Low Voltage Wiring Code Nec
The following national electrical code nec articles cover low voltage wiring.
Low voltage wiring code nec. This article sponsored by spi. Signaling and communications conductors equipment and raceways. The national electrical code nec is published by the national fire protection association nfpa. Article 645 information technology equipment.
And optical fiber cables and raceways for the following. Wiring switches without a neutral wire. A new code article covering lighting systems operating at 30v or less will modify some and help standardize other low voltage lighting designs. Article 720 circuits and equipment operating at less than 50 volts.
Raceways cable armors and cable. The 24 volts used for a thermostat circuit is usually class 2 wiring. This code covers the installation and removal of electrical conductors equipment and raceways. The code now has listing requirements for communication and power limited circuit cable.
Buried wiring runs that transition from underground to above ground must be protected in conduit from the required cover depth or 18 inches whichever is less to its termination point above ground or at least 8 feet above grade. The plastics industry association formerly known as the society of the plastics. There are quite a few different wire color code standards in place so it is important to understand which one to follow in which situation. Low voltage wiring carrying no more than 30 volts must be buried at least 6 inches deep.
Which nec wiring methods apply to low voltage wiring. Nec 2017 code changes chapter 3 wiring methods and materials changes from the 2014 code are highlighted in yellow. All switch locations need a neutral wire. This national electrical code was mainly implemented to accommodate potential future uses.
Types of wire color codes. Electronic switches require a small amount of constant electricity and therefore need a neutral wire run to them. How nec affects low voltage work back in 1987 the nec introduced some changes that had a major impact on the wire and cable industry. General requirements 300 12 mechanical continuity raceways and cables.
The standards used will vary based on what country the wiring is being done in and the type electricity it is for and other factors. Here has been a controversy about the application of chapter 3 where requirements for raceways and auxiliary gutters can be found to the wiring of class 2 and class 3 circuits. 1 public and private premises including buildings structures mobile homes recreational vehicles and floating buildings br 2 yards lots. Article 640 audio signal processing amplification and reproduction equipment.
Additional requirements however apply if wet contact is a factor low voltage lighting has been in use for about 30 years with widely differing acceptance by local inspection authorities due to its ambiguous coverage in the nec. Article 300 general requirements for wiring methods and materials part i.