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A Newsletter by the City of Saco, Maine	April, 2008	Return to newsletter index

2008 National Electrical Code to be Considered for Adoption

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By Marcel Desrosiers
Electrical Inspector for the City of Saco

Once every 3 years, the City of Saco updates their electrical codes to the most recent version of the National Electric Code. This code is what is known as a 'model code or standard' that is written by experts in the industry and reviewed and adopted by States, counties and towns throughout the United States. The Electricians Examining Board of the State of Maine is currently reviewing and considering modifications to this code and will be issuing a report very soon.

The City of Saco Codes Department has decided to wait for the State action before scheduling adoption hearings and meetings with local stakeholders. There are very significant changes in this edition, including the following:

1. Three spaces shall be provided for grounding/bonding for communication, cable, etc. This means it will be the responsibility of the electrician installing the service to provide this grounding means for the low voltage installers.
2. Multi-wire branch circuits shall have a means to disconnect both ungrounded conductors. Simply put, handle ties are back.
3. Most of the exceptions for ground fault protection are no longer allowed. The single outlet for well pumps, freezers, washers, etc. in an unfinished basement will no longer be allowed.
4. Arc-fault breakers will now be required in most rooms in residential dwellings. The only rooms exempt are kitchen, bath and garage.
5. Where non-metallic sheath cable is install through bored holes you must de-rate the current carrying capacity of the conductors when there are more than three current carrying conductors passing through the hole.
6. Tamper resistant outlets shall be installed in all dwelling unit areas listed in N.E.C. 210.52. Simply put, all outlets installed with few exceptions.
7. GFCI protection is now required for all electric drinking fountains.
8. Automatic transfer equipment shall have the capacity to supply the full load transferred. This means that if you are installing a transfer system for a 200 amp service, you must have a generator and supporting equipment rated for the full 200 amps.

There were 3,688 proposed changes to the electrical code and 2,349 public comments processed by the twenty code writing panels.

These are only a few of the many changes for 2008. Some changes have major impact on electrician and consumers. While looking at the financial impact it is also important to try and understand the safety aspects for children and adults.

There has been much debate over cost versus safety. When evaluating the necessity of the changes it is important to look at both sides of these changes and weigh the cost against the potential fire safety or individual safety.

As we indicated, we will be scheduling at least 2 public meetings with various stakeholders very soon. Notifications will be though the mail from a mailing list of electricians and others that we have complied over the years. If you would like to be notified, please let us know by contacting us at 284-6983 or emailing us at rlambert@sacomaine.org.