05 Article 810 Download PDF
05 Article 810 Download PDF
05 Article 810 Download PDF
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cle810
Mike Holt's Recommended NEC 2005 Index
It is always our pleasure to give back to the industry as much as we can, whenever we can and this is a
perfect opportunity. If you’re interested in this subject, have a look and please give us your feedback. As
an extra bonus we also included Article 90 – Introduction to the NEC!
It is for reasons like this that Mike continues to help the industry by providing free resources such as this
index. It is the goal of Mike Holt and everyone on the Mike Holt Team to do everything in our power to
aid in your pursuit of excellence.
For more great Free resources from Mike Holt visit www.NECcode.com
xxi
How to Use This Textbook Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 1
Any errors found after printing are listed on our Website, so if Different Interpretations
you find an error, first check to see if it has already been cor-
Some electricians, contractors, instructors, inspectors, engineers,
rected. Go to www.MikeHolt.com, click on the “Books” link,
and others enjoy the challenge of discussing the Code require-
and then the “Corrections” link (www.MikeHolt.com/bookcor-
ments, hopefully in a positive and a productive manner. This
rections.htm).
action of challenging each other is important to the process of
If you do not find the error listed on the Website, contact us by better understanding the NEC’s requirements and its intended
E-mailing [email protected], calling 1.888.NEC.CODE application. However, if you’re going to get into an NEC discus-
(1.888.632.2633), or faxing 954.720.7944. Be sure to include the sion, please do not spout out what you think without having the
book title, page number, and any other pertinent information. actual Code in your hand. The professional way of discussing an
NEC requirement is by referring to a specific section, rather than
Internet by talking in vague generalities.
Today as never before, you can get your
technical questions answered by posting
them to Mike Holt’s Code Forum. Just
visit www.MikeHolt.com and click
on the “Code Forum” link.
xxii
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is written for persons who Not a Game
understand electrical terms, theory, safety procedures, and elec-
Electrical work isn’t a game, and it must be taken very seriously.
trical trade practices. These individuals include electricians,
Learning the basics of electricity, important terms and concepts,
electrical contractors, electrical inspectors, electrical engineers,
as well as the basic layout of the NEC gives you just enough
designers, and other qualified persons. The Code was not written knowledge to be dangerous. There are thousands of specific and
to serve as an instructive or teaching manual for untrained indi- unique applications of electrical installations, and the Code
viduals [90.1(C)]. doesn’t cover every one of them. To safely apply the NEC, you
Learning to use the NEC is somewhat like learning to play the must understand the purpose of a rule and how it affects the
game of chess; it’s a great game if you enjoy mental warfare. You safety aspects of the installation.
must first learn the names of the game pieces, how the pieces are
placed on the board, and how each piece moves. NEC Terms and Concepts
In the electrical world, this is equivalent to completing a com- The NEC contains many technical terms, so it’s crucial that Code
prehensive course on basic electrical theory, such as: users understand their meanings and their applications. If you do
not understand a term used in a Code rule, it will be impossible
• What electricity is and how is it produced to properly apply the NEC requirement. Be sure you understand
• Dangers of electrical potential: fire, arc blast, arc that Article 100 defines the terms that apply to two or more
fault, and electric shock Articles. For example, the term “Dwelling Unit” applies to many
• Direct current Articles. If you do not know what a Dwelling Unit is, how can
you possibly apply the Code requirements for it?
• Series and parallel circuits
In addition, many Articles have terms that are unique for that
• Electrical formulas
specific Article. This means that the definition of those terms is
• Alternating current only applicable for that given Article. For example, Article 250
• Induction, motors, generators, and transformers Grounding and Bonding has the definitions of a few terms that
are only to be used within Article 250.
Once you understand the fundamentals of the game of chess,
you’re ready to start playing the game. Unfortunately, at this Small Words, Grammar, and Punctuation
point all you can do is make crude moves, because you really do
not understand how all the information works together. To play It’s not only the technical words that require close attention,
because even the simplest of words can make a big difference to
chess well, you will need to learn how to use your knowledge by
the intent of a rule. The word “or” can imply alternate choices
working on subtle strategies before you can work your way up to
for equipment wiring methods, while “and” can mean an addi-
the more intriguing and complicated moves.
tional requirement. Let’s not forget about grammar and punctua-
Again, back to the electrical world, this is equivalent to com- tion. The location of a comma “,” can dramatically change the
pleting a course on the basics of electrical theory. You have the requirement of a rule.
foundation upon which to build, but now you need to take it to
the next level, which you can do by reading this textbook, Slang Terms or Technical Jargon
watching the companion video or DVD, and answering the NEC Electricians, engineers, and other trade-related professionals use
practice questions in the Workbook to Accompany slang terms or technical jargon that isn’t shared by all. This
Understanding the National Electric Code, Volume 1. makes it very difficult to communicate because not everybody
xxiii
The National Electrical Code Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 1
understands the intent or application of those slang terms. So 2. Chapters. There are nine Chapters, each of which is divided
where possible, be sure you use the proper word, and do not use into Articles. The Articles fall into one of four groupings:
a word if you do not understand its definition and application. General Requirements (Chapters 1 through 4), Specific Require-
For example, lots of electricians use the term “pigtail” when ments (Chapters 5 through 7), Communications Systems
describing the short conductor for the connection of a receptacle, (Chapter 8), and Tables (Chapter 9).
switch, luminaire, or equipment. Although they may understand
• Chapter 1 General
it, not everyone does. Figure 1
• Chapter 2 Wiring and Protection
• Chapter 3 Wiring Methods and Materials
• Chapter 4 Equipment for General Use
• Chapter 5 Special Occupancies
• Chapter 6 Special Equipment
• Chapter 7 Special Conditions
• Chapter 8 Communications Systems (Telephone,
Data, Satellite, and Cable TV)
• Chapter 9 Tables—Conductor and Raceway
Specifications
3. Articles. The NEC contains approximately 140 Articles, each
of which covers a specific subject. For example:
• Article 110 General Requirements
• Article 250 Grounding
• Article 300 Wiring Methods
• Article 430 Motors
Figure 1 • Article 500 Hazardous (Classified) Locations
• Article 680 Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and
NEC Style and Layout Fountains
• Article 725 Remote-Control, Signaling, and Power-
Before we get into the details of the NEC, we need to take a few Limited Circuits
moments to understand its style and layout. Understanding the • Article 800 Communications Systems
structure and writing style of the Code is very important before
it can be used effectively. If you think about it, how can you use 4. Parts. Larger Articles are subdivided into Parts. For example,
something if you don’t know how it works? Okay, let’s get Article 110 has been divided into multiple parts:
started. The National Electrical Code is organized into nine • Part I. General (Sections 110.1—110.23)
components. • Part II. 600 Volts, Nominal, or Less (110.26—110.27)
• Table of Contents • Part III. Over 600 Volts, Nominal (110.30—110.59)
• Chapters 1 through 9 (major categories)
Note: Because the Parts of a Code Article aren’t included in the
• Articles 90 through 830 (individual subjects)
Section numbers, we have a tendency to forget what “Part” the
• Parts (divisions of an Article)
NEC rule is relating to. For example, Table 110.34(A) contains
• Sections and Tables (Code requirements)
the working space clearances for electrical equipment. If we
• Exceptions (Code permissions)
aren’t careful, we might think this table applies to all electrical
• Fine Print Notes (explanatory material)
installations, but Table 110.34(A) is located in Part III, which
• Index
contains the requirements for Over 600 Volts, Nominal installa-
• Annexes (information)
tions. The rules for working clearances for electrical equipment
1. Table of Contents. The Table of Contents displays the layout for systems 600V or less are contained in Table 110.26(A)(1),
of the Chapters, Articles, and Parts as well as the page numbers. which is located in Part II. 600 Volts, Nominal, or Less.
It’s an excellent resource and should be referred to periodically
to observe the interrelationship of the various NEC components. 5. Sections and Tables.
When attempting to locate the rules for a particular situation,
Sections: Each NEC rule is called a Code Section. A Code
knowledgeable Code users often go first to the Table of Contents
Section may be broken down into subsections by letters in paren-
to quickly find the specific NEC section that applies.
theses (A), (B), etc. Numbers in parentheses (1), (2), etc., may
xxiv
Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 1 The National Electrical Code
further break down a subsection, and lower-case letters (a), (b), Note: Changes to the NEC, since the previous edition(s) are
etc., further breaks the rule down to the third level. For example, identified in the margins by a vertical line (|), but rules that have
the rule requiring all receptacles in a dwelling unit bathroom to been relocated aren’t identified as a change. In addition, the loca-
be GFCI protected is contained in Section 210.8(A)(1). Section tion from which the Code rule was removed has no identifier.
210.8(A)(1) is located in Chapter 2, Article 210, Section 8, sub-
section (A), sub-subsection (1). How to Locate a Specific Requirement
Many in the industry incorrectly use the term “Article” when How to go about finding what you’re looking for in the Code
referring to a Code Section. For example, they say “Article depends, to some degree, on your experience with the NEC.
210.8,” when they should say “Section 210.8.” Code experts typically know the requirements so well that they
Tables: Many Code requirements are contained within Tables, just go to the NEC rule without any outside assistance. The Table
which are lists of NEC requirements placed in a systematic of Contents might be the only thing very experienced Code users
arrangement. The titles of the Tables are extremely important; need to locate their requirement. On the other hand, average
they must be carefully read in order to understand the contents, Code users should use all of the tools at their disposal, and that
applications, limitations, etc., of each Table in the Code. Many includes the Table of Contents and the Index.
times notes are provided in a table; be sure to read them as well, Table of Contents: Let’s work out a simple example: What NEC
since they are also part of the requirement. For example, Note 1 rule specifies the maximum number of disconnects permitted for
for Table 300.5 explains how to measure the cover when burying a service? If you’re an experienced Code user, you’ll know that
cables and raceways, and Note 5 explains what to do if solid rock
Article 230 applies to “Services,” and because this Article is so
is encountered.
large, it’s divided up into multiple parts (actually 8 parts). With
6. Exceptions. Exceptions are Code requirements that provide this knowledge, you can quickly go to the Table of Contents (page
an alternative method to a specific requirement. There are two 70-2) and see that it lists the Service Equipment Disconnecting
types of exceptions—mandatory and permissive. When a rule Means requirements in Part VI, starting at page 70-77.
has several exceptions, those exceptions with mandatory require-
Note: The number 70 precedes all page numbers because the NEC
ments are listed before the permissive exceptions.
is standard number 70 within the collection of NFPA standards.
Mandatory Exception: A mandatory exception uses the words
“shall” or “shall not.” The word “shall” in an exception means
Index: If you used the Index, which lists subjects in alphabetical
that if you’re using the exception, you’re required to do it in a order, to look up the term “service disconnect,” you would see
particular way. The term “shall not” means it isn’t permitted. that there’s no listing. If you tried “disconnecting means,” then
“services,” you would find the Index specifies that the rule is
Permissive Exception: A permissive exception uses words such as located at 230, Part VI. Because the NEC doesn’t give a page
“is permitted,” which means that it’s acceptable to do it in this way. number in the Index, you’ll need to use the Table of Contents to
7. Fine Print Note (FPN). A Fine Print Note contains explanatory get the page number, or flip through the Code to Article 230, then
material intended to clarify a rule or give assistance, but it isn’t continue to flip until you find Part VI.
a Code requirement. As you can see, although the index is very
8. Index. The Index contained in the NEC is excellent and is comprehensive, it’s not that easy to use if
helpful in locating a specific rule. you do not understand how the index
works. But if you answer the over 1,200
9. Annexes. Annexes aren’t a part of the NEC requirements, and
NEC practice questions or seven 50-
are included in the Code for informational purposes only.
question exams contained in the
• Annex A. Product Safety Standards Workbook to Accompany Understanding
• Annex B. Application Information for Ampacity the National Electric Code, Volume 1,
Calculation you’ll become a master at finding
• Annex C. Conduit and Tubing Fill Tables for things in the Code quickly.
Conductors and Fixture Wires of the Same Size
• Annex D. Examples Many people complain that the NEC only confuses them by
• Annex E. Types of Construction taking them in circles. As you gain experience in using the Code
• Annex F. Cross-Reference Tables (1999, 2002, and and deepen your understanding of words, terms, principles, and
2005 NEC) practices, you will find the NEC much easier to understand and
• Annex G. Administration and Enforcement use than you originally thought.
xxv
The National Electrical Code Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 1
Customizing Your Code Book Underlining: Underline or circle key words and phrases in the
NEC with a red pen (not a lead pencil) and use a 6-in. ruler to
One way to increase your comfort level with the Code is to cus-
keep lines straight and neat. This is a very handy way to make
tomize it to meet your needs. You can do this by highlighting and
important requirements stand out. A small 6-in. ruler also comes
underlining important NEC requirements, and by attaching tabs
in handy for locating specific information in the many Code
to important pages.
tables.
Highlighting: As you read through this textbook and answer the
Tabbing the NEC: Placing tabs on
questions in the workbook, be sure you highlight those require-
important Code Articles, Sections, and
ments in the Code that are most important to you. Use yellow for
Tables will make it very easy to
general interest and orange for important requirements you want
access important NEC
to find quickly. Be sure to highlight terms in the Index and Table
requirements. However, too
of Contents as you use them.
many tabs will defeat the pur-
Because of the size of the 2005 NEC, I recommend you high- pose. You can order a custom
light in green the Parts of Articles that are important for your set of Code tabs, designed by
applications, particularly: Mike Holt, online at
www.MikeHolt.com, or by
Article 230 Services
calling us at 1.888.NEC.Code
Article 250 Grounding
(1.888.632.2633).
Article 430 Motors
xxvi
Many NEC violations and misunderstandings wouldn’t occur if people doing the work simply understood Article 90. For example, many
people see Code requirements as performance standards. In fact, NEC requirements are the bare minimum for safety. This is exactly the
stance electrical inspectors, insurance companies, and courts will take when making a decision regarding electrical design or installation.
Article 90 opens by saying the NEC isn’t intended as a design specification or instruction manual. The National Electrical Code has one pur-
pose only. That is “the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.”
Article 90 then describes the scope and arrangement of the Code. A person who says, “I can’t find anything in the Code,” is really saying,
“I never took the time to review Article 90.” The balance of Article 90 provides the reader with information essential to understanding those
items you do find in the NEC.
Typically, electrical work requires you to understand the first four Chapters of the NEC, plus have a working knowledge of the Chapter 9
tables. Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8 make up a large portion of the NEC, but they apply to special situations. They build on, and extend, what you
must know in the first four chapters. That knowledge begins with Chapter 1.
1
90.1 Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 1
Author’s Comments:
• See Article 100 for the definition of “Overload.”
• The NEC does not require electrical systems to be designed
or installed to accommodate future loads. However, the
electrical designer, typically an electrical engineer, is con-
cerned with not only ensuring electrical safety (Code com-
pliance), but also ensuring that the system meets the cus-
tomers’ needs, both of today and in the near future. To sat-
isfy customers’ needs, electrical systems must be designed
and installed above the minimum requirements contained
Figure 90–3
in the NEC.
(C) Intention. The Code is to be used by those skilled and
knowledgeable in electrical theory, electrical systems, construc- 90.2 Scope of the NEC.
tion, and the installation and operation of electrical equipment. It
(A) What is Covered. The NEC contains requirements neces-
isn’t a design specification standard or instruction manual for the
sary for the proper electrical installation of electrical conductors,
untrained and unqualified.
equipment, and raceways; signaling and communications con-
(D) Relation to International Standards. The requirements of ductors, equipment, and raceways; as well as fiber optic cables
the NEC address the fundamental safety principles contained in and raceways for the following locations: Figure 90–3
International Electrotechnical Commission standards, including
(1) Public and private premises, including buildings or struc-
protection against electric shock, adverse thermal effects, over-
tures, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and floating
current, fault currents, and overvoltage. Figure 90–2
buildings.
Author’s Comments: (2) Yards, lots, parking lots, carnivals, and industrial substations.
• See Article 100 for the definition of “Overcurrent.”
(3) Conductors and equipment that connect to the utility supply.
• The NEC is used in Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and the Philippines.
It’s also the Electrical Code for Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, (4) Installations used by an electric utility, such as office build-
Panama, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Because of these adop- ings, warehouses, garages, machine shops, recreational
tions, the NEC is available in Spanish from the National Fire buildings, and other electric utility buildings that are not an
Protection Association, 1.617.770.3000. integral part of a utility’s generating plant, substation, or con-
trol center. Figure 90–4
(B) What isn’t Covered. The National Electrical Code doesn’t
apply to the following applications:
(1) Transportation Vehicles. Installations in cars, trucks, boats,
ships and watercraft, planes, electric trains, or underground
mines.
(2) Mining Equipment. Installations underground in mines and
self-propelled mobile surface mining machinery and its atten-
dant electrical trailing cables.
(3) Railways. Railway power, signaling, and communications
wiring.
(4) Communications Utilities. The installation requirements of
the NEC do not apply to communications (telephone), CATV, or
network-powered broadband utility equipment located in
Figure 90–2
2
Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 1 90.2
Figure 90–6
Figure 90–4 (5) Electric Utilities. The NEC doesn’t apply to electric installa-
tions under the exclusive control of an electric utility where such
installations:
building spaces used exclusively for such use or outdoors, if the
a. Consist of service drops or service laterals and associated
installation is under the exclusive control of the communications metering. Figure 90–07
utility. Figure 90–5
b. Are located on legally established easements, rights-of-
Author’s Comment: Interior wiring for communications sys- way, or by other agreements recognized by public/utility
regulatory agencies, or property owned or leased by the
tems, not in building spaces used exclusively for such use, must
electric utility. Figure 90–8
be installed in accordance with the following Chapter 8 require-
ments: Figure 90–6 c. Are on property owned or leased by the electric utility for the
purpose of generation, transformation, transmission, distri-
• Phone and Data, Article 800 bution, or metering of electric energy. See Figure 90–8.
• CATV, Article 820
• Network-Powered Broadband, Article 830 Author’s Comment: Luminaires (lighting fixtures) located in
legally established easements, or rights-of-way, such as at poles
supporting transmission or distribution lines, are exempt from the
requirements of the NEC. However, if the electric utility provides
3
90.2 Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 1
Figure 90–8
4
Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 1 90.4
Communications Systems. Chapter 8 contains the requirements Signaling circuits, which include:
for communications systems, such as telephone, antenna wiring, • Article 725 Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Remote-
CATV, and network-powered broadband systems. Communi- Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits
cations systems aren’t subject to the general requirements of • Article 760 Fire Alarm Systems
Chapters 1 through 4, or the special requirements of Chapters 5 • Article 770 Optical Fiber Cables and Raceways
through 7, unless there’s a specific reference in Chapter 8 to a rule
in Chapters 1 through 7. Communications circuits, which include:
• Article 800 Communications Circuits (twisted-pair
Author’s Comment: Mike Holt’s Understanding the NEC,
conductors)
Volume 2 [Articles 500 through 830], explains the wiring
requirements of special occupancies, special equipment, and • Article 810 Radio and Television Equipment (satellite
special conditions, as well as communications systems. dish and antenna)
• Article 820 Community Antenna Television and Radio
Table. Chapter 9 consists of tables necessary to calculate Distribution Systems (coaxial cable)
raceway sizing, conductor fill, and voltage drop. • Article 830 Network-Powered Broadband Communi-
cations Systems
Annexes. Annexes aren’t part of the Code, but are included for
informational purposes. They are: Author’s Comment: The installation requirements for signaling
• Annex A. Product Safety Standards circuits and communications circuits are covered in Mike’s
• Annex B. Conductor Ampacity Under Engineering Understanding the NEC, Volume 2 textbook.
Supervision
• Annex C. Raceway Size Tables The enforcement of the NEC is the responsibility of the authority
• Annex D. Examples having jurisdiction (AHJ), who is responsible for interpreting
• Annex E. Types of Construction requirements, approving equipment and materials, waiving Code
• Annex F. Cross-Reference Tables requirements, and ensuring that equipment is installed in accor-
dance with listing instructions.
90.4 Enforcement. This Code is intended to be suitable for
enforcement by governmental bodies that exercise legal jurisdic- Author’s Comment: See Article 100 for the definition of
tion over electrical installations for power, lighting, signaling cir- “Authority Having Jurisdiction.”
cuits, and communications systems, such as: Figure 90–11
Interpretation of the Requirements. The authority having juris-
diction is responsible for interpreting the NEC, but his or her
decisions must be based on a specific Code requirement. If an
installation is rejected, the authority having jurisdiction is legally
responsible for informing the installer which specific NEC rule
was violated.
5
90.4 Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 1
Author’s Comment: Special permission is defined in Article 90.6 Formal Interpretations. To promote uniformity of
100 as the written consent of the authority having jurisdiction. interpretation and application of the provisions of the National
Electrical Code, formal interpretation procedures have been
Waiver of New Product Requirements. If the 2005 NEC requires
established and are found in the NFPA Regulations Governing
products that aren’t yet available at the time the Code is adopted,
Committee Projects.
the authority having jurisdiction can allow products that were
acceptable in the previous Code to continue to be used. Author’s Comment: This is rarely done because it’s a very
time-consuming process, and formal interpretations from the
Author’s Comment: Sometimes it takes years before testing NFPA are not binding on the authority having jurisdiction!
laboratories establish product standards for new NEC product
requirements, and then it takes time before manufacturers can
design, manufacture, and distribute these products to the 90.7 Examination of Equipment for Product Safety.
marketplace. Product evaluation for safety is typically performed by a testing
laboratory, which publishes a list of equipment that meets a
Compliance with Listing Instructions. It’s the authority having nationally recognized test standard. Products and materials
jurisdiction’s responsibility to ensure that electrical equipment is listed, labeled, or identified by a testing laboratory are generally
installed in accordance with equipment listing and/or labeling approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
instructions [110.3(B)]. In addition, the authority having juris-
diction can reject the installation of equipment modified in the Author’s Comment: See Article 100 for the definition of
field [90.7]. “Approved.”
6
Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 1 90.9
7
This article covers transmitter and receiver equipment—and the wiring and cabling associated with that equipment. Here are a few key points to
remember from Article 810:
• A void contact with conductors of other systems.
• Don’t attach antennas or other equipment to the service-entrance power mast.
• If the mast isn’t grounded properly, voltage surges caused by nearby lightning strikes can destroy it.
• Keep the grounding conductor straight, and protect it from physical damage.
• If the mast isn’t bonded properly, you risk flashovers and possible electrocution.
• Keep in mind that the purpose of bonding is to prevent a difference of potential between metallic objects and other conductive items,
such as swimming pools. Thus, Article 810 provides several different bonding requirements.
• Clearances are critical. Article 810 provides extensive clearance requirements. For example, it provides separate clearance require-
ments for indoor and outdoor locations.
Part I. General
810.1 Scope. Article 810 contains the installation require-
ments for the wiring of television and radio receiving equipment,
such as digital satellite receiving equipment for television signals
and amateur radio equipment antennas. Figure 810-1
810.3 Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
Figure 810–2
Figure 810–4
Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2 810.18
Figure 810–6
Figure 810–5 (C) Enclosures. Indoor antenna lead-in conductors can be in the
same enclosure with electric power conductors where separated
by an effective, permanently installed barrier. Figure 810-7
810.18 Clearances.
(A) Outside of Buildings. Lead-in conductors attached to build-
ings must be installed so that they cannot swing closer than 2 ft
to the conductors of circuits of 250V or less, or closer than 10 ft
to the conductors of circuits of over 250V.
Lead-in conductors must be kept at least 6 ft from lightning pro-
tection conductors.
Underground antenna lead-in conductors must maintain a
separation not less than 12 in. from electric power conductors.
Figure 810-6
Exception: Separation is not required where the underground
antenna lead-in conductors or the electric power conductors are
installed in a raceway or cable armor.
810.20 Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
Author’s Comment: Antennas located indoors (like in an attic) (A) Material. The grounding conductor to the electrode
are not required to have an antenna discharge unit, nor are they [810.21(F)] must be copper or other corrosion-resistant conduc-
required to be grounded in accordance with 810.20(C). tive material, stranded or solid.
(B) Location. The antenna discharge unit must be located out- (B) Insulation. The grounding conductor isn’t required to be
side or inside the building, nearest the point of entrance, but not insulated.
near combustible material. (C) Supports. The grounding conductor must be securely fas-
(C) Grounding. The antenna discharge unit must be grounded in tened in place.
accordance with 810.21. (D) Protection Against Physical Damage. The grounding con-
ductor must be guarded from physical damage. If the grounding
810.21 Grounding Conductors. The antenna mast [810.15] conductor is run in a metal raceway, both ends of the raceway
and antenna discharge unit [810.20(C)] must be grounded as must be bonded to the grounding conductor.
specified in (A) through (K). Figure 810-8
Author’s Comment: Installing the grounding conductor in a
nonmetallic raceway, when the authority having jurisdiction
judges that physical protection is required, is a better practice
than using a metal raceway.
(F) Electrode.
(1) The grounding conductor must terminate to the nearest acces-
sible: Figure 810-9
Figure 810–8
Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2 810.21
Figure 810–11
Figure 810–10
810.21 Understanding the National Electrical Code, Volume 2
Figure 810–13
1. Coaxial cables that connect antennas to equipment must be installed in accordance with Article 820.
(a) True (b) False
2. Outdoor antennas and lead-in conductors must be securely supported and the lead-in conductors must be securely attached to the
antenna, but they must not be attached to the electric service mast.
(a) True (b) False
3. Underground antenna conductors for radio and television receiving equipment must be separated at least _____ from any light,
power, or Class 1 circuit conductors.
(a) 6 ft (b) 5 ft (c) 12 in. (d) 18 in.
4. Each conductor of a lead-in from an outdoor antenna must be provided with a listed antenna discharge unit.
(a) True (b) False
5. The grounding conductor for an antenna mast or antenna discharge unit must be run to the grounding electrode in as straight a
line as practicable.
(a) True (b) False
1. (a) 810.3; 2. (a) 810.12 ; 3. (c) 810.18(A); 4. (a) 810.20(A); 5. (a) 810.21(E)