Code issues [RE-wrenches]

Joel Davidson joeldavidson at earthlink.net
Mon Jan 28 20:13:07 PST 2002


What's there to throw tomatoes at? Does NZ have a better set of rules?
Does any nation have a better set of rules than the National Electrical
Code?

Bill Brooks wrote:
> 
> Carl,
> 
> It would have been really difficult to choose four more contentious issues
> than the ones you have chosen in your examples.
> 
> 1. Lockable disconnects are a utility union lineman requirement and is not
> necessary unless the union says it is.
> 
> 2. Battery cables should be rated for whatever their use is (wet, acid,
> conduit, etc...)
> 
> 3. You've probably read all the stuff on grounding. System grounding does
> not make a system  safer--but neither does ungrounding. The key is design. A
> well-designed ungrounded system is probably better than a well-designed
> grounded system.
> 
> 4. This relates to #3. Every ungrounded system must have a means of
> detecting ground faults (fairly easy to do). Every grounded system operating
> above 50 volts should have ground fault protection (in my humble opinion).
> So leave out 12 and 24-volt grounded systems--everything else needs it.
> 
> Now if you'll excuse me, I need to retreat to my bunker to get out of the
> way of all the flying tomatoes.
> 
> My collegue Chuck Whitaker and I have worked on codes and standards more
> than most here in the states, and I'll warn you, it is a thankless but
> necessary job. Try to think down the road a bit and make judgements on the
> good of the industry as a whole. You'll do just fine.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Carl Emerson [mailto:freepower at freepower.co.nz]
> Sent: Monday, January 28, 2002 6:01 PM
> To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> Subject: Re: Code issues [RE-wrenches]
> 
> Dear Wrenches,
> 
> In NZ we are travelling on the road to regulation. I am well aware that many
> of
> the code compliance requirements in the US are considered by many to be
> draconian.
> 
> Can you assist with the issues to avoid.
> 
> What aspects of the code impede the industry, yet are not really addressing
> safety issues ?
> 
> Is a lockable disconnect really needed?
> Should we be able to choose cables with a lower spec.?
> Do the earthing requirements make sense?
> Is GFI really needed?
> 
> I realise that there may be diverse opinions about some of these issues but
> I
> think there will be wide spread agreement on some ?
> 
> John V and I are on the board of the NZPVA and have an opportunity to steer
> code
> and regulation issues in a sensible direction.
> 
> Many Thanks,
> 
> Carl Emerson
> Manager
> FREEPOWER LTD.  "Harnessing Natural Energy"
> P.O. Box 10-1207 N.S.M.C. Auckland, NEW ZEALAND.
> Ph. 09 4275206 fax 09 4275208  cell 021-633999  web www.freepower.co.nz
> 
> - - - -
> To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> 
> Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/
> 
> List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm
> 
> Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html
> 
> Hosted by Home Power magazine
> 
> Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com
> 
> - - - -
> To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> 
> Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/
> 
> List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm
> 
> Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html
> 
> Hosted by Home Power magazine
> 
> Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com
> 

- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine

Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com

==^================================================================
This email was sent to: michael.welch at homepower.com

EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Qcs.bz9JC9
Or send an email to: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail!
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register
==^================================================================





More information about the RE-wrenches mailing list