Ken Seaton, P.E., President, The Seaton Group, Chicago
Articles
National Electrical Code 2005: Unifying Control Panels
Editor’s Note: This is the seventh in a continuing series covering significant new issues raised by the 2005 Edition of the National Electrical Code. Industrial control panels, used to control such systems as lighting, conveyor systems and air conditioning, in many cases, are manufactured in the field. Even thought the individual devices used in a system might be Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-listed, the panel itself is not. This has been a concern for both installers and inspectors, especially because these panels have been increasingly misused. In an effort to close existing gaps in safety requirements for industrial control panels, as well as to advance safety in the industry, NEC's new Article 409, “Industrial Control Panels,” details requirements for the installation and inspection of “control panels that are intended for general use and that operate at a voltage of 600 volts or less.” These assemblies of industrial control components are intended to provide control logic and distribution of power to various external motor loads, non-motor loads or a combination of both.
National Electrical Code 2005: Safeguarding Ballast Servicing
Editor’s Note: This is the sixth in a bimonthly column that covers significant new issues raised by the 2005 Edition of the National Electrical Code. Fluorescent luminaires (fixtures) are often serviced while energized to avoid removing illumination from an area, including the replacement of ballasts. This often requires individuals to work while on ladders, allowing only limited movement and ability to react to shock incidents where the worker accidentally comes in contact with energized parts.