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2008 National Electric Code

Thomas Mason, PE


Course Outline

The course exactly follows the structure of the 2008 National Electrical Code (with some digressions to connect related rules).  The Preface, Introduction and Definitions are explained as very special parts of the code, with detailed discussion of the rules beginning in the Definitions section.

Requirements for electrical installations, ground conductors and grounding, feeders and branch circuits, services, overcurrent protection, surge protection devices, conductors, industrial control panels,  transformers and reactors, low-voltage wiring and data communications are addressed.  Residential design and fine points of specialized areas, such as electrical processes are not addressed.  Examples are given from waste water treatment plants and general manufacturing.

The course is also available in audio (.mp3) format E260U and live-online webinar ™ format E260W.

The course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.


Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:


Intended Audience

This course is intended for project managers, electrical engineers, engineers and Architects who work with electrical engineers and contractors who must deal with electrical inspectors.


Benefit to Attendees

It is the job of electrical designers to meet the sometimes peculiar requirements of the National Electrical Code.  This course is intended to help them be aware of the requirements, how they are generally interpreted and, just a little, how to meet them.  Project managers, architects and supervisors need a passing understanding of the mindset of the National Electrical Code and some recent problems with inspectors that can be avoided.  Contractors are always looking for more economical ways to complete a project.  This course helps focus on problem areas, but it is not a design guide.

Course Introduction

This three hour online course reviews the 2008 version of NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, in common English.  Because the book is so massive, only topics found critical or difficult to understand  in the author’s experience are included.  Other content of the Code is indicated, but not pursued.  The presentation follows that in the Code and sections discussed are cited.

You must have access to a copy of the2008 National Electrical Code to checkthe exact wording of requirements for your immediate design and construction questions.  It is not intended that a copy is needed at your computer when you takethis course and quiz.


Course Content

This audio course consists of the following nine (9) modules (files) in MP3 format. You may click on and listen to each module online using Microsoft Windows Media Player (free download) or RealPlayer (free download). You may also download these files to your computer or save them to an audio CD for personal use. The audio CD can be played in any CD player capable of playing MP3. A copy of the lecture notes is also available below in PDF format.

0. Introduction of Author (MP3 1MB)

1. Part 1 of 10 (MP3 34MB)

2. Part 2 of 10 (MP3 57MB)

3. Part 3 of 10 (MP3 58MB)

4. Part 4 of 10 (MP3 68MB)

5. Part 5 of 10 (MP3 66MB)

6. Part 6 of 10 (MP3 53MB)

7. Part 7 of 10 (MP3 42MB)

8. Part 8 of 10 (MP3 28MB)

9. Part 9 of 10 (MP3 51MB)

10. Part 10 of 10 (MP3 7MB)

The lecture notes for this course are contained in the following formats. You may open or download this document for reference and further study - for personal use only.

2008 National Electric Code

Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.


You may need to download Acrobat Reader to view and print the document.

 

Course Summary

This course attempted to review new and critical sections of the 2008 National Electrical Code.  It did not include exercises in calculating the minimum size for junction boxes, based upon number and size of conductors.  Unfortunately, space was not available to review many of the very basic principles which have not changed for many, many revisions, such as sizing motor circuits and motor controls.  Fortunately, though, PDHonline.com offers a wide range of electrical courses which do address these needs.  After you have recovered from the current exercise, please spend a few minutes reviewing the other PDHonline.com courses available.


Related Links and References

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:

www.NFPA.com  -  The National Fire Protection Association sells the Code, Code Handbook related standards and training materials
www.IAEI.com  -  the International Association of Electrical Inspectors is a very highly-regarded voluntary organization with excellent publications and many local chapters
www.NECA-NEIS.com  -  The National Electrical Contractors Association, in association with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers publishes a series of very readable guides on the installation of different types of equipment.  ANSI/NECA 1-200, Standard Practices for Good Workmanship in Electrical Contracting is cited in NEC section 110.12.
www.MikeHolt.com  -  Mike Holt writes extensively on electrical design and construction issues and has a library of training materials available.
www.JoeTedesco.com  -  Joe Tedesco is another prolific expert in electrical construction.
www.BrainFiller.com  -  Jim Phillips has a training organization focused on very current, somewhat difficult electrical design problems.  He has a remarkable  ability to focus on core objectives and translate problems in cookbook solutions.  He also writes for NFPA publications.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

Take a Quiz


DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.