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National Electrical Code 威
Handbook Tenth Edition
International Electrical Code威 Series
Mark W. Earley, P.E.
Editor-in-Chief
Jeffrey S. Sargent
Senior Editor
Joseph V. Sheehan, P.E.
Editor
John M. Caloggero
Editor
With the complete text of the 2005 edition of the National Electrical Code威
National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Massachusetts
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, Product Manager: Charles Durang
Editorial Manager: Sylvia Dovner
Project Editor: Joyce Grandy
Copy Editor: Nancy Wirtes
Editorial Assistant: Carol A. Henderson
Text Processing: Lynn Lupo, Maureen White
Composition: Modern Graphics
Art Coordinator: Cheryl Langway
Illustrations: Rollin Graphics, George Nichols, J. Philip Simmons
Interior Design: Cheryl Langway and The Davis Group
Chapter Opening Photo: 䉷 Christopher Lucas/IPNSTOCK
Cover Design: Cameron, Inc.
Manufacturing Manager: Ellen Glisker
Printer: R.R. Donnelley/Willard
Copyright 䉷 2005
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
One Batterymarch Park
Quincy, Massachusetts 02169-7471
All rights reserved. No part of the material protected by this copyright notice may be reproduced or utilized in
any form without acknowledgment of the copyright owner nor may it be used in any form for resale without
written permission from the copyright owner.
Notice Concerning Liability: Publication of this handbook is for the purpose of circulating information and
opinion among those concerned for fire and electrical safety and related subjects. While every effort has been
made to achieve a work of high quality, neither the NFPA nor the contributors to this handbook guarantee the
accuracy or completeness of or assume any liability in connection with the information and opinions contained
in this handbook. The NFPA and the contributors shall in no event be liable for any personal injury, property,
or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly
or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance upon this handbook.
This handbook is published with the understanding that the NFPA and the contributors to this handbook
are supplying information and opinion but are not attempting to render engineering or other professional services.
If such services are required, the assistance of an appropriate professional should be sought.
Notice Concerning Code Interpretations: This tenth edition of the National Electrical Code威 Handbook is
based on the 2005 edition of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. All NFPA codes, standards, recommended
practices, and guides, of which the document contained herein is one, are developed through a consensus
standards development process approved by the American National Standards Institute. This process brings
together volunteers representing varied viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus on fire and other safety
issues. The handbook contains the complete text of NFPA 70 and any applicable Formal Interpretations issued
by the Association. These documents are accompanied by explanatory commentary and other supplementary
materials.
The commentary and supplementary materials in this handbook are not a part of the Code and do not
constitute Formal Interpretations of the NFPA (which can be obtained only through requests processed by the
responsible technical committees in accordance with the published procedures of the NFPA). The commentary
and supplementary materials, therefore, solely reflect the personal opinions of the editor or other contributors
and do not necessarily represent the official position of the NFPA or its technical committees.
威Registered Trademark National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
NFPA No.: 70HB05
ISBN (book): 0-87765-625-8
ISBN (CD): 0-87765-627-4
Library of Congress Control No.: 2004116336
Printed in the United States of America
05 06 07 08 09 5 4 3 2 1
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, Dedication
The 2005 NEC Handbook is dedicated to
Philip H. Cox, who recently retired as
Executive Director of the International
Association of Electrical Inspectors
(IAEI). Phil has had a long and
distinguished career in the electrical
industry. He has been a member of the NEC code-making panels in three different
capacities. He represented IAEI as a member, NEMA as a field representative, and
IAEI as CEO and Executive Director. He served on CMP 6 and as chairman of
CMP 1. He also served on the NEC Technical Correlating Committee, where his
activities included a number of task groups. The membership group, which he chaired,
greatly streamlined the membership process into a model of efficiency.
Phil is a tireless advocate for electrical safety, which he believes depends on Code
education. Toward this end, Phil has continued to improve and expand the IAEI
product line through products such as the IAEI Analysis of Changes to the National
Electrical Code. He is a warm person who cares deeply about his work and the
people he works with. Phil is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he
earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
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, Contents
Preface IX Article 332 Mineral-Insulated, Metal-Sheathed Cable: Type
MI 351
Article 334 Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable: Types NM, NMC,
Article 90 Introduction 1 and NMS 355
Article 336 Power and Control Tray Cable: Type
TC 360
Chapter 1 General 11 Article 338 Service-Entrance Cable: Types SE and
USE 362
Article 100 Definitions 12 Article 340 Underground Feeder and Branch-Circuit Cable:
Article 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations 33 Type UF 364
Article 342 Intermediate Metal Conduit: Type IMC 365
Article 344 Rigid Metal Conduit: Type RMC 368
Chapter 2 Wiring and Protection 59 Article 348 Flexible Metal Conduit: Type FMC 373
Article 200 Use and Identification of Grounded Article 350 Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit: Type
Conductors 60 LFMC 376
Article 210 Branch Circuits 65 Article 352 Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit: Type RNC 378
Article 215 Feeders 96 Article 353 High Density Polyethylene Conduit: Type
Article 220 Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service HDPE Conduit 384
Calculations 101 Article 354 Nonmetallic Underground Conduit with
Article 225 Outside Branch Circuits and Feeders 120 Conductors: Type NUCC 386
Article 230 Services 130 Article 356 Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit: Type
Article 240 Overcurrent Protection 157 LFNC 387
Article 250 Grounding and Bonding 180 Article 358 Electrical Metallic Tubing: Type EMT 390
Article 280 Surge Arresters 244 Article 360 Flexible Metallic Tubing: Type FMT 393
Article 285 Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors: Article 362 Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing: Type
TVSSs 246 ENT 395
Article 366 Auxiliary Gutters 401
Article 368 Busways 404
Chapter 3 Wiring Methods and Materials 251 Article 370 Cablebus 409
Article 372 Cellular Concrete Floor Raceways 411
Article 300 Wiring Methods 252 Article 374 Cellular Metal Floor Raceways 412
Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring 277 Article 376 Metal Wireways 414
Article 312 Cabinets, Cutout Boxes, and Meter Socket Article 378 Nonmetallic Wireways 416
Enclosures 314 Article 380 Multioutlet Assembly 418
Article 314 Outlet, Device, Pull, and Junction Boxes; Article 382 Nonmetallic Extensions 419
Conduit Bodies; Fittings; and Handhole Article 384 Strut-Type Channel Raceway 420
Enclosures 320 Article 386 Surface Metal Raceways 422
Article 320 Armored Cable: Type AC 336 Article 388 Surface Nonmetallic Raceways 424
Article 322 Flat Cable Assemblies: Type FC 339 Article 390 Underfloor Raceways 426
Article 324 Flat Conductor Cable: Type FCC 341 Article 392 Cable Trays 428
Article 326 Integrated Gas Spacer Cable: Type IGS 344 Article 394 Concealed Knob-and-Tube Wiring 439
Article 328 Medium Voltage Cable: Type MV 345 Article 396 Messenger Supported Wiring 441
Article 330 Metal-Clad Cable: Type MC 346 Article 398 Open Wiring on Insulators 442
v
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, vi Contents
Chapter 4 Equipment for General Use 445 Article 518 Assembly Occupancies 800
Article 520 Theaters, Audience Areas of Motion Picture and
Article 400 Flexible Cords and Cables 446 Television Studios, Performance Areas, and
Article 402 Fixture Wires 459 Similar Locations 805
Article 404 Switches 463 Article 525 Carnivals, Circuses, Fairs, and Similar
Article 406 Receptacles, Cord Connectors, and Attachment Events 823
Plugs (Caps) 469 Article 530 Motion Picture and Television Studios and
Article 408 Switchboards and Panelboards 478 Similar Locations 826
Article 409 Industrial Control Panels 488 Article 540 Motion Picture Projection Rooms 831
Article 410 Luminaires (Lighting Fixtures), Lampholders, Article 545 Manufactured Buildings 834
and Lamps 491 Article 547 Agricultural Buildings 835
Article 411 Lighting Systems Operating at 30 Volts or Article 550 Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes, and
Less 512 Mobile Home Parks 841
Article 422 Appliances 513 Article 551 Recreational Vehicles and Recreational Vehicle
Article 424 Fixed Electric Space-Heating Parks 853
Equipment 522 Article 552 Park Trailers 869
Article 426 Fixed Outdoor Electric Deicing and Snow- Article 553 Floating Buildings 880
Melting Equipment 534 Article 555 Marinas and Boatyards 882
Article 427 Fixed Electric Heating Equipment for Pipelines Article 590 Temporary Installations 888
and Vessels 538
Article 430 Motors, Motor Circuits, and Controllers 543
Article 440 Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating
Chapter 6 Special Equipment 895
Equipment 595 Article 600 Electric Signs and Outline Lighting 896
Article 445 Generators 605 Article 604 Manufactured Wiring Systems 905
Article 450 Transformers and Transformer Vaults (Including Article 605 Office Furnishings (Consisting of Lighting
Secondary Ties) 608 Accessories and Wired Partitions) 908
Article 455 Phase Converters 626 Article 610 Cranes and Hoists 909
Article 460 Capacitors 628 Article 620 Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators, Moving
Article 470 Resistors and Reactors 631 Walks, Wheelchair Lifts, and Stairway Chair
Article 480 Storage Batteries 632 Lifts 916
Article 490 Equipment, Over 600 Volts, Nominal 635 Article 625 Electric Vehicle Charging System 933
Article 630 Electric Welders 942
Chapter 5 Special Occupancies 645 Article 640 Audio Signal Processing, Amplification, and
Reproduction Equipment 946
Article 500 Hazardous (Classified) Locations, Classes I, II, Article 645 Information Technology Equipment 955
and III, Divisions 1 and 2 646 Article 647 Sensitive Electronic Equipment 959
Article 501 Class I Locations 671 Article 650 Pipe Organs 961
Article 502 Class II Locations 698 Article 660 X-Ray Equipment 961
Article 503 Class III Locations 708 Article 665 Induction and Dielectric Heating
Article 504 Intrinsically Safe Systems 713 Equipment 964
Article 505 Class I, Zone 0, 1, and 2 Locations 718 Article 668 Electrolytic Cells 970
Article 506 Zone 20, 21, and 22 Locations for Combustible Article 669 Electroplating 974
Dusts, Fibers, and Flyings 735 Article 670 Industrial Machinery 974
Article 510 Hazardous (Classified) Locations — Article 675 Electrically Driven or Controlled Irrigation
Specific 741 Machines 977
Article 511 Commercial Garages, Repair and Article 680 Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar
Storage 741 Installations 981
Article 513 Aircraft Hangars 748 Article 682 Natural and Artificially Made Bodies of
Article 514 Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities 752 Water 1011
Article 515 Bulk Storage Plants 759 Article 685 Integrated Electrical Systems 1013
Article 516 Spray Application, Dipping, and Coating Article 690 Solar Photovoltaic Systems 1014
Processes 766 Article 692 Fuel Cell Systems 1036
Article 517 Health Care Facilities 774 Article 695 Fire Pumps 1040
2005 National Electrical Code Handbook
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, Contents vii
Chapter 7 Special Conditions 1053 Table 5 Dimensions of Insulated Conductors and Fixture
Wires 1176
Article 700 Emergency Systems 1054 Table 5A Compact Aluminum Building Wire Nominal
Article 701 Legally Required Standby Systems 1068 Dimensions and Areas 1180
Article 702 Optional Standby Systems 1072 Table 8 Conductor Properties 1181
Article 705 Interconnected Electric Power Production Table 9 Alternating-Current Resistance and Reactance
Sources 1074 for 600-Volt Cables, 3-Phase, 60 Hz, 75⬚C
Article 720 Circuits and Equipment Operating at Less Than (167⬚F) — Three Single Conductors in
50 Volts 1078 Conduit 1183
Article 725 Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Remote-Control, Table 11(A) Class 2 and Class 3 Alternating-Current Power
Signaling, and Power-Limited Source Limitations 1185
Circuits 1079 Table 11(B) Class 2 and Class 3 Direct-Current Power Source
Article 727 Instrumentation Tray Cable: Type ITC 1097 Limitations 1186
Article 760 Fire Alarm Systems 1098 Table 12(A) PLFA Alternating-Current Power Source
Article 770 Optical Fiber Cables and Raceways 1112 Limitations 1187
Article 780 Closed-Loop and Programmed Power Table 12(B) PLFA Direct-Current Power Source
Distribution 1119 Limitations 1187
Chapter 8 Communications Systems 1123 Annexes
Article 800 Communications Circuits 1124 Annex A Product Safety Standards 1189
Article 810 Radio and Television Equipment 1139 Annex B Application Information for Ampacity
Article 820 Community Antenna Television and Radio Calculation 1193
Distribution Systems 1144 Annex C Conduit and Tubing Fill Tables for Conductors
Article 830 Network-Powered Broadband Communications and Fixture Wires of the Same Size 1209
Systems 1153 Annex D Examples 1273
Annex E Types of Construction 1283
Annex F Cross-Reference Tables 1285
Chapter 9 Tables 1167
Annex G Administration and Enforcement 1293
Table 1 Percent of Cross Section of Conduit and Tubing
for Conductors 1168 Index 1301
Table 2 Radius of Conduit and Tubing Bends 1171
Table 4 Dimensions and Percent Area of Conduit and
Tubing (Areas of Conduit or Tubing for the About the Editors 1333
Combinations of Wires Permitted in Table 1,
Chapter 9) 1172
National Electrical Code Handbook 2005
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, Preface
This handbook contains the 50th edition of the National Electrical Code. Nearly 109
years have passed since those cold days of March 18–19, 1896, when a group of 23
persons representing a wide variety of organizations met at the headquarters of the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers in New York City. Their purpose was to
develop a national code of rules for electrical construction and operation. (It is interesting
to note that this meeting took place a mere 17 years after the invention of the incandescent
light bulb.) This attempt was not the first to establish consistent rules for electrical
installations, but it was the first national effort. The number of electrical fires was
increasing, and the need for standardization was becoming urgent. By 1881, one insurer
had reported electrical fires in 65 textile mills in New England.
The major problem was the lack of an authoritative, nationwide electrical installation
standard. As one of the early participants noted, ‘‘We were without standards and
inspectors, while manufacturers were without experience and knowledge of real installa-
tion needs. The workmen frequently created the standards as they worked, and rarely
did two men think and work alike.’’
By 1895, five electrical installation codes had come into use in the United States,
causing considerable controversy and confusion. The manufacture of products that met
the requirements of all five codes was difficult, so something had to be done to develop
a single, national code. The committee that met in 1896 recognized that the five existing
codes should be used collectively as the basis for the new code. In the first known
instance of international harmonization, the group also referred to the German code, the
code of the British Board of Trade, and the Phoenix Rules of England. The importance
of industry consensus was immediately recognized; before the committee met again in
1897, the new code was reviewed by 1200 individuals in the United States and Europe.
Shortly thereafter, the first standardized U.S. electrical code, the National Electrical
Code威, was published.
The National Electrical Code has become the most widely adopted code in the
United States. It is the installation code used in all 50 states and all U.S. territories.
Moreover, it has grown well beyond the borders of the United States and is now used
in numerous other countries. Because the Code is a living document, constantly changing
to reflect changes in technology, its use continues to grow.
Some things have not changed. The National Electrical Code continues to offer an
open-consensus process. Anyone can submit a proposal for change or a public comment,
and all proposals and comments are subject to a rigorous public review process. The
NEC still provides the best technical information, ensuring the practical safeguarding
of persons and property from the hazards arising from the use of electricity.
Throughout its history, the National Electrical Code Committee has been guided by
giants in the electrical industry. The names are too numerous to mention. Certainly the
first chairman, William J. Hammer, should be applauded for providing the leadership
necessary to get the Code started. More recently, the Code has been chaired by outstanding
leaders such as Richard L. Loyd, Richard W. Osborne, Richard G. Biermann, D. Harold
Ware, and James W. Carpenter. Each of these men has devoted many years to the National
Electrical Code Committee.
The editors wish to note the passing of some long-term committee members who made
numerous contributions to the National Electrical Code: Anthony Montourri, CMP 9; Le-
land J. Hall, former chair of CMP 14; and James N. Pearse, CMP 20 and CMP 17.
ix
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, x Preface
The editors have conferred closely with members of the National Electrical Code
Committee in developing the revisions incorporated into the 2005 edition of the Code.
The assistance and cooperation of code-making panel chairs and various committee
members are herein gratefully acknowledged.
This edition of the NEC Handbook would not have been possible without the
invaluable technical assistance of Kenneth G. Mastrullo, Senior Electrical Specialist;
Lee F. Richardson, Senior Electrical Engineer; Richard J. Roux, Senior Electrical Special-
ist; and Donald W. Shields, Senior Electrical Specialist. Their contributions are greatly
appreciated.
The editors acknowledge with thanks the manufacturers and their representatives
who generously supplied photographs, drawings, and data upon request. Special thanks
also to the editors of and contributors to past editions. Their work provided an excellent
foundation on which to build.
The editors express special thanks to Joyce Grandy for her long hours and extraordi-
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nary effort in attending to all of the editorial details that we technical types often overlook.
Special thanks are also due to Sylvia Dovner, an outstanding manager who kept this
project on track. Without the efforts of Joyce and Sylvia, this new and improved edition
of the NEC Handbook would not have been possible.
We also wish to thank the electrical support staff: Carol Henderson, Mary Warren-
Pilson, and Kathleen Stevens, along with their leader, Jean O’Connor, for their support
on this project.
The editors express their sincere appreciation to Richard Berman, Philip H. Cox,
Allan Manche, Brian Phelan, David Kendall, Lori Tennant, Ray C. Mullin, James Pauley,
Vincent Saporita, Peter J. Schram, and John C. Wiles for special help on specific articles.
We also wish to thank Mr. Schram for his work on developing the summaries of Code
changes. Finally, we also thank the following for contributing photos and graphics for
this edition:
3M Co., Electrical Markets H. H. Robertson Floor Reading Municipal Light
Division Systems Department
AFC Cable Systems, Inc. Hubbell, Inc. RKL Lighting Company
Agfa Corporation Hubbell Inc., Kellems Rockbestos-Suprenant Cable
Ajax Tocco Magnethermic, Division Corp.
Park Ohio Industries Hubbell RACO S&C Electric Co.
Alcoa Inc. International Association of Schneider Electric SA
Allied Tube & Conduit, a Electrical Inspectors/ Smart House
Tyco International Co. Michael Johnston, Director Solar Design Associates, Inc.
American Society of of Education Southwest Technology
Mechanical Engineers Kieffer and Company, Inc./ Development Institute/
Appleton Electric Co., EGS Stephen Kieffer, John Wiles, Program
Electrical Group Chairman & CEO Manager
Bose Corp. Kliegl Bros. Square D Co.
Bussmann Division, Cooper L. E. Mason Co. State of New Hampshire
Industries Lithonia Lighting, Reloc Electricians Board/Chief
Cable Tray Institute Wiring Systems Inspector Mark Hilbert
Carlon威, Lamson & Sessions MPHusky Corp. Strayfield Ltd.
Caterpillar Inc. NAPCO Security Systems, Texas Instruments
Colortran, Inc. Inc. Thermatool Corp.
Cooper Crouse-Hinds National Electrical Thomas & Betts Corp.
Daniel Woodhead Co. Manufacturers Association Tyco Electronics Corp.
Dranetz-BMI O-Z./Gedney, a division of Underwriters Laboratories
Dual-Lite, Inc. EGS Electrical Group Inc.
Electronic Theatre Controls, Pass & Seymour/Legrand威 Uniloy Milacron USA Inc.
Inc. Production Arts Lighting, Inc. Union Connector Co., Inc.
Fire Control Instruments and Production Resource Walker Systems, a Wiremold
Fluke Corp. Group, L.L.C. Co.
Ford Motor Co. Pyrotenax Cables, Ltd. The Wiremold Co.
General Electric Co. Radyne Corp.
2005 National Electrical Code Handbook
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