms or less or 42 volts dc or less shall be permitted in lengths not to exceed 1.8 m (6 ft), provided the cords and cables are supported and protected from physical damage and are of a jacketed and flame-retardant type.
A separate branch circuit shall supply the car lights, receptacle(s), auxiliary lighting power source, and ventilation on each elevator car. The overcurrent device protecting the branch circuit shall be located in the elevator machine room or control room/machinery space or control space.
Required lighting shall not be connected to the load side of a ground-fault circuit interrupter.
A separate branch circuit shall supply the air-conditioning and heating units on each elevator car. The overcurrent device protecting the branch circuit shall be located in the elevator machine room or control room/machinery space or control space.
A separate branch circuit shall supply the machine room or control room/machinery space or control space lighting and receptacle(s).
Required lighting shall not be connected to the load side of a ground-fault circuit interrupter.
The machine room or control room/machinery space or control space lighting switch shall be located at the point of entry.
At least one 125-volt, single-phase, 15- or 20-ampere duplex receptacle shall be provided in each machine room or control room and machinery space or control space.
Informational Note: See ASME A17.1-2010/CSA B44-10, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, for illumination levels.
A separate branch circuit shall supply the hoistway pit lighting and receptacle(s).
Required lighting shall not be connected to the load side of a ground-fault circuit interrupter.
The lighting switch shall be so located as to be readily accessible from the pit access door
At least one 125-volt, single-phase, 15- or 20-ampere duplex receptacle shall be provided in the hoistway pit.
Informational Note: See ASME A17.1-2010/CSA B44-10, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, for illumination levels.
Additional branch circuit(s) shall supply utilization equipment not identified in 620.22, 620.23, and 620.24. Other utilization equipment shall be restricted to that equipment identified in 620.1.
The overcurrent devices protecting the branch circuit(s) shall be located in the elevator machinery room or control room/machinery space or control space.
The sum of the cross-sectional area of the individual conductors in a wireway shall not be more than 50 percent of the interior cross-sectional area of the wireway.
Vertical runs of wireways shall be securely supported at intervals not exceeding 4.5 m (15 ft) and shall have not more than one joint between supports. Adjoining wireway sections shall be securely fastened together to provide a rigid joint.
Optical fiber cables and conductors for operating devices, operation and motion control, power, signaling, fire alarm, lighting, heating, and air-conditioning circuits of 1000 volts or less shall be permitted to be run in the same traveling cable or raceway system if all conductors are insulated for the maximum voltage applied to any conductor within the cables or raceway system and if all live parts of the equipment are insulated from ground for this maximum voltage. Such a traveling cable or raceway shall also be permitted to include shielded conductors and/or one or more coaxial cables if such conductors are insulated for the maximum voltage applied to any conductor within the cable or raceway system. Conductors shall be permitted to be covered with suitable shielding for telephone, audio, video, or higher frequency communications circuits.
Only such electrical wiring, raceways, and cables used directly in connection with the elevator or dumbwaiter, including wiring for signals, for communication with the car, for lighting, heating, air conditioning, and ventilating the elevator car, for fire detecting systems, for pit sump pumps, and for heating, lighting, and ventilating the hoistway, shall be permitted inside the hoistway, machine rooms, control rooms, machinery spaces, and control spaces.
Bonding of elevator rails (car and/or counterweight) to a lightning protection system grounding down conductor(s) shall be permitted. The lightning protection system grounding down conductor(s) shall not be located within the hoistway. Elevator rails or other hoistway equipment shall not be used as the grounding down conductor for lightning protection systems.
Informational Note: See 250.106 for bonding requirements. For further information, see NFPA 780-2014, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems.
Electrical equipment and wiring used for elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, and platform lifts and stairway chairlifts in garages shall comply with the requirements of Article 511.
Traveling cables shall be suspended at the car and hoistways' ends, or counterweight end where applicable, so as to reduce the strain on the individual copper conductors to a minimum.
Traveling cables shall be supported by one of the following means:
- By their steel supporting member(s)
- By looping the cables around supports for unsupported lengths less than 30 m (100 ft)
- By suspending from the supports by a means that automatically tightens around the cable when tension is increased for unsupported lengths up to 60 m (200 ft)
Unsupported length for the hoistway suspension means shall be that length of cable measured from the point of suspension in the hoistway to the bottom of the loop, with the elevator car located at the bottom landing. Unsupported length for the car suspension means shall be that length of cable measured from the point of suspension on the car to the bottom of the loop, with the elevator car located at the top landing.
Traveling cables that are suitably supported and protected from physical damage shall be permitted to be run without the use of a raceway in either or both of the following:
(a) When used inside the hoistway, on the elevator car, hoistway wall, counterweight, or controllers and machinery that are located inside the hoistway, provided the cables are in the original sheath.
(b) From inside the hoistway, to elevator controller enclosures and to elevator car and machine room, control room, machinery space, and control space connections that are located outside the hoistway for a distance not exceeding 1.8 m (6 ft) in length as measured from the first point of support on the elevator car or hoistway wall, or counterweight where applicable, provided the conductors are grouped together and taped or corded, or in the original sheath. These traveling cables shall be permitted to be continued to this equipment.
A single means for disconnecting all ungrounded main power supply conductors for each unit shall be provided and be designed so that no pole can be operated independently. Where multiple driving machines are connected to a single elevator, escalator, moving walk, or pumping unit, there shall be one disconnecting means to disconnect the motor(s) and control valve operating magnets.
The disconnecting means for the main power supply conductors shall not disconnect the branch circuit required in 620.22, 620.23, and 620.24.
The disconnecting means shall be an enclosed externally operable fused motor circuit switch or circuit breaker that is lockable open in accordance with 110.25.
The disconnecting means shall be a listed device.
Informational Note: For additional information, see ASME A17.1-2010/CSA B44-10, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.
Exception No. 1: Where an individual branch circuit supplies a platform lift, the disconnecting means required by 620.51(C)(4) shall be permitted to comply with 430.109(C). This disconnecting means shall be listed and shall be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.
Exception No. 2: Where an individual branch circuit supplies a stairway chairlift, the stairway chairlift shall be permitted to be cord-and-plug-connected, provided it complies with 422.16(A) and the cord does not exceed 1.8 m (6 ft) in length.
No provision shall be made to open or close this disconnecting means from any other part of the premises. If sprinklers are installed in hoistways, machine rooms, control rooms, machinery spaces, or control spaces, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to automatically open the power supply to the affected elevator(s) prior to the application of water. No provision shall be made to automatically close this disconnecting means. Power shall only be restored by manual means.
Informational Note: To reduce hazards associated with water on live elevator electrical equipment.
The disconnecting means shall be locatedwhere it is readily accessible to qualified persons.
On elevators without generator field control, the disconnecting means shall be located within sight of the motor field controller. Where the motor controller is located in the elevator hoistway, the disconnecting means required by 620.51(A) shall be located in a machinery space, machine room, control space, or control room outside the hoistway; and an additional fused or non-fused, enclosed, externally operable motor-circuit switch that is lockable open in accordance with 110.25 to disconnect all ungrounded main power-supply conductors shall be located within sight of the motor controller. The additional switch shall be a listed device and shall comply with 620.91(C).
Driving machines or motion and operation controllers not within sight of the disconnecting means shall be provided with a manually operated switch installed in the control circuit to prevent starting. The manually operated switch(es) shall be installed adjacent to this equipment.
Where the driving machine of an electric elevator or the hydraulic machine of a hydraulic elevator is located in a remote machine room or remote machinery space, a single means for disconnecting all ungrounded main power-supply conductors shall be provided and be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.
On elevators with generator field control, the disconnecting means shall be located within sight of the motor controller for the driving motor of the motor-generator set. Driving machines, motor-generator sets, or motion and operation controllers not within sight of the disconnecting means shall be provided with a manually operated switch installed in the control circuit to prevent starting. The manually operated switch(es) shall be installed adjacent to this equipment.
Where the driving machine or the motor-generator set is located in a remote machine room or remote machinery space, a single means for disconnecting all ungrounded main power-supply conductors shall be provided and be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.
On escalators and moving walks, the disconnecting means shall be installed in the space where the controller is located.
On platform lifts and stairway chairlifts, the disconnecting means shall be located within sight of the motor controller.
Where there is more than one driving machine in a machine room, the disconnecting means shall be numbered to correspond to the identifying number of the driving machine that they control.
The disconnecting means shall be provided with a sign to identify the location of the supply side overcurrent protective device.
On single-car and multicar installations, equipment receiving electrical power from more than one source shall be provided with a disconnecting means for each source of electrical power. The disconnecting means shall be within sight of the equipment served.
Where multiple disconnecting means are used and parts of the controllers remain energized from a source other than the one disconnected, a warning sign shall be mounted on or next to the disconnecting means. The sign shall be clearly legible and shall read as follows:
The warning sign(s) or label(s) shall comply with 110.21(B).
Where interconnections between controllers are necessary for the operation of the system on multicar installations that remain energized from a source other than the one disconnected, a warning sign in accordance with 620.52(B) shall be mounted on or next to the disconnecting means.
Elevators shall have a single means for disconnecting all ungrounded car light, receptacle(s), and ventilation power-supply conductors for that elevator car.
The disconnecting means shall be an enclosed, externally operable, fused motor-circuit switch or circuit breaker that is lockable open in accordance with 110.25 and shall be located in the machine room or control room for that elevator car. Where there is no machine room or control room, the disconnecting means shall be located in a machinery space or control space outside the hoistway that is readily accessible to only qualified persons.
Disconnecting means shall be numbered to correspond to the identifying number of the elevator car whose light source they control.
The disconnecting means shall be provided with a sign to identify the location of the supply side overcurrent protective device.
Exception: Where a separate branch circuit supplies car lighting, a receptacle(s), and a ventilation motor not exceeding 2 hp, the disconnecting means required by 620.53 shall be permitted to comply with 430.109(C). This disconnecting means shall be listed and shall be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.
Elevators shall have a single means for disconnecting all ungrounded car heating and air-conditioning power-supply conductors for that elevator car.
The disconnecting means shall be an enclosed, externally operable, fused motor-circuit switch or circuit breaker that is lockable open in accordance with 110.25 and shall be located in the machine room or control room for that elevator car. Where there is no machine room or control room, the disconnecting means shall be located in a machinery space or control space outside the hoistway that is readily accessible to only qualified persons.
Where there is equipment for more than one elevator car in the machine room, the disconnecting means shall be numbered to correspond to the identifying number of the elevator car whose heating and air-conditioning source they control.
The disconnecting means shall be provided with a sign to identify the location of the supply side overcurrent protective device.
Each branch circuit for other utilization equipment shall have a single means for disconnecting all ungrounded conductors. The disconnecting means shall be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.
Where there is more than one branch circuit for other utilization equipment, the disconnecting means shall be numbered to correspond to the identifying number of the equipment served. The disconnecting means shall be provided with a sign to identify the location of the supply side overcurrent protective device.
Overcurrent protection shall be provided in accordance with 620.61(A) through (D)
Operating devices and control and signaling circuits shall be protected against overcurrent in accordance with the requirements of 725.43 and 725.45.
Class 2 power-limited circuits shall be protected against overcurrent in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 9, Notes to Tables 11(A) and 11(B).
Motor and branch-circuit overload protection shall conform to Article 430, Part III, and (B)(1) through (B)(4).
Escalator and moving walk driving machine motors and driving motors of motor-generator sets shall be protected against running overload as provided in Table 430.37.
Motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection shall be as required in Article 430, Part IV.
Where more than one driving machine disconnecting means is supplied by a single feeder, the overcurrent protective devices in each disconnecting means shall be selectively coordinated with any other supply side overcurrent protective devices.
Selective coordination shall be selected by a licensed professional engineer or other qualified person engaged primarily in the design, installation, or maintenance of electrical systems. The selection shall be documented and made available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, and operate the system.
Elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, and moving walk driving machines; motor-generator sets; motor controllers; and disconnecting means shall be installed in a room or space set aside for that purpose unless otherwise permitted in 620.71(A) or (B). The room or space shall be secured against unauthorized access.
Motor controllers shall be permitted outside the spaces herein specified, provided they are in enclosures with doors or removable panels that are capable of being locked in the closed position and the disconnecting means is located adjacent to or is an integral part of the motor controller. Motor controller enclosures for escalatoror moving walks shall be permitted in the balustrade on the side located away from the moving steps or moving treadway. If the disconnecting means is an integral part of the motor controller, it shall be operable without opening the enclosure.
Elevators with driving machines located on the car, on the counterweight, or in the hoistway, and driving machines for dumbwaiters, platform lifts, and stairway lifts, shall be permitted outside the spaces herein specified.
For electric elevators, the frames of all motors, elevator machines, controllers, and the metal enclosures for all electrical equipment in or on the car or in the hoistway shall be bonded in accordance with Article 250, Parts V and VII.
For elevators other than electric having any electrical conductors attached to the car, the metal frame of the car, where normally accessible to persons, shall be bonded in accordance with Article 250, Parts V and VII.
Escalators, moving walks, platform lifts, and stairway chairlifts shall comply with Article 250.
Each 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-amperereceptacle installed in pits, in hoistways, on elevator car tops, and in escalator and moving walk wellways shall be of the ground-fault circuit-interrupter type.
All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in machine rooms and machinery spaces shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
A single receptacle supplying a permanently installed sump pump shall not require ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection.
An elevator(s) shall be permitted to be powered by an emergency or standby power system.
Informational Note: See ASME A17.1-2010/CSA B44-10, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, 2.27.2, for additional information.
For elevator systems that regenerate power back into the power source that is unable to absorb the regenerative power under overhauling elevator load conditions, a means shall be provided to absorb this power.
Other building loads, such as power and lighting, shall be permitted as the energy absorption means required in 620.91(A), provided that such loads are automatically connected to the emergency or standby power system operating the elevators and are large enough to absorb the elevator regenerative power.
The disconnecting means required by 620.51 shall disconnect the elevator from both the emergency or standby power system and the normal power system.
Where an additional power source is connected to the load side of the disconnecting means, which allows automatic movement of the car to permit evacuation of passengers, the disconnecting means required in 620.51 shall be provided with an auxiliary contact that is positively opened mechanically, and the opening shall not be solely dependent on springs. This contact shall cause the additional power source to be disconnected from its load when the disconnecting means is in the open position.
Upcodes Diagrams
The provisions of this article cover the electrical conductors and equipment external to an electric vehicle that connect an electric vehicle to a supply of electricity by conductive or inductive means, and the installation of equipment and devices related to electric vehicle charging.
Informational Note No. 1: For industrial trucks, see NFPA 505-2011, Fire Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks Including Type Designations, Areas of Use, Conversions, Maintenance, and Operation.
Informational Note No. 2: UL 2594-2013, Standard for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, is a safety standard for electric vehicle supply equipment. UL 2202-2009, Standard for Electric Vehicle Charging System Equipment, is a safety standard for electric vehicle charging equipment.
Cable Management System (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). An apparatus designed to control and organize unused lengths of output cable to the electric vehicle.
Electric Vehicle. An automotive-type vehicle for on-road use, such as passenger automobiles, buses, trucks, vans, neighborhood electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, and the like, primarily powered by an electric motor that draws current from a rechargeable storage battery, fuel cell, photovoltaic array, or other source of electric current. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are considered electric vehicles. For the purpose of this article, off-road, self-propelled electric vehicles, such as industrial trucks, hoists, lifts, transports, golf carts, airline ground support equipment, tractors, boats, and the like, are not included.
Electric Vehicle Connector. A device that, when electrically coupled (conductive or inductive) to an electric vehicle inlet, establishes an electrical connection to the electric vehicle for the purpose of power transfer and information exchange. This device is part of the electric vehicle coupler.
Informational Note: For further information, see 625.48 for interactive systems.
Electric Vehicle Inlet. The device on the electric vehicle into which the electric vehicle connector is electrically coupled (conductive or inductive) for power transfer and information exchange. This device is part of the electric vehicle coupler. For the purposes of this Code, the electric vehicle inlet is considered to be part of the electric vehicle and not part of the electric vehicle supply equipment.
Informational Note: For further information, see 625.48 for interactive systems.
Electric Vehicle Storage Battery. A battery, comprised of one or more rechargeable electrochemical cells, that has no provision for the release of excessive gas pressure during normal charging and operation, or for the addition of water or electrolyte for external measurements of electrolyte-specific gravity.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. The conductors, including the ungrounded, grounded, and equipment grounding conductors, and the electric vehicle connectors, attachment plugs, and all other fittings, devices, power outlets, or apparatus installed specifically for the purpose of transferring energy between the premises wiring and the electric vehicle.
Informational Note No. 1: For further information, see 625.48 for interactive systems.
Informational Note No. 2: Within this article, the terms electric vehicle supply equipment and electric vehicle charging system equipment are considered to be equivalent.
Output Cable to the Electric Vehicle. An assembly consisting of a length of flexible EV cable and an electric vehicle connector (supplying power to the electric vehicle).
Personnel Protection System. A system of personnel protection devices and constructional features that when used together provide protection against electric shock of personnel.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). A type of electric vehicle intended for on-road use with the ability to store and use off-vehicle electrical energy in the rechargeable energy storage system, and having a second source of motive power.
Power-Supply Cord. An assembly consisting of an attachment plug and length of flexible cord that connects the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to a receptacle.
Rechargeable Energy Storage System. Any power source that has the capability to be charged and discharged.
Informational Note: Batteries, capacitors, and electromechanical flywheels are examples of rechargeable energy storage systems.
The electric vehicle coupler shall comply with 625.10(A) through (F).
The electric vehicle coupler shall be polarized.
Exception: A coupler that is part of a listed electric vehicle supply equipment.
The electric vehicle coupler shall have a configuration that is noninterchangeable with wiring devices in other electrical systems. Nongrounding-type electric vehicle couplers shall not be interchangeable with grounding-type electric vehicle couplers.
The electric vehicle coupler shall be constructed and installed so as to guard against inadvertent contact by persons with parts made live from the electric vehicle supply equipment or the electric vehicle battery.
The electric vehicle coupler shall be provided with a positive means to prevent unintentional disconnection.
The electric vehicle coupler shall be provided with a grounding pole, unless provided as part of a listed isolated electric vehicle supply equipment system.
If a grounding pole is provided, the electric vehicle coupler shall be so designed that the grounding pole connection is the first to make and the last to break contact.
The electric vehicle supply equipment shall comply with 625.15(A) through (C).
All electric vehicle supply equipment shall be marked by the manufacturer as follows:
FOR USE WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Where marking is required by 625.52(A), the electric vehicle supply equipment shall be clearly marked by the manufacturer as follows:
VENTILATION NOT REQUIRED
The marking shall be located so as to be clearly visible after installation.
Where marking is required by 625.52(B), the electric vehicle supply equipment shall be clearly marked by the manufacturer, "Ventilation Required.'' The marking shall be located so as to be clearly visible after installation.
The means of coupling to the electric vehicle shall be either conductive or inductive. Attachment plugs, electric vehicle connectors, and electric vehicle inlets shall be listed or labeled for the purpose.
The cable for cord-connected equipment shall comply with all of the following:
- Be any of the types specified in 625.17(B) or hard service cord, junior hard service cord, or portable power cable types in accordance with Table 400.4. Hard service cord, junior hard service cord, or portable power cable types shall be listed, as applicable, for exposure to oil and damp and wet locations.
- Have an ampacity as specified in Table 400.5(A)(1) or, for 8 AWG and larger, in the 60°C columns of Table 400.5(A)(2).
- Have an overall length as specified in 625.17(A)(3)a or b as follows:
- When the interrupting device of the personnel protection system specified in 625.22 is located within the enclosure of the supply equipment or charging system, the power-supply cord shall be not more than 300 mm (12 in.) long,
- When the interrupting device of the personnel protection system specified in 625.22 is located at the attachment plug, or within the first 300 mm (12 in.) of the power-supply cord, the overall cord length shall be a minimum of 1.8 m (6 ft) and shall be not greater than 4.6 m (15 ft).
The output cable to the electric vehicle shall be Type EV, EVJ, EVE,
EVJE, EVT, or EVJT flexible cable as specified in Table 400.4. The output cable shall have an ampacity as
specified in Table 400.5(A)(1) or, for 8 AWG and larger, in the 60°C columns of Table 400.5(A)(2).
The overall usable length shall not exceed 7.5 m (25 ft) unless equipped with a cable management system that is part of the listed electric vehicle supply equipment.
Where the electric vehicle supply equipment or charging system is not fastened in place, the cord-exposed usable length shall be measured from the face of the attachment plug to the face of the electric vehicle connector.
Where the electric vehicle supply equipment or charging system is fastened in place, the usable length of the output cable shall be measured from the cable exit of the electric vehicle supply equipment or charging system to the face of the electric vehicle connector.
Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be provided with an interlock that de-energizes the electric vehicle connector whenever the electrical connector is uncoupled from the electric vehicle. An interlock shall not be required for portable cord-and-plug-connected electric vehicle supply equipment intended for connection to receptacle outlets rated at 125 volts, single phase, 15 and 20 amperes. An interlock shall not be required for dc supplies less than 50 volts dc.
The electric vehicle supply equipment or the cable-connector combination of the equipment shall be provided with an automatic means to de-energize the cable conductors and electric vehicle connector upon exposure to strain that could result in either cable rupture or separation of the cable from the electric connector and exposure of live parts. Automatic means to de-energize the cable conductors and electric vehicle connector shall not be required for portable cord-and-plug-connected electric vehicle supply equipment intended for connection to receptacle outlets rated at 125 volts, single phase, 15 and 20 amperes. An interlock shall not be required for dc supplies less than 50 volts dc.
The electric vehicle supply equipment shall have a listed system of protection against electric shock of personnel. Where cord-and plug-connected electric vehicle supply equipment is used, the interrupting device of a listed personnel protection system shall be provided and shall be an integral part of the attachment plug or shall be located in the power-supply cord not more than 300 mm (12 in.) from the attachment plug.
Overcurrent protection for feeders and branch circuits supplying electric vehicle supply equipment shall be sized for continuous duty and shall have a rating of not less than 125 percent of the maximum load of the electric vehicle supply equipment. Where noncontinuous loads are supplied from the same feeder or branch circuit, the overcurrent device shall have a rating of not less than the sum of the noncontinuous loads plus 125 percent of the continuous loads.
Electric vehicle supply equipment shall have sufficient rating to supply the load served. Electric vehicle charging loads shall be considered to be continuous loads for the purposes of this article. Where an automatic load management system is used, the maximum electric vehicle supply equipment load on a service and feeder shall be the maximum load permitted by the automatic load management system.
For electric vehicle supply equipment rated more than 60 amperes or more than 150 volts to ground, the disconnecting means shall be provided and installed in a readily accessible location. The disconnecting means shall be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.
Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be permitted to be cord- and plug-connected to the premises wiring system in accordance with one of the following:
Electric vehicle supply equipment intended for connection to nonlocking, 2-pole, 3-wire grounding-type receptacle outlets rated at 125 V, single phase, 15 and 20 amperes or from a supply of less than 50 volts dc.
Electric vehicle supply equipment that is rated 250 V maximum and complying with all of the following:
- It is intended for connection to nonlocking, 2-pole, 3-wire and 3-pole, 4-wire, grounding-type receptacle outlets rated not more than 50 amperes.
- EVSE is fastened in place to facilitate any of the following:
- Ready removal for interchange
- Facilitation of maintenance and repair
- Repositioning of portable, movable, or EVSE fastened in place
- Power-supply cord length for electric vehicle supply equipment fastened in place is limited to 1.8 m (6 ft).
- Receptacles are located to avoid physical damage to the flexible cord.
All other electric vehicle supply equipment shall be permanently wired and fastened in place to the supporting surface, a wall, a pole, or other structure. The electric vehicle supply equipment shall have no exposed live parts.
Means shall be provided such that, upon loss of voltage from the utility or other electrical system(s), energy cannot be back fed through the electric vehicle and the supply equipment to the premises wiring system unless permitted by 625.48.
Electric vehicle supply equipment and other parts of a system, either on board or off board the vehicle, that are intended to be interconnected to a vehicle and also serve as an optional standby system or an electric power production source or provide for bi-directional power feed shall be listed and marked as suitable for that purpose.When used as an optional standby system, the requirements of Article 702 shall apply, and when used as an electric power production source, the requirements of Article 705 shall apply.
The electric vehicle supply equipment shall be located for direct electrical coupling of the EV connector (conductive or inductive) to the electric vehicle. Unless specifically listed and marked for the location, the coupling means of the electric vehicle supply equipment shall be stored or located at a height of not less than 450 mm (18 in.) above the floor level for indoor locations and 600 mm (24 in.) above the grade level for outdoor locations.
The ventilation requirement for charging an electric vehicle in an indoor enclosed space shall be determined by 625.52(A) or (B).
Where electric vehicle storage batteries are used or where the electric vehicle supply equipment is listed for charging electric vehicles indoors without ventilation and marked in accordance with 625.15(B), mechanical ventilation shall not be required.
Where the electric vehicle supply equipment is listed for charging electric vehicles that require ventilation for indoor charging, and is marked in accordance with 625.15(C), mechanical ventilation, such as a fan, shall be provided. The ventilation shall include both supply and exhaust equipment and shall be permanently installed and located to intake from, and vent directly to, the outdoors. Positive-pressure ventilation systems shall be permitted only in vehicle charging buildings or areas that have been specifically designed and approved for that application. Mechanical ventilation requirements shall be determined by one of the methods specified in 625.52(B)(1) through (B)(4).
For supply voltages and currents specified in Table 625.52(B)(1) or Table 625.52(B)(2), the minimum ventilation requirements shall be as specified in Table 625.52(B)(1) or Table 625.52(B)(2) for each of the total number of electric vehicles that can be charged at one time.
Table 625.52(B)(1) Minimum Ventilation Required in Cubic Meters per Minute (m3/min) for Each of the Total Number of Electric Vehicles That Can Be Charged at One Time
| Branch-Circuit Ampere Rating |
Branch-Circuit Voltage | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Phase | 3 Phase | |||||||
| DC ≥ 50 V | 120 V | 208 V | 240 V or 120/240 V |
208 V or 208Y/120 V |
240 V | 480 V or 480Y/277 V |
600 V or 600Y/347 V |
|
| 15 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 1.8 | 2.1 | — | — | — | — |
| 20 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 2.4 | 2.8 | 4.2 | 4.8 | 9.7 | 12 |
| 30 | 0.9 | 2.1 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 15 | 18 |
| 40 | 1.2 | 2.8 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 8.4 | 9.7 | 19 | 24 |
| 50 | 1.5 | 3.5 | 6.1 | 7.0 | 10 | 12 | 24 | 30 |
| 60 | 1.8 | 4.2 | 7.3 | 8.4 | 13 | 15 | 29 | 36 |
| 100 | 2.9 | 7.0 | 12 | 14 | 21 | 24 | 48 | 60 |
| 150 | — | — | — | — | 31 | 36 | 73 | 91 |
| 200 | — | — | — | — | 42 | 48 | 97 | 120 |
| 250 | — | — | — | — | 52 | 60 | 120 | 150 |
| 300 | — | — | — | — | 63 | 73 | 145 | 180 |
| 350 | — | — | — | — | 73 | 85 | 170 | 210 |
| 400 | — | — | — | — | 84 | 97 | 195 | 240 |
For supply voltages and currents other than specified in Table 625.52(B)(1)or Table 625.52(B)(2), the minimum ventilation requirements shall be calculated by means of the following general formulas, as applicable:
- Single-phase ac or dc: Ventilation single - phase ac or dc in cubic meters per minute (m3/min) =
- Three-phase ac: Ventilation 3-phase in cubic meters per minute (m3/min) =
Table 625.52(B)(2) Minimum Ventilation Required in Cubic Feet per Minute (cfm) for Each of the Total Number of Electric Vehicles That Can Be Charged at One TimeBranch-Circuit
Ampere
RatingBranch-Circuit Voltage Single Phase 3 Phase DC ≥ 50 V 120 V 208 V 240 V or
120/240 V208 V or
208Y/120
V240 V 480 V or
480Y/277 V600 V or
600Y/347 V15 15.4 37 64 74 — — — — 20 20.4 49 85 99 148 171 342 427 30 30.8 74 128 148 222 256 512 641 40 41.3 99 171 197 296 342 683 854 50 51.3 123 214 246 370 427 854 1066 60 61.7 148 256 296 444 512 1025 1281 100 102.5 246 427 493 740 854 1708 2135 150 — — — — 1110 1281 2562 3203 200 — — — — 1480 1708 3416 4270 250 — — — — 1850 2135 4270 5338 300 — — — — 2221 2562 5125 6406 350 — — — — 2591 2989 5979 7473 400 — — — — 2961 3416 6832 8541
For an electric vehicle supply equipment ventilation system designed by a person qualified to perform such calculations as an integral part of a building's total ventilation system, the minimum ventilation requirements shall be permitted to be determined in accordance with calculations specified in the engineering study.
The supply circuit to the mechanical ventilation equipment shall be electrically interlocked with the electric vehicle supply equipment and shall remain energized during the entire electric vehicle charging cycle. Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be marked in accordance with 625.15. Electric vehicle supply equipment receptacles rated at 125 volts, single phase, 15 and 20 amperes shall be marked in accordance with 625.15 and shall be switched, and the mechanical ventilation system shall be electrically interlocked through the switch supply power to the receptacle. Electric vehicle supply equipment supplied from less than 50 volts dc shall be marked in accordance with 625.15(C) and shall be switched, and the mechanical ventilation system shall be electrically interlocked through the switch supply power to the electric vehicle supply equipment.
The provisions of this article cover the electrical conductors and equipment external to the truck or transport refrigerated unit that connect trucks or transport refrigerated units to a supply of electricity, and the installation of equipment and devices related to electrical installations within an electrified truck parking space.
Cable Management System (Electrified Truck Parking Spaces). An apparatus designed to control and organizeunused lengths of cable or cord at electrified truck parking spaces.
Cord Connector. A device that, by inserting it into a truck flanged surface inlet, establishes an electrical connection to the truck for the purpose of providing power for the on-board electric loads and may provide a means for information exchange. This device is part of the truck coupler.
Disconnecting Means, Parking Space. The necessary equipment usually consisting of a circuit breaker or switch and fuses, and their accessories, located near the point of entrance of supply conductors in an electrified truck parking space and intended to constitute the means of cutoff for the supply to that truck.
Electrified Truck Parking Space. A truck parking space that has been provided with an electrical system that allows truck operators to connect their vehicles while stopped and to use off-board power sources in order to operate on-board systems such as air conditioning, heating, and appliances, without any engine idling.
Informational Note: An electrified truck parking space also includes dedicated parking areas for heavy-duty trucks at travel plazas, warehouses, shipper and consignee yards, depot facilities, and border crossings. It does not include areas such as the shoulders of highway ramps and access roads, camping and recreational vehicle sites, residential and commercial parking areas used for automotive parking or other areas where ac power is provided solely for the purpose of connecting automotive and other light electrical loads, such as engine block heaters, and at private residences.
Electrified Truck Parking Space Wiring Systems. All of the electrical wiring, equipment, and appurtenances related to electrical installations within an electrified truck parking space, including the electrified parking space supply equipment.
Overhead Gantry. A structure consisting of horizontal framework, supported by vertical columns spanning above electrified truck parking spaces, that supports equipment, appliances, raceway, and other necessary components for the purpose of supplying electrical, HVAC, internet, communications, and other services to the spaces.
Separable Power Supply Cable Assembly. A flexible cord or cable, including ungrounded, grounded, and equipment grounding conductors, provided with a cord connector, an attachment plug, and all other fittings, grommets, or devices installed for the purpose of delivering energy from the source of electrical supply to the truck or TRU flanged surface inlet.
Transport Refrigerated Unit (TRU). A trailer or container, with integrated cooling or heating, or both, used for the purpose of maintaining the desired environment of temperature-sensitive goods or products.
Truck Flanged Surface Inlet. The device(s) on the truck into which the connector(s) is inserted to provide electric energy and other services. This device is part of the truck coupler. For the purposes of this article, the truck flanged surface inlet is considered to be part of the truck and not part of the electrified truck parking space supply equipment.
Wherever the requirements of other articles of this Code and Article 626 differ, the requirements of Article 626 shall apply. Unless electrified truck parking space wiring systems are supported or arranged in such a manner that they cannot be used in or above locations classified in 511.3 or 514.3, or both, they shall comply with 626.3(A) and (B) in addition to the requirements of this article.
Electrified truck parking space electrical wiring systems located at facilities for the repair or storage of self-propelled vehicles that use volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases for fuel or power shall comply with Article 511.
Electrified truck parking space electrical wiring systems located at or serving motor fuel dispensing stations shall comply with Article 514.
Informational Note: For additional information, see NFPA 88A-2011, Standard for Parking Structures, and NFPA 30A-2012, Code for Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages.
The provisions of this article shall apply to the electrified truck parking space supply equipment intended for connection to a wiring system as defined in 626.4(B).
Electrified truck parking space single-phase branch circuits shall be derived from a 208Y/120-volt, 3-phase, 4-wire system or a 120/240-volt, single-phase, 3-wire system.
Exception: A 120-volt distribution system shall be permitted to supply existing electrified truck parking spaces.
The calculated load of a feeder or service shall be not less than the sum of the loads on the branch circuits. Electrical service and feeders shall be calculated on the basis of not less than 11 kVA per electrified truck parking space.
Electrified truck parking space electrical wiring system demand factors shall be based upon the climatic temperature zone in which the equipment is installed. The demand factors set forth in Table 626.11(B) shall be the minimum allowable demand factors that shall be permitted for calculating load for service and feeders. No demand factor shall be allowed for any other load, except as provided in this article.
Informational Note: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed a commonly used "Plant Hardiness Zone" map that is publicly available. The map provides guidance for determining the Climatic Temperature Zone. Data indicate that the HVAC has the highest power requirement in cold climates, with the heating demand representing the greatest load, which in turn is dependent on outside temperature. In very warm climates, where no heating load is necessary, the cooling load increases as the outdoor temperature rises.
| Climatic Temperature Zone (USDA Hardiness Zone) See Note |
Demand Factor (%) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 70% |
| 2a | 67% |
| 2b | 62% |
| 3a | 59% |
| 3b | 57% |
| 4a | 55% |
| 4b | 51% |
| 5a | 47% |
| 5b | 43% |
| 6a | 39% |
| 6b | 34% |
| 7a | 29% |
| 7b | 24% |
| 8a | 21% |
| 8b | 20% |
| 9a | 20% |
| 9b | 20% |
| 10a | 21% |
| 10b | 23% |
| 11 | 24% |
Where the electrified truck parking space wiring system is in a location that serves two or more electrified truck parking spaces, the equipment for each space shall comply with 626.11(A), and the calculated load shall be calculated on the basis of each parking space.
Truck space branch-circuit supplied loads shall be considered to be continuous.
The electrified truck parking space supply equipment shall be provided in one of the following forms:
- Pedestal
- Overhead gantry
- Raised concrete pad
Post, pedestal, and raised concrete pad types of electrified truck parking space supply equipment shall be not less than 600 mm (2 ft) aboveground or above the point identified as the prevailing highest water level mark or an equivalent benchmark based on seasonal or storm-driven flooding from the authority having jurisdiction.
All electrified truck parking space supply equipment shall be accessible by an unobstructed entrance or passageway not less than 600 mm (2 ft) wide and not less than 2.0 m (6 ft 6 in.) high.
A disconnecting switch or circuit breaker shall be provided to disconnect one or more electrified truck parking space supply equipment sites from a remote location. The disconnecting means shall be provided and installed in a readily accessible location and shall be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.
Electrified truck parking space equipment provided from either overhead gantry or cable management systems shall utilize a permanently attached power supply cable in electrified truck parking space supply equipment. Other cable types and assemblies listed as being suitable for the purpose, including optional hybrid communications, signal, and composite optical fiber cables, shall be permitted.
Means to prevent strain from being transmitted to the wiring terminals shall be provided. Permanently attached power supply cable(s) shall be provided with a means to de-energize the cable conductors and power service delivery device upon exposure to strain that could result in either cable damage or separation from the power service delivery device and exposure of live parts.
Each truck shall be supplied from electrified truck parking space supply equipment through suitable extra-hard service cables or cords. Each connection to the equipment shall be by a single separable power supply cable assembly.
All receptacles shall be listed and of the grounding type. Every truck parking space with electrical supply shall be equipped with (B)(1) and (B)(2).
- A maximum of three receptacles, each 2-pole, 3-wire grounding type and rated 20 amperes, 125 volts, and two of the three connected to two separate branch circuits.
Informational Note: For the nonlocking-type and grounding type 20-ampere receptacle configuration, see ANSI/NEMA WD6-2002, Standard for Dimensions of Attachment Plugs and Receptacles, Figure 5-20.
- One single receptacle, 3-pole, 4-wire grounding type, single phase rated either 30 amperes 208Y/120 volts or 125/250 volts. The 125/250-volt receptacle shall be permitted to be used on a 208Y/120-volt, single-phase circuit.
Informational Note: For various configurations of 30-ampere pin and sleeve receptacles, see ANSI/UL1686, Standard for Pin and Sleeve Configurations, Figure C2.9 or Part C3.
Exception: Where electrified truck parking space supply equipment provides the heating, air-conditioning, and comfort-cooling function without requiring a direct electrical connection at the truck, only two receptacles identified in 626.24(B)(1) shall be required.
The electrified truck parking space supply equipment shall be provided with a switch or circuit breaker for disconnecting the power supply to the electrified truck parking space. A disconnecting means shall be provided and installed in a readily accessible location and shall be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.
The electrified truck parking space equipment shall be designed and constructed such that all receptacle outlets in 626.24 are provided with ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
A separable power-supply cable assembly, consisting of a power-supply cord, a cord connector, and an attachment plug intended for connection with a truck flanged surface inlet, shall be of a listed type. The power-supply cable assembly or assemblies shall be identified and be one of the types and ratings specified in 626.25(A) and (B). Cords with adapters and pigtail ends, extension cords, and similar items shall not be used.
Equipment with a 20-ampere, 125-volt receptacle, in accordance with 626.24(B)(1), shall use a listed 20-ampere power-supply cable assembly.
Exception: It shall be permitted to use a listed separable power-supply cable assembly, either hard service or extra-hard service and rated 15 amperes, 125 volts, for connection to an engine block heater for legacy vehicles.
Equipment with a 30-ampere, 208Y/120-volt or 125/250- volt receptacle, in accordance with 626.24(B)(2), shall use a listed 30-ampere main power-supply cable assembly.
The cord shall be a listed type with three or four conductors, for single-phase connection, one conductor of which shall be identified in accordance with 400.23.
Exception: It shall be permitted to use a separate listed three-conductor separable power-supply cable assembly, one conductor of which shall be identified in accordance with 400.23 and rated 15 amperes, 125 volts for connection to an engine block heater for existing vehicles.
Extra-hard usage flexible cords and cables rated not less than 90°C (194°F), 600 volts; listed for both wet locations and sunlight resistance; and having an outer jacket rated to be resistant to temperature extremes, oil, gasoline, ozone, abrasion, acids, and chemicals shall be permitted where flexibility is necessary between the electrified truck parking space supply equipment, the panel board and flanged surface inlet(s) on the truck.
Exception: Cords for the separable power supply cable assembly for 15- and 20-ampere connections shall be permitted to be a hard service type.
The exposed cord length shall be measured from the face of the attachment plug to the point of entrance to the truck or the face of the flanged surface inlet or to the point where the cord enters the truck. The overall length of the cable shall not exceed 7.5 m (25 ft) unless equipped with a cable management system that is listed as suitable for the purpose.
The attachment plug(s) shall be listed, by itself or as part of a cord set, for the purpose and shall be molded to or installed on the flexible cord so that it is secured tightly to the cord at the point where the cord enters the attachment plug. If a right-angle cap is used, the configuration shall be oriented so that the grounding member is farthest from the cord. Where a flexible cord is provided, the attachment plug shall comply with 250.138(A).
(a) Connection to a 20-Ampere Receptacle. A separable power-supply cable assembly for connection to a truck flanged surface inlet, rated at 20 amperes, shall have a nonlocking-type attachment plug that shall be 2-pole, 3-wire grounding type rated 20 amperes, 125 volts and intended for use with the 20-ampere, 125-volt receptacle.
Exception: A separable power-supply cable assembly, rated 15 amperes, provided for the connection of an engine block heater, only, shall have an attachment plug that shall be 2-pole, 3-wire grounding type rated 15 amperes, 125 volts.
Informational Note: For nonlocking- and grounding-type 15- or 20-ampere plug and receptacle configurations, see ANSI/NEMA WD6-2002, Standard for Dimensions of Attachment Plugs and Receptacles, Figure 5-15 or Figure 5-20.
(b) Connection to a 30-Ampere Receptacle. A separable power-supply cable assembly for connection to a truck flanged surface inlet, rated at 30 amperes, shall have an attachment plug that shall be 3-pole, 4-wire grounding type rated 30-amperes, 208Y/120 volts or 125/250 volts, and intended for use with the receptacle in accordance with 626.24(B)(2). The 125/250-volt attachment plug shall be permitted to be used on a 208Y/120-volt, single-phase circuit.
Informational Note: For various configurations of 30-ampere pin and sleeve plugs, see ANSI/UL 1686-2012, Standard for Pin and Sleeve Configurations, Figure C2.10 or Part C3.
The cord connector for a separable power-supply cable assembly, as specified in 626.25(A)(1), shall be a 2-pole, 3-wire grounding type rated 20 amperes, 125 volts. The cord connector for a separable power-supply cable assembly, as specified in 626.25(A)(2), shall be a 3-pole, 4-wire grounding type rated 30 amperes, 208Y/120 volts or 125/250 volts. The 125/250-volt cord connector shall be permitted to be used on a 208Y/120-volt, single-phase circuit.
Exception: The cord connector for a separable power supply cable assembly, rated 15 amperes, provided for the connection of an engine block heater for existing vehicles, shall have an attachment plug that shall be 2-pole, 3-wire grounding type rated 15 amperes, 125 volts.
Informational Note: For various configurations of 30-ampere cord connectors, see ANSI/UL 1686-2012, Standard for Pin and Sleeve Configurations, Figure C2.9 or Part C3.
Electrified truck parking space supply equipment and other parts of a system, either on-board or off-board the vehicle, that are identified for and intended to be interconnected to a vehicle and also serve as an optional standby system or an electric power production source or provide for bi-directional power feed shall be listed as suitable for that purpose. When used as an optional standby system, the requirements of Article 702 shall apply, and when used as an electric power production source, the requirements of Article 705 shall apply.
Electrified truck parking spaces intended to supply transport refrigerated units (TRUs) shall include an individual branch circuit and receptacle for operation of the refrigeration/heating units. The receptacle associated with the TRUs shall be provided in addition to the receptacles required in 626.24(B).
TRU spaces shall be supplied from 208-volt, 3-phase or 480-volt, 3-phase branch circuits and with an equipment grounding conductor.
The electrified truck parking space supply equipment, or portion thereof, providing electric power for the operation of TRUs shall be independent of the loads in Part III of Article 626.
Disconnecting means shall be provided to isolate each refrigerated unit from its supply connection. A disconnecting means shall be provided and installed in a readily accessible location and shall be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.
The disconnecting means shall be readily accessible, located not more than 750 mm (30 in.) from the receptacle it controls, and located in the supply circuit ahead of the receptacle. Circuit breakers or switches located in power outlets complying with this section shall be permitted as the disconnecting means.
All receptacles shall be listed and of the grounding type. Every electrified truck parking space intended to provide an electrical supply for transport refrigerated units shall be equipped with one or both of the following:
- A 30-ampere, 480-volt, 3-phase, 3-pole, 4-wire receptacle
- A 60-ampere, 208-volt, 3-phase, 3-pole, 4-wire receptacle
Informational Note: Complete details of the 30-ampere pin and sleeve receptacle configuration for refrigerated containers (transport refrigerated units) can be found in ANSI/UL 1686-2012, Standard for Pin and Sleeve Configurations, Figure C2.11. For various configurations of 60-ampere pin and sleeve receptacles, see ANSI/UL1686.
A separable power supply cable assembly, consisting of a cord with an attachment plug and cord connector, shall be one of the types and ratings specified in 626.32(A), (B), and (C). Cords with adapters and pigtail ends, extension cords, and similar items shall not be used.
The power supply cable assembly shall be listed and be rated in accordance with (1) or (2).
- 30 ampere, 480-volt, 3-phase
- 60 ampere, 208-volt, 3-phase
The cord shall be a listed type with four conductors, for 3-phase connection, one of which shall be identified in accordance with 400.23 for use as the equipment grounding conductor. Extra-hard usage cables rated not less than 90°C (194°F), 600 volts, listed for both wet locations and sunlight resistance, and having an outer jacket rated to be resistant to temperature extremes, oil, gasoline, ozone, abrasion, acids, and chemicals, shall be permitted where flexibility is necessary between the electrified truck parking space supply equipment and the inlet(s) on the TRU.
Where a flexible cord is provided with an attachment plug and cord connector, they shall comply with 250.138(A). The attachment plug(s) and cord connector(s) shall be listed, by itself or as part of the power-supply cable assembly, for the purpose and shall be molded to or installed on the flexible cord so that it is secured tightly to the cord at the point where the cord enters the attachment plug or cord connector. If a right-angle cap is used, the configuration shall be oriented so that the grounding member is farthest from the cord. An attachment plug and cord connector for the connection of a truck or trailer shall be rated in accordance with (1) or (2) as follows:
- 30-ampere, 480-volt, 3-phase, 3-pole, 4-wire and intended for use with a 30-ampere 480-volt, 3-phase, 3-pole, 4-wire receptacles and inlets, respectively, or
- 60-ampere, 208-volt, 3-phase, 3-pole, 4-wire and intended for use with a 60-ampere, 208-volt, 3-phase, 3-pole, 4-wire receptacles and inlets, respectively.
Informational Note: Complete details of the 30-ampere pin and sleeve attachment plug and cord connector configurations for refrigerated containers (transport refrigerated units) can be found in ANSI/UL 1686-2012, Standard for Pin and Sleeve Configurations, Figures C2.12 and C2.11. For various configurations of 60-ampere pin and sleeve attachment plugs and cord connectors, see ANSI/UL1686.
This article covers apparatus for electric arc welding, resistance welding, plasma cutting, and other similar welding and cutting process equipment that is connected to an electrical supply system.
The ampacity of the supply conductors shall be not less than the I1eff value on the rating plate. Alternatively, if the I1eff is not given, the ampacity of the supply conductors shall not be less than the current value determined by multiplying the rated primary current in amperes given on the welder rating plate by the factor shown in Table 630.11(A) based on the duty cycle of the welder.
| Duty Cycle | Multiplier for Arc Welders | |
|---|---|---|
| Nonmotor Generator | Motor Generator | |
| 100 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| 90 | 0.95 | 0.96 |
| 80 | 0.89 | 0.91 |
| 70 | 0.84 | 0.86 |
| 60 | 0.78 | 0.81 |
| 50 | 0.71 | 0.75 |
| 40 | 0.63 | 0.69 |
| 30 | 0.55 | 0.62 |
| 20 or less | 0.45 | 0.55 |
Informational Note: Duty cycle considers welder loading based on the use to be made of each welder and the number of welders supplied by the conductors that will be in use at the same time. The load value used for each welder considers both the magnitude and the duration of the load while the welder is in use.
Minimum conductor ampacity shall be based on the individual currents determined in 630.11(A) as the sum of 100 percent of the two largest welders, plus 85 percent of the third largest welder, plus 70 percent of the fourth largest welder, plus 60 percent of all remaining welders.
Exception: Percentage values lower than those given in 630.11(B) shall be permitted in cases where the work is such that a high-operating duty cycle for individual welders is impossible.
Overcurrent protection for arc welders shall be as provided in 630.12(A) and (B). Where the values as determined by this section do not correspond to the standard ampere ratings provided in 240.6 or where the rating or setting specified results in unnecessary opening of the overcurrent device, the next higher standard rating or setting shall be permitted.
Each welder shall have overcurrent protection rated or set at not more than 200 percent of, I1max. Alternatively, if the I1max is not given, the overcurrent protection shall be rated or set at not more than 200 percent of the rated primary current of the welder.
An overcurrent device shall not be required for a welder that has supply conductors protected by an overcurrent device rated or set at not more than 200 percent of I1max or at the rated primary current of the welder.
If the supply conductors for a welder are protected by an overcurrent device rated or set at not more than 200 percent of I1max or at the rated primary current of the welder, a separate overcurrent device shall not be required.
Conductors that supply one or more welders shall be protected by an overcurrent device rated or set at not more than 200 percent of the conductor ampacity. 
Informational Note: I1max is the maximum value of the rated supply current at maximum rated output. Ileff is the maximum value of the effective supply current, calculated from the rated supply current ( I1), the corresponding duty cycle (duty factor) (X), and the supply current at no-load ( I0) by the following equation:
A disconnecting means shall be provided in the supply circuit for each arc welder that is not equipped with a disconnect mounted as an integral part of the welder. The disconnecting means identity shall be marked in accordance with 110.22(A).
The disconnecting means shall be a switch or circuit breaker, and its rating shall be not less than that necessary to accommodate overcurrent protection as specified under 630.12.
The secondary circuit conductors of an arc welder, consisting of the electrode conductor and the work conductor, shall not be considered as premises wiring for the purpose of applying Article 250.
Informational Note: Connecting welder secondary circuits to grounded objects can create parallel paths and can cause objectionable current over equipment grounding conductors.
The rated ampacity for conductors for individual welders shall comply with the following:
- The ampacity of the supply conductors for a welder that may be operated at different times at different values of primary current or duty cycle shall not be less than 70 percent of the rated primary current for seam and automatically fed welders, and 50 percent of the rated primary current for manually operated nonautomatic welders.
- The ampacity of the supply conductors for a welder wired for a specific operation for which the actual primary current and duty cycle are known and remain unchanged shall not be less than the product of the actual primary current and the multiplier specified in Table 630.31(A)(2) for the duty cycle at which the welder will be operated.
| Duty Cycle (%) | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| 50 | 0.71 |
| 40 | 0.63 |
| 30 | 0.55 |
| 25 | 0.50 |
| 20 | 0.45 |
| 15 | 0.39 |
| 10 | 0.32 |
| 7.5 | 0.27 |
| 5 or less | 0.22 |
The ampacity of conductors that supply two or more welders shall not be less than the sum of the value obtained in accordance with 630.31(A) for the largest welder supplied and 60 percent of the values obtained for all the other welders supplied.
Informational Note: Explanation of Terms
- The rated primary current is the rated kilovolt-amperes (kVA) multiplied by 1000 and divided by the rated primary voltage, using values given on the nameplate.
- The actual primary current is the current drawn from the supply circuit during each welder operation at the particular heat tap and control setting used.
- The duty cycle is the percentage of the time during which the welder is loaded. For instance, a spot welder supplied by a 60-Hz system (216,000 cycles per hour) and making 400 15-cycle welds per hour would have a duty cycle of 2.8 percent (400 multiplied by 15, divided by 216,000, multiplied by 100). A seam welder operating 2 cycles "on" and 2 cycles "off' would have a duty cycle of 50 percent.
Overcurrent protection for resistance welders shall be as provided in 630.32(A) and (B). Where the values as determined by this section do not correspond with the standard ampere ratings provided in 240.6 or where the rating or setting specified results in unnecessary opening of the overcurrent device, a higher rating or setting that does not exceed the next higher standard ampere rating shall be permitted.
Each welder shall have an overcurrent device rated or set at not more than 300 percent of the rated primary current of the welder. If the supply conductors for a welder are protected by an overcurrent device rated or set at not more than 200 percent of the rated primary current of the welder, a separate overcurrent device shall not be required.
Conductors that supply one or more welders shall be protected by an overcurrent device rated or set at not more than 300 percent of the conductor ampacity.
A switch or circuit breaker shall be provided by which each resistance welder and its control equipment can be disconnected from the supply circuit. The ampere rating of this disconnecting means shall not be less than the supply conductor ampacity determined in accordance with 630.31. The supply circuit switch shall be permitted as the welder disconnecting means where the circuit supplies only one welder.
A nameplate shall be provided for each resistance welder, giving the following information:
Insulation of conductors intended for use in the secondary circuit of electric welders shall be flame retardant.
This article covers equipment and wiring for audio signal generation, recording, processing, amplification, and reproduction; distribution of sound; public address; speech input systems; temporary audio system installations; and electronic organs or other electronic musical instruments. This also includes audio systems subject to Article 517, Part VI, and Articles 518, 520, 525, and 530.
Informational Note: Examples of permanently installed distributed audio system locations include, but are not limited to, restaurant, hotel, business office, commercial and retail sales environments, churches, and schools. Both portable and permanently installed equipment locations include, but are not limited to, residences, auditoriums, theaters, stadiums, and movie and television studios. Temporary installations include, but are not limited to, auditoriums, theaters, stadiums (which use both temporary and permanently installed systems), and outdoor events such as fairs, festivals, circuses, public events, and concerts.
This article does not cover the installation and wiring of fire and burglary alarm signaling devices.
For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply.
Abandoned Audio Distribution Cable. Installed audio distribution cable that is not terminated at equipment and not identified for future use with a tag.
Audio Amplifier or Pre-Amplifier. Electronic equipment that increases the current or voltage potential, or both, of an audio signal intended for use by another piece of audio equipment. Amplifier is the term used to denote an audio amplifier within this article.
Audio Autotransformer. A transformer with a single winding and multiple taps intended for use with an amplifier loudspeaker signal output.
Audio Signal Processing Equipment. Electrically operated equipment that produces, processes, or both, electronic signals that, when appropriately amplified and reproduced by a loudspeaker, produce an acoustic signal within the range of normal human hearing (typically 20-20 kHz). Within this article, the terms equipment and audio equipment are assumed to be equivalent to audio signal processing equipment.
Informational Note: This equipment includes, but is not limited to, loudspeakers; headphones; pre-amplifiers; microphones and their power supplies; mixers; MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) equipment or other digital control systems; equalizers, compressors, and other audio signal processing equipment; and audio media recording and playback equipment, including turntables, tape decks and disk players (audio and multimedia), synthesizers, tone generators, and electronic organs. Electronic organs and synthesizers may have integral or separate amplification and loudspeakers. With the exception of amplifier outputs, virtually all such equipment is used to process signals (utilizing analog or digital techniques) that have nonhazardous levels of voltage or current potential.
Audio System. Within this article, the totality of all equipment and interconnecting wiring used to fabricate a fully functional audio signal processing, amplification, and reproduction system.
Audio Transformer. A transformer with two or more electrically isolated windings and multiple taps intended for use with an amplifier loudspeaker signal output.
Equipment Rack. A framework for the support, enclosure, or both, of equipment; may be portable or stationary.
Loudspeaker. Equipment that converts an ac electric signal into an acoustic signal. The term speaker is commonly used to mean loudspeaker.
Maximum Output Power. The maximum power delivered by an amplifier into its rated load as determined under specified test conditions.
Informational Note: The maximum output power can exceed the manufacturer's rated output power for the same amplifier.
Mixer. Equipment used to combine and level match a multiplicity of electronic signals, such as from microphones, electronic instruments, and recorded audio.
Portable Equipment. Equipment fed with portable cords or cables intended to be moved from one place to another.
Rated Output Power. The amplifier manufacturer's stated or marked output power capability into its rated load.
Technical Power System. An electrical distribution system with grounding in accordance with 250.146(D), where the equipment grounding conductor is isolated from the premises grounded conductor except at a single grounded termination point within a branch-circuit panelboard, at the originating (main breaker) branch-circuit panelboard, or at the premises grounding electrode.
Temporary Equipment. Portable wiring and equipment intended for use with events of a transient or temporary nature where all equipment is presumed to be removed at the conclusion of the event.
See 300.22 for circuits and equipment installed in ducts or plenums or other space used for environmental air.
Informational Note: NFPA 90A-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems, 4.3.10.2.6.5, permits loudspeakers, loudspeaker assemblies, and their accessories listed in accordance with UL 20432008, Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces, to be installed in other spaces used for environmental air (ceiling cavity plenums).
Cable trays shall be used in accordance with Article 392.
Informational Note: See 725.154(C) for the use of Class 2, Class 3, and Type PLTC cable in cable trays.
Equipment used in assembly occupancies shall comply with Article 518.
Equipment used in theaters, audience areas of motion picture and television studios, and similar locations shall comply with Article 520.
Equipment used in carnivals, circuses, fairs, and similar events shall comply with Article 525.
Equipment used in motion picture and television studios shall comply with Article 530.
Audio equipment used in or near swimming pools, fountains, and similar locations shall comply with Article 680.
Where the authority having jurisdiction permits audio systems for paging or music, or both, to be combined with fire alarm systems, the wiring shall comply with Article 760.
Informational Note: For installation requirements for such combination systems, refer to NFPA 72-2013, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, and NFPA 101-2012, Life Safety Code.
Equipment used in audio systems that contain an audio or video tuner and an antenna input shall comply with Article 810. Wiring other than antenna wiring that connects such equipment to other audio equipment shall comply with this article.
Amplifiers, loudspeakers, and other equipment shall be so located or protected as to guard against environmental exposure or physical damage, such as might result in fire, shock, or personal hazard.
Cables installed exposed on the surface of ceilings and sidewalls shall be supported in such a manner that the audio distribution cables will not be damaged by normal building use. Such cables shall be secured by straps, staples, cable ties, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable. The installation shall conform to 300.4 and 300.11(A).
The accessible portion of abandoned audio distribution cables shall be removed.
Cables identified for future use shall be marked with a tag of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.
Cable tags shall have the following information:
- Date cable was identified for future use
- Date of intended use
- Information related to the intended future use of cable
Wireways and auxiliary gutters shall be connected to an equipment grounding conductor(s), to an equipment bonding jumper, or to the grounded conductor where permitted or required by 250.92(B)(1) or 250.142. Where the wireway or auxiliary gutter does not contain power-supply wires, the equipment grounding conductor shall not be required to be larger than 14 AWG copper or its equivalent. Where the wireway or auxiliary gutter contains power-supply wires, the equipment grounding conductor shall not be smaller than specified in 250.122.
Isolated grounding-type receptacles shall be permitted as described in 250.146(D), and for the implementation of other technical power systems in compliance with Article 250. For separately derived systems with 60 volts to ground, the branch-circuit equipment grounding conductor shall be terminated as required in 647.6(B).
Insulated conductors of different systems grouped or bundled so as to be in close physical contact with each other in the same raceway or other enclosure, or in portable cords or cables, shall comply with 300.3(C)(1).
Wiring and equipment from source of power to and between devices connected to the premises wiring systems shall comply with the requirements of Chapters 1 through 4, except as modified by this article.
Separately derived systems shall comply with the applicable articles of this Code, except as modified by this article. Separately derived systems with 60 volts to ground shall be permitted for use in audio system installations as specified in Article 647.
All wiring not connected to the premises wiring system or to a wiring system separately derived from the premises wiring system shall comply with Article 725.
Equipment that has a separate input for an auxiliary power supply shall be wired in compliance with Article 725. Battery installation shall be in accordance with Article 480. This section shall not apply to the use of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) equipment, or other sources of supply, that are intended to act as a direct replacement for the primary circuit power source and are connected to the primary circuit input.
Amplifiers with output circuits carrying audio program signals shall be permitted to employ Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 wiring where the amplifier is listed and marked for use with the specific class of wiring method. Such listing shall ensure the energy output is equivalent to the shock and fire risk of the same class as stated in Article 725. Overcurrent protection shall be provided and shall be permitted to be inherent in the amplifier.
Audio amplifier output circuits wired using Class 1 wiring methods shall be considered equivalent to Class 1 circuits and shall be installed in accordance with 725.46, where applicable.
Audio amplifier output circuits wired using Class 2 or Class 3 wiring methods shall be considered equivalent to Class 2 or Class 3 circuits, respectively. They shall use conductors insulated at not less than the requirements of 725.179 and shall be installed in accordance with 725.133 and 725.154.
Informational Note No. 1: ANSI/UL 1711-2006, Amplifiers for Fire Protective Signaling Systems, contains requirements for the listing of amplifiers used for fire alarm systems in compliance with NFPA 72-2013, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.
Informational Note No. 2: Examples of requirements for listing amplifiers used in residential, commercial, and professional use are found in ANSI/UL 813-1996, Commercial Audio Equipment; ANSI/UL 1419-2011, Professional Video and Audio Equipment; ANSI/UL 1492-2010, Audio-Video Products and Accessories; ANSI/UL 6500-2006, Audio/Video and Musical Instrument Apparatus for Household, Commercial, and Similar Use; and UL 62368-1-2012, Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment — Part 1: Safety Requirements.
Audio transformers and autotransformers shall be used only for audio signals in a manner so as not to exceed the manufacturer's stated input or output voltage, impedance, or power limitations. The input or output wires of an audio transformer or autotransformer shall be allowed to connect directly to the amplifier or loudspeaker terminals. No electrical terminal or lead shall be required to be grounded or bonded.
Audio systems near bodies of water, either natural or artificial, shall be subject to the restrictions specified in 640.10(A) and (B).
Exception: This section does not include audio systems intended for use on boats, yachts, or other forms of land or water transportation used near bodies of water, whether or not supplied by branch-circuit power.
Audio system equipment supplied by branch-circuit power shall not be placed horizontally within 1.5 m (5 ft) of the inside wall of a pool, spa, hot tub, or fountain, or within 1.5 m (5 ft) of the prevailing or tidal high water mark. The equipment shall be provided with branch-circuit power protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter where required by other articles.
Audio system equipment powered by a listed Class 2 power supply or by the output of an amplifier listed as permitting the use of Class 2 wiring shall be restricted in placement only by the manufacturer's recommendations.
Informational Note: See 640.10(A) for placement of the power supply or amplifier if supplied by branch-circuit power.
Power supply cords for audio equipment shall be suitable for the use and shall be permitted to be used where the interchange, maintenance, or repair of such equipment is facilitated through the use of a power-supply cord.
Cables used to connect loudspeakers to each other or to an amplifier shall comply with Article 725. Other listed cable types and assemblies, including optional hybrid communications, signal, and composite optical fiber cables, shall be permitted.
Cables used for the distribution of audio signals between equipment shall comply with Article 725. Other listed cable types and assemblies, including optional hybrid communications, signal, and composite optical fiber cables, shall be permitted. Other cable types and assemblies specified by the equipment manufacturer as acceptable for the use shall be permitted in accordance with 110.3(B).
The following power supplies, other than branch-circuit power supplies, shall be installed and wired between equipment in accordance with the requirements of this Code for the voltage and power delivered:
- Storage batteries
- Transformers
- Transformer rectifiers
- Other ac or dc power supplies
Informational Note: For some equipment, these sources such as in items (1) and (2) serve as the only source of power. These could, in turn, be supplied with intermittent or continuous branch-circuit power.
Flexible cords and cables shall be permitted for the electrical connection of permanently installed equipment racks to the premises wiring system to facilitate access to equipment or for the purpose of isolating the technical power system of the rack from the premises ground. Connection shall be made either by using approved plugs and receptacles or by direct connection within an approved enclosure. Flexible cords and cables shall not be subjected to physical manipulation or abuse while the rack is in use.
Metal equipment racks and enclosures shall be grounded. Bonding shall not be required if the rack is connected to a technical power ground.
Equipment racks shall be wired in a neat and workmanlike manner. Wires, cables, structural components, or other equipment shall not be placed in such a manner as to prevent reasonable access to equipment power switches and resettable or replaceable circuit overcurrent protection devices.
Supply cords or cables, if used, shall terminate within the equipment rack enclosure in an identified connector assembly. The supply cords or cable (and connector assembly if used) shall have sufficient ampacity to carry the total load connected to the equipment rack and shall be protected by overcurrent devices.
The number of conductors permitted in a single conduit or tubing shall not exceed the percentage fill specified in Table 1, Chapter 9.
The use of nonmetallic conduit or tubing and insulating bushings shall be permitted where a technical power system is employed and shall comply with applicable articles.
The use of metallic and nonmetallic wireways, gutters, and auxiliary gutters shall be permitted for use with audio signal conductors and shall comply with applicable articles with respect to permitted locations, construction, and fill.
Loudspeakers installed in a fire resistance-rated partition, wall, or ceiling shall be listed for that purpose or installed in an enclosure or recess that maintains the fire resistance rating.
Informational Note: Fire-rated construction is the fire- resistive classification used in building codes. One method of determining fire rating is testing in accordance with NFPA 256-2003, Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Roof Coverings.
Multipole branch-circuit cable connectors, male and female, for power-supply cords and cables shall be so constructed that tension on the cord or cable is not transmitted to the connections. The female half shall be attached to the load end of the power supply cord or cable. The connector shall be rated in amperes and designed so that differently rated devices cannot be connected together. Alternating-current multipole connectors shall be polarized and comply with 406.7(A) and (B) and 406.10. Alternating-current or direct-current multipole connectors utilized for connection between loudspeakers and amplifiers, or between loudspeakers, shall not be compatible with nonlocking 15- or 20-ampere rated connectors intended for branch-circuit power or with connectors rated 250 volts or greater and of either the locking or nonlocking type. Signal cabling not intended for such loudspeaker and amplifier interconnection shall not be permitted to be compatible with multipole branch-circuit cable connectors of any accepted configuration.
Power supply cords for audio equipment shall be listed and shall be permitted to be used where the interchange, maintenance, or repair of such equipment is facilitated through the use of a power-supply cord.
Flexible cords and cables used to connect loudspeakers to each other or to an amplifier shall comply with Article 400 and Article 725, respectively. Cords and cables listed for portable use, either hard or extra-hard usage as defined by Article 400, shall also be permitted. Other listed cable types and assemblies, including optional hybrid communications, signal, and optical fiber cables, shall be permitted.
Flexible cords and cables used for the distribution of audio signals between equipment shall comply with Article 400 and Article 725, respectively. Cords and cables listed for portable use, either hard or extra-hard service as defined by Article 400, shall also be permitted. Other listed cable types and assemblies, including optional hybrid communications, signal, and optical fiber cables, shall be permitted.
Wiring between the following power supplies, other than branch-circuit power supplies, shall be installed, connected, or wired in accordance with the requirements of this Code for the voltage and power required:
- Storage batteries
- Transformers
- Transformer rectifiers
- Other ac or dc power supplies
The supply to a portable equipment rack shall be by means of listed extra-hard usage cords or cables, as defined in Table 400.4. For outdoor portable or temporary use, the cords or cables shall be further listed as being suitable for wet locations and sunlight resistant. Sections 520.5, 520.10, and 525.3 shall apply as appropriate when the following conditions exist:
- Where equipment racks include audio and lighting and/or power equipment
- When using or constructing cable extensions, adapters, and breakout assemblies
Equipment racks fabricated of metal 1 be grounded. Nonmetallic racks with covers (if provided) removed shall not allow access to Class 1, Class 3, or primary circuit power without the removal of covers over terminals or the use of tools.
Equipment racks shall be wired in a neat and workmanlike manner. Wires, cables, structural components, or other equipment shall not be placed in such a manner as to prevent reasonable access to equipment power switches and resettable or replaceable circuit overcurrent protection devices.
Wiring that exits the equipment rack for connection to other equipment or to a power supply shall be relieved of strain or otherwise suitably terminated such that a pull on the flexible cord or cable will not increase the risk of damage to the cable or connected equipment such as to cause an unreasonable risk of fire or electric shock.
Portable equipment not listed for outdoor use shall be permitted only where appropriate protection of such equipment from adverse weather conditions is provided to prevent risk of fire or electric shock. Where the system is intended to remain operable during adverse weather, arrangements shall be made for maintaining operation and ventilation of heat-dissipating equipment.
Where accessible to the public, flexible cords and cables laid or run on the ground or on the floor shall be covered with approved nonconductive mats. Cables and mats shall be arranged so as not to present a tripping hazard. The cover requirements of 300.5 shall not apply to wiring protected by burial.
Equipment likely to present a risk of fire, electric shock, or physical injury to the public shall be protected by barriers or supervised by qualified personnel so as to prevent public access.
Informational Note: Text that is followed by a reference in brackets has been extracted from NFPA 75-2013. Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment. Only editorial changes were made to the extracted text to make it consistent with this Code.
This article covers equipment, power-supply wiring, equipment interconnecting wiring, and grounding of information technology equipment and systems in an information technology equipment room.
Informational Note: For further information, see NFPA 752013, Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment, which covers the requirements for the protection of information technology equipment and information technology equipment areas.
Abandoned Supply Circuits and Interconnecting Cables. Installed supply circuits and interconnecting cables that are not terminated at equipment and not identified for future use with a tag.
Critical Operations Data System. An information technology equipment system that requires continuous operation for reasons of public safety, emergency management, national security, or business continuity.
Information Technology Equipment (ITE). Equipment and systems rated 600 volts or less, normally found in offices or other business establishments and similar environments classified as ordinary locations, that are used for creation and manipulation of data, voice, video, and similar signals that are not communications equipment as defined in Part I of Article 100 and do not process communications circuits as defined in 800.2.
Informational Note: For information on listing requirements for both information technology equipment and communications equipment, see UL 60950-1-2007, Information Technology Equipment — Safety — Part 1: General Requirements.
Information Technology Equipment Room. A room within the information technology equipment area that contains the information technology equipment. [75:3.3.9]
Remote Disconnect Control. An electric device and circuit that controls a disconnecting means through a relay or equivalent device.
Zone. A physically identifiable area (such as barriers or separation by distance) within an information technology equipment room, with dedicated power and cooling systems for the information technology equipment or systems.
Sections 300.22(C)(1), 725.135(B), 760.53(B)(2), 760.135(B), 770.113(C), 800.113(C), and 820.113(C) and Table 725.154, Table 760.154, Table 770.154(a), Table 800.154(a), and Table 820.154(a) shall apply to wiring and cabling in a plenum (other space used for environmental air) above an information technology equipment room.
The non-current-carrying conductive members of optical fiber cables in an information technology equipment room shall be grounded in accordance with 770.114.
Section 725.121(A)(4) shall apply to the electrical classification of listed information technology equipment signaling circuits. Sections 725.139(D)(1) and 800.133(A)(1)(b) shall apply to the electrical classification of Class 2 and Class 3 circuits in the same cable with communications circuits.
Parts I, II, and III of Article 760 shall apply to fire alarm systems equipment installed in an information technology equipment room.
Parts I, II, III, IV, and V of Article 800 shall apply to communications equipment installed in an information technology equipment room. Article 645 shall apply to the powering of communications equipment in an information technology equipment room.
Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100, Definitions, for a definition of communications equipment.
Parts I, II, III, IV, and V of Article 820 shall apply to community antenna television and radio distribution systems equipment installed in an information technology equipment room. Article 645 shall apply to the powering of community antenna television and radio distribution systems equipment installed in an information technology equipment room.
This article shall be permitted to provide alternate wiring methods to the provisions of Chapter 3 and Article 708 for power wiring. Parts I and III of Article 725 for signaling wiring, and Parts I and V of Article 770 for optical fiber cabling where all of the following conditions are met:
- Disconnecting means complying with 645.10 are provided.
- A heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) system is provided in one of the methods identified in 645.4(2) a or b.
- A separate HVAC system that is dedicated for information technology equipment use and is separated from other areas of occupancy; or
- An HVAC system that serves other occupancies and meets all of the following:
- Also serves the information technology equipment room
- Provides fire/smoke dampers at the point of penetration of the room boundary
- Activates the damper operation upon initiation by smoke detector alarms, by operation of the disconnecting means required by 645.10, or by both
Informational Note: For further information, see NFPA 752013, Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment, Chapter 10, 10.1, 10.1.1, 10.1.2, and 10.1.3.
- All information technology and communications equipment installed in the room is listed.
- The room is occupied by, and accessible to, only those personnel needed for the maintenance and functional operation of the installed information technology equipment.
- The room is separated from other occupancies by fire-resistant-rated walls, floors, and ceilings with protected openings.
Informational Note: For further information on room construction requirements, see NFPA 75-2013, Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment, Chapter 5.
- Only electrical equipment and wiring associated with the operation of the information technology room is installed in the room.
The branch-circuit conductors supplying one or more units of information technology equipment shall have an ampacity not less than 125 percent of the total connected load.
Information technology equipment shall be permitted to be connected to a branch circuit by a power-supply cord.
- Power-supply cords shall not exceed 4.5 m (15 ft).
- Power cords shall be listed and a type permitted for use on listed information technology equipment or shall be constructed of listed flexible cord and listed attachment plugs and cord connectors of a type permitted for information technology equipment.
Informational Note: One method of determining if cords are of a type permitted for the purpose is found in UL 60950-1-2007, Safety of Information Technology Equipment — Safety — Part 1: General Requirements; or UL 62368-1-2012, Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment — Part 1: Safety Requirements.
Separate information technology equipment units shall be permitted to be interconnected by means of listed cables and cable assemblies. The 4.5 m (15 ft) limitation in 645.5(B)(1) shall not apply to interconnecting cables.
Power cables, communications cables, connecting cables, interconnecting cables, cord-and- plug connections, and receptacles associated with the information technology equipment shall be permitted under a raised floor, provided the following conditions are met:
- The raised floor is of approved construction, and the area under the floor is accessible.
- The branch-circuit supply conductors to receptacles or field-wired equipment are in rigid metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, electrical nonmetallic tubing, metal wireway, nonmetallic wireway, surface metal raceway with metal cover, surface nonmetallic raceway, flexible metal conduit, liquidtight flexible metal conduit, or liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit, Type MI cable, Type MC cable, or Type AC cable and associated metallic and nonmetallic boxes or enclosures. These supply conductors shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of 300.11.
- Supply cords of listed information technology equipment are in accordance with 645.5(B).
- Ventilation in the underfloor area is used for the information technology equipment room only, except as provided in 645.4(2).
- Openings in raised floors for cords and cables protect cords and cables against abrasion and minimize the entrance of debris beneath the floor.
- Cables, other than those covered in 645.5(E)(2) and (E)(3), are one of the following:
- Listed Type DP cable having adequate fire-resistant characteristics suitable for use under raised floors of an information technology equipment room
- Interconnecting cables enclosed in a raceway.
- Cable type designations shown in Table 645.5(E)(6)
- Equipment grounding conductors
Informational Note: One method of defining fire resistance is by establishing that the cables do not spread fire to the top of the tray in the "UL Flame Exposure, Vertical Tray Flame Test" in UL 1685-2011. Standard for Safety for Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables. The smoke measurements in the test method are not applicable.
Another method of defining fire resistance is for the damage (char length) not to exceed 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in.) when performing the CSA "Vertical Flame Test — Cables in Cable Trays," as described in CSA C22.2 No. 0.3-M-2001, Test Methods for Electrical Wires and Cables.
Table 645.5(E)(6) Cable Types Permitted Under Raised Floors
| Article | Plenum | Riser | General Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 336 | TC | ||
| 725 | CL2P & CL3P | CL2R & CL3R | CL2, CL3 & PLTC ITC |
| 727 | ITC | ||
| 760 | NPLFP & FPLP | NPLFR & FPLR | NPLF & FPL |
| 770 | OFNP & OFCP | OFNR & OFCR | OFN & OFC |
| 800 | CMP | CMR | CM & CMG |
| 820 | CATVP | CATVR | CATV |
Power cables; communications cables; connecting cables; interconnecting cables; and associated boxes, connectors, plugs, and receptacles that are listed as part of, or for, information technology equipment shall not be required to be secured in place.
The accessible portion of abandoned supply circuits and interconnecting cables shall be removed unless contained in a raceway.
- Supply circuits and interconnecting cables identified for future use shall be marked with a tag of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.
- Supply circuit tags and interconnecting cable tags shall have the following information:
- Date identified for future use
- Date of intended use
- Information relating to the intended future use
Cables extending beyond the information technology equipment room shall be subject to the applicable requirements of this Code.
An approved means shall be provided to disconnect power to all electronic equipment in the information technology equipment room or in designated zones within the room. There shall also be a similar approved means to disconnect the power to all dedicated HVAC systems serving the room or designated zones and shall cause all required fire/smoke dampers to close. The disconnecting means shall comply with either 645.10(A) or (B).
Exception: Installations qualifying under the provisions of Article 685.
Remote disconnect controls shall be located at approved locations readily accessible in case of fire to authorized personnel and emergency responders.
The remote disconnect means for the control of electronic equipment power and HVAC systems shall be grouped and identified. A single means to control both systems shall be permitted.
Additional means to prevent unintentional operation of remote disconnect controls shall be permitted.
Informational Note: For further information, see NFPA 75- 2013, Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment.
Remote disconnecting controls shall not be required for critical operations data systems when all of the following conditions are met:
- An approved procedure has been established and maintained for removing power and air movement within the room or zone.
- Qualified personnel are continuously available to meet emergency responders and to advise them of disconnecting methods.
- A smoke-sensing fire detection system is in place. Informational Note: For further information, see NFPA 722013, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.
- An approved fire suppression system suitable for the application is in place.
- Cables installed under a raised floor, other than branch-circuit wiring, and power cords are installed in compliance with 645.5(E)(2) or (E)(3), or in compliance with 300.22(C), 725.135(B), and Table 725.154; 770.113(C) and Table 770.154(a); 800.113(C) and Table 800.154(a); or 820.113(C) and Table 820.154(a).
Except for installations and constructions covered in 645.11(1) or (2), UPS systems installed within the information technology equipment room, and their supply and output circuits, shall comply with 645.10. The disconnecting means shall also disconnect the battery from its load.
- Installations qualifying under the provisions of Article 685
- Power sources limited to 750 volt-amperes or less derived either from UPS equipment or from battery circuits integral to electronic equipment
Separately derived power systems shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Parts I and II of Article 250. Power systems derived within listed information technology equipment that supply information technology systems through receptacles or cable assemblies supplied as part of this equipment shall not be considered separately derived for the purpose of applying 250.30.
All exposed non-current-carrying metal parts of an information technology system shall be bonded to the equipment grounding conductor in accordance with Parts I, V, VI, VII, and VIII of Article 250 or shall be double insulated. Where signal reference structures are installed, they shall be bonded to the equipment grounding conductor provided for the information technology equipment. Any auxiliary grounding electrode(s) installed for information technology equipment shall be installed in accordance with 250.54.
Informational Note No. 1: The bonding requirements in the product standards governing this listed equipment ensure that it complies with Article 250.
Informational Note No. 2: Where isolated grounding-type receptacles are used, see 250.146(D) and 406.3(D).
Each unit of an information technology system supplied by a branch circuit shall be provided with a manufacturer's nameplate, which shall also include the input power requirements for voltage, frequency, and maximum rated load in amperes.
Power distribution units that are used for information technology equipment shall be permitted to have multiple panelboards within a single cabinet if the power distribution unit is utilization equipment listed for information technology application.
As an alternative to the feeder and service load calculations required by Parts III and IV of Article 220, feeder and service load calculations for new or existing loads shall be permitted to be used if provided by qualified persons under engineering supervision.
Critical operations data system(s) overcurrent protective devices shall be selectively coordinated with all supply-side overcurrent protective devices.
This article covers modular data centers.
Informational Note No. 1: Modular data centers include the installed information technology equipment (ITE) and support equipment, electrical supply and distribution, wiring and protection, working space, grounding, HVAC, and the like, that are located in an equipment enclosure.
Informational Note No. 2: For further information, see NFPA 75-2013, Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment, which covers the requirements for the protection of information technology equipment and systems in an information technology equipment room.
The definitions in 645.2 shall apply. For the purposes of this article, the following additional definition applies.
Modular Data Center (MDC). Prefabricated units, rated 600 volts or less, consisting of an outer enclosure housing multiple racks or cabinets of information technology equipment (ITE) (e.g., servers) and various support equipment, such as electrical service and distribution equipment, HVAC systems, and the like.
Informational Note No. 1: A typical construction may use a standard ISO shipping container or other structure as the outer enclosure, racks or cabinets of ITE, service-entrance equipment and power distribution components, power storage such as a UPS, and an air or liquid cooling system. Modular data centers are intended for fixed installation, either indoors or outdoors, based on their construction and resistance to environmental conditions. MDCs can be configured as an all-in-one system housed in a single equipment enclosure or as a system with the support equipment housed in separate equipment enclosures.
Informational Note No. 2: For information on listing requirements for both information technology equipment and communications equipment, see UL 60950-1-2011, Information Technology Equipment — Safety — Part 1: General Requirements, and UL 62368-1-2012, Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment — Part 1: Safety Requirements.
Informational Note No. 3: Modular data centers as defined in this article are sometimes referred to as containerized data centers.
Informational Note No. 4: Equipment enclosures housing only support equipment (e.g., HVAC or power distribution equipment) that are not part of a specific modular data center are not considered a modular data center as defined in this article.
Circuits and equipment shall comply with 646.3(A) through (N) as applicable. Wherever the requirements of other articles of this Code and Article 646 differ, the requirements of Article 646 shall apply.
Sections 300.22(C)(1), 725.154(A), 760.53(B)(2), 760.154(A), 770.113(C), 800.113(C), and Table 725.154, Table 760.154, Table 770.154(a), Table 800.154(a), and Table 820.154(a) shall apply to wiring and cabling in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums).
Grounding and bonding of an MDC shall comply with Article 250. The non-current-carrying conductive members of optical fiber cables in an MDC shall be grounded in accordance with 770.114. Grounding and bonding of communications protectors, cable shields, and non-current-carrying metallic members of cable shall comply with Part IV of Article 800.
Section 725.121(A)(4) shall apply to the electrical classification of listed information technology equipment signaling circuits. Sections 725.139(D)(1) and 800.133(A)(1)(b) shall apply to the electrical classification of Class 2 and Class 3 circuits in the same cable with communications circuits.
The provisions of Parts I, II, and III of Article 760 shall apply to fire alarm system equipment installed in an MDC, where provided.
Parts I, II, III, IV, and V of Article 800 shall apply to communications equipment installed in an MDC.
Informational Note: See Part 1 of Article 100 for a definition of communications equipment.
Parts I, II, III, IV, and V of Article 820 shall apply to community antenna television and radio distribution systems equipment installed in an MDC.
Installation of storage batteries shall comply with Article 480.
Where provided, surge-protective devices shall be listed and labeled and installed in accordance with Article 285.
Lighting shall be installed in accordance with Article 410.
Power distribution wiring and wiring protection within an MDC shall comply with Article 210 for branch circuits.
- Unless modified elsewhere in this article, wiring methods and materials for power distribution shall comply with Chapter 3. Wiring shall be suitable for its use and installation and shall be listed and labeled.
- The following wiring methods shall not be permitted:
- Integrated gas spacer cable: Type IGS (Article 326)
- Concealed knob-and-tube wiring (Article 394)
- Messenger-supported wiring (Article 396)
- Open wiring on insulators (Article 398)
- Outdoor overhead conductors over 600 volts (Article 399)
- Wiring in areas under a raised floor that are constructed and used for ventilation as described in 645.5(E) shall be permitted to use the wiring methods described in 645.5(E).
- Installation of wiring for remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits shall comply with Part III of Article 725.
- Installation of optical fiber cables shall comply with Part V of Article 770.
- Installation of wiring for fire alarm systems shall comply with Parts II and III of Article