EC&M - April 2024

Power Play

Power over Ethernet (PoE) enables new lighting options — and new competition from low-voltage contractors.

Read more on pg. 28

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With its exclusive online content, ecmweb.com is a valuable source of industry insight for electrical professionals. Here’s a sample of what you can find on our site right now:

MOVING VIOLATIONS VIDEO NO. 307: RMC SECURING AND SUPPORTING DISASTER

Video In this episode, Russ spotted a luminaire without the proper securing and supporting required by the Code. ecmweb.com/21284977

REDUCING RELIANCE ON PPE Safety Electrical Expert Mike Lamendola discusses why you shouldn’t make PPE carry more of the safety burden than it should. ecmweb.com/55002009

MISSOURI BILL CALLS FOR ESTABLISHING A STATE BUILDING CODE

National Electrical Code A push emerges in Missouri for uniformity across NEC and other building codes. ecmweb.com/55000900

Editorial Group Editorial Director - Buildings & Construction: Michael Eby, meby@endeavorb2b.com

Editor-in-Chief: Ellen Parson, eparson@endeavorb2b.com

Managing Editor: Ellie Coggins, ecoggins@endeavorb2b.com

Editor: Michael Morris, mmorris@endeavorb2b.com

Art Director: David Eckhart, deckhart@endeavorb2b.com

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Lighting & Control Market Poised for Transformation

By Ellen Parson, Editor-in-Chief

Every April, we dedicate the majority of our content to lighting & control topics. With LightFair now on a biennial schedule (2024 being an off year), the LEDucation Trade Show & Conference took center stage this year for our in-person lighting coverage. Representing our electrical group, Jim Lucy, editor-in-chief of ewweb.com, was on site reporting from the show floor. Held March 19-20 at the New York Hilton Hotel, Jim described this year’s event as having a “distinctly New York City feel” — with many aisles in the four exhibition halls jammed to the point of gridlock. Organized by the Designers Lighting Forum New York, LEDucation delivered recordbreaking attendance, drawing nearly 11,000 attendees from all segments of the lighting industry. For the latest trends in lighting & control as well as highlights from this year’s event, read Jim’s in-depth show report on page 24.

With this type of active participation and engagement at LEDucation, the demand for and interest in lighting & control products continues to grow. In addition to the fixture miniaturization trend Jim identified at LEDucation, several buzzwords continue to dominate the lighting space, including connected lighting, smart lighting, and lighting-as-aservice (LaaS) — and let’s not forget about the ways in which artificial intelligence could transform this market in the future. According to sister publication LEDs Magazine, “AI systems can analyze vast amounts of data in real time, adjusting lighting settings based on factors such as occupancy, ambient light, and energy consumption.” For more information on how AI is poised to rewrite the lighting controls value proposition, read the full article at ledsmagazine.com/14296266.

It’s no surprise that all of the leading lighting manufacturers are devising new, creative ways to harness the power of AI and rolling those features out in new product introductions. It will definitely be exciting to see how quickly and extensively this trend develops in the next few years. I actually just saw a press release for a ground-breaking technology a few days ago from Lepro. Touted by the company as a “first of-its-kind Generative Pretrain Model for Lighting,” these smart lights adapt to end-users’ commands and emotions, offering the power to interact with intuitive controls that align with their moods and leveraging AI algorithms for a personalized lighting experience. No doubt this trend will evolve moving forward.

In addition to the LEDucation report, we’ve put together an outstanding lineup of articles in this issue that addresses the latest developments, trends, and best practices in the world of lighting & control. Starting with the latest trends in commercial lighting rebates in 2024, turn to page 18 to get the scoop from Randy Young of BriteSwitch on how to navigate the latest updates this year’s for rebates.

How does illumination stack up against other Power over Ethernet (PoE) building applications? Find out in the cover story, starting on page 28. Written by Freelancer Tim Kridel, this piece explains new lighting options made possible by PoE as well as potential competition for electrical contractors from low-voltage contractors.

When it comes to lighting applications, codes and standards are always top of mind. Since different states and municipalities adhere to different versions of IECC and ASHRAE 90.1, find out why it’s critical for electrical contractors to understand what’s required and how to apply the requirements in the field in the piece on page 36, written by Mike Lehman and Joe Briscoe of Leviton.

On page 42, Bob Tortorello of Optec LED Lighting provides best practices for effective lighting projects. In this piece, Bob maintains design engineers and electrical contractors play an integral role with their clients, serving as an unbiased, honest broker. Read this article for detailed guidance on how to implement the most effective lighting projects.

And what type of lighting coverage would be complete without the latest new products introduced to market? Turn to page 46 for a lighting-focused product showcase.

I can’t wait to see what transpires in the next trip around the sun in the lighting & control space — until next year.

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Diagnosing Your Electrical Safety Protocols

Do you know how to discover and correct defects in your personal safety system?

By Mark Lamendola, Electrical Consultant

Your safety system is only as good as the procedures, training, attitudes, and decisions that comprise it. As with any system, a defect can lead to a malfunction — and a malfunction may produce an adverse safety event, something we call an accident even though it’s nearly always the result of deliberate actions and/or inactions.

If you can detect and correct defects in this system, you can largely prevent adverse safety events. But you must do that deliberately, it won’t happen by accident.

Here are seven common defects along with insight into what to do about them.

LOW COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFIC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OR PRACTICES

Not just supervisors, but also coworkers, need to be on the lookout for this. Then dig in to determine the underlying cause.

For example, why does everyone skip Step 3 of a particular procedure? To figure this out, ask each electrician for honest, even brutally honest, feedback. Maybe that step is unrealistic due to (removable) barriers to compliance.

Sometimes it’s a lack of understanding. For example, a confined entry permit is specific to time and personnel. Someone too poorly trained to understand this might try to use someone else’s confined entry permit when serving as that person’s relief (and a poorly trained operator might allow that).

UNSAFE CONDITIONS UNRESOLVED BEFORE PROCEEDING

Sometimes, an employee notices an unsafe condition and reports it to a supervisor who then promises to investigate it. The employee then “carefully” works with that condition present. This greatly raises the odds that someone will get hurt. The supervisor must respond to the complaint immediately, not after other things are out of the way. Safety is the top priority; other concerns can wait. One way to handle an unsafe condition is to empower the affected employee to “own it” until resolution has occurred. But that’s not always feasible. The employee may not have the time,

expertise, organizational authority, or other resources to solve the problem.

So the supervisor must assess the safety issue and reach a decision that doesn’t count on “being careful” (luck). That could mean, for example, roping off the area and reassigning the employee. Resolution doesn’t necessarily mean removing the hazard. Resolution might mean reducing the hazard to a level where correctly chosen and used personal protective equipment (PPE) ensures the employee is protected (e.g., a hot work permit).

UNSAFE ACTS

Employees typically commit unsafe acts for the sake of convenience. For

Photo 113561630 © Nipa Sawangsri | Dreamstime.com

example, standing on the top rung of a ladder is more convenient than getting a taller ladder — and “it will take just a minute” (famous last words). It is more convenient to string two lanyards together due to lack of a proper attachment point in the needed location than it is to stop work and resolve that issue — and it’s a good way to break your back.

You don’t solve the unsafe acts problem by having supervisors write people up if they catch them committing an unsafe act. That method results in a game of “don’t get caught” rather than a mindset of “work safely.” A proven approach is to empower all employees (including, of course, supervisors) to stop someone who is committing an unsafe act. Then a short discussion ensues as to why that act is unsafe and how to perform the task safely. This system works when employees are genuinely concerned about their safety and that of their coworkers. It’s a coaching relationship.

Not everyone is amenable to coaching. In such cases, the supervisor may use progressive discipline up to and including termination. In some cases, termination is immediate because of the seriousness of the safety infraction (such infractions are normally spelled out in an employee manual or similar document).

INATTENTION

One way that screen addiction reduces safety is the distraction effect. Some people try to multi-task while interacting with their screens. Multi-tasking is an illusion, the reality is your attention switches between tasks, and there is blank-out time during the switches. If you’ve had one of those phone “conversations” with someone who is texting or checking e-mail, you’ve witnessed this effect. Those texts or e-mails are similarly subpar because that person was talking on the phone while writing.

The consequences of inattention when performing electrical work can be

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much more severe than a nonsensical message or a confusing conversation. If you’re a manager, make it clear that people must focus on their work and not have distractions. Safety, work quality, and efficiency all require this.

If you’re a worker, find ways to clear your head of distractions. There are plenty of books on the topic. Or try focus training. You practice focusing for five minutes at a time until doing so is easy. Then increase the time to 10 minutes. No texts, no casual conversations, no thinking about what you’ll be doing after work. Focus intently for just a few minutes until such focus becomes a habit, then increase your focus time as you build your “focus muscle.”

INCORRECT USE OF PPE

This includes such things as clipping a lanyard to a raceway instead of an anchor, relying on a dust mask to protect against gases, relying on work gloves for shock protection, etc. It’s sometimes said

SAFETY CORNER

that “some PPE is better than no PPE,” but the reality is that inadequate PPE or incorrectly used PPE is still unsafe. Ensure everyone is trained in PPE usage, and that all procedures identify the PPE required for the given task.

INCORRECT USE OF LADDERS, LIFTS, AND OTHER EQUIPMENT FOR WORKING AT ELEVATION

The two main contributing factors are insufficient training and insufficient equipment. Training can be insufficient if it’s too infrequent, too much at once (like drinking from a fire hose), or not enough. Training must be followed up with observing how people put it into practice.

If people make do with what they have because they don’t have what they need, you have an insufficient equipment problem. Identify the working height and equipment types needed during the project proposal stage (if a contractor) or based on the specific jobs people do in the facility (if maintenance).

INCORRECT USE OF TEST EQUIPMENT

A common error, especially with digital multimeters (DMMs), is that of holding a test lead in each hand and moving them toward their respective measuring points at the same time. This can result in some communication between the leads in the form of an ionization trail, and that sets the stage for an arc flash.

Other errors include using the wrong CAT rating of equipment, not properly connecting the “ground” of equipment with a “ground” connection, using a DMM to directly measure amps on service, feeder, or branch circuits (it’s protected by a 2A fuse and whatever physical distance is in the meter between that post and another post), performing a “circuit must be de-energized” test on a circuit that hasn’t been deenergized, and using damaged test leads.

If people make do with what they have because they don’t have what they need, you have an insufficient equipment problem.

The most common reason for these errors is insufficient training. People must not only be trained in how to perform specific tests with specific test equipment but also on what not to do with specific test equipment. They must know where it can be used within the power distribution system and where it cannot be used within the power distribution system.

A good general “fix it” for the CAT problem in industrial facilities is to ensure that all test leads and equipment are rated CAT IV where practicable. Where it is not practicable, then equipment not so rated should be unmistakably identified (e.g., affix a “lab only” sticker and maybe paint a red stripe around it). Keep such equipment under controlled distribution with checkout available only to technicians/electricians who are certified on that equipment. This kind of setup will keep lab equipment out of the field, while still making it available for laboratory/shop use.

GOING BEYOND THE BARE MINIMUM

Don’t stop at the seven preceding defects alone; they are just examples. Your firm or plant may have many others that aren’t on that list. So how do you find them? A good way to do that is to train everyone — not just supervisors — to look for unsafe acts. People can then report these in the regular safety meetings. It isn’t necessary to identify who did what, only to identify what was done (or not done).

This then becomes feedback for identifying gaps in training, problems in procedures, and deficiencies in equipment. If standing too high on step ladders is a frequent problem, you most likely don’t have enough step ladders of the correct size. It may not be practical to have an array of many sizes of step ladders, and a solution to that problem is to replace the shorter ones with multi-mode or multi-position ladders. If people are “repairing” test leads with phasing tape, an obvious solution is to make new test leads readily available.

Electricians routinely diagnose and repair problems with wiring and equipment, and they are typically very good at doing so. Use the same talent to diagnose and repair problems in your safety system.

Mark Lamendola is an electrical consultant based in Merriam, Kan. He can be reached at mark@mindconnection.com.

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How to Ensure Departmental Efficiency in Electrical Estimating

Know the difference between productivity and production — and how they relate.

By Don Kiper, Estimating 101

Every electrical contractor must look closely at not only their estimating department’s production, but also their productivity.

Production is defined as the act or process of producing. In estimating, production is measured by the total volume or value of estimates produced. Some contractors will track their production monthly, quarterly, and annually. The wise contractor will know the production of each estimator on the team.

Meanwhile, productivity is defined as the rate at which goods or services are produced, especially output per unit of labor. In estimating, productivity is measured by the amount of time required to produce an estimate. Productivity in

estimating is also measured by organization, detail, time, and accuracy of the estimate.

AN EXAMPLE OF PRODUCTIVITY VS. PRODUCTION

Electrician A and Electrician B both installed 100 ft of 3/4-in. EMT conduit. Electrician A installed the conduit in 4 hours and Electrician B in 6 hours. Their production was the same, but Electrician A’s productivity was 33% more efficient.

The level of productivity in production is determined by the efficiency of the work. The higher the productivity of the firm, the greater the earning capacity. This is true both for estimating and project management.

Productivity is often misconstrued with production, but there is a difference in the sense that production indicates the volume of output whereas productivity is the output generated from the resources employed by the company in relation to time.

FACTORS INFLUENCING LOW PRODUCTIVITY

I have observed some contractors who think getting employees to work longer hours is a way to increase production. However, contractors must focus on productivity first and production second. The wise contractor will provide their estimating department with the proper tools and procedures that provide for the greatest productivity.

Expecting employees to work longer hours less efficiently is not the answer. By focusing on productivity, production is automatically increased.

First, consider a few reasons why employees have low productivity:

Multitasking. In reality, an employee can only give their time and attention to one thing at a time. With increased tasks and responsibilities, productivity is decreased because an employee is switching back and forth between tasks, which will break their momentum. Some contractors require their employees to function as an estimator and a project manager. This can be challenging for some.

Workplace stress. It is well known that stress at work affects job performance, morale, and even an employee’s personal life. A great company culture is vital to building a great company. Employees must enjoy their jobs and workplace to be productive.

Lack of sense of belonging. A strong team is necessary for the greatest level of productivity. When an employee feels isolated from the core members of a team, their sense of contributing is diminished.

Lack of recognition. Most employees are dedicated to their positions. Many work hard and seek advancement in their career path. Compensation is important. Employees also excel when their dedication and hard work are recognized by management.

Toxic workplace behavior. Professionalism should be paramount in

the office environment. Inappropriate comments and innuendos create an unhealthy workplace environment.

Poor management. Employees function most efficiently when job descriptions and responsibilities are well defined. No employee can meet expectations unless they are given clear instructions on job performance.

The level of productivity in production is determined by the efficiency of the work. The higher the productivity of the firm, the greater the earning capacity.

BEST PRACTICES FOR INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY

The following should be considered to increase the productivity rate of your estimating department:

Quality estimating software. Software that offers efficient takeoffs, organized breakdowns, multiple bid summaries/users, and detailed reports provides great efficiency to the contractor. No one would learn to type on a manual typewriter before learning a word processing program. Therefore, estimating with pencil and paper is detrimental to efficiency.

Onscreen takeoff. Most leading brands of electrical estimating software provide this valuable tool. Both money and time are saved when drawings do not have to be printed.

Departmental procedures. A weekly estimator’s meeting will provide the opportunity to utilize the collective knowledge of all team members. This meeting will provide for the most efficient post-project

reviews and proper handoff to project management.

Follow an estimating sequence. Consistent procedures produce consistent results. This sequence should provide the estimator with the proper order in which the estimating tasks are to be performed. Just as a pilot has a pre-flight checklist that is followed in a logical sequence for a safe flight, the estimator must do the same.

Single-role estimator. Some contractors have employees who function as an estimator and a project manager. This arrangement should not be considered multitasking. The employee is either estimating or project managing; both cannot be done at the same time — and switching between responsibilities breaks momentum and negatively affects productivity. This decision will vary depending on the size of the contractor. As a company grows, I believe that the single-role model provides the greatest efficiency and profitability for the contractor.

Quality training. The electrical industry spends an enormous amount of money and resources training apprentices to become journeymen wiremen. Sometimes, however, office employee training is overlooked. Proper training empowers employees and increases productivity. Being a good electrician is no guarantee that they will be a good estimator any more than being a good football player makes someone a good coach. Employees function best when they are provided with quality training to function in their positions.

When a company and an estimator have better processes and systems in place, productivity is increased. When companies provide the best tools and detailed procedures for their estimators, more work can be completed in less time.

In conclusion, focus on productivity first, and then increased production will follow. Increasing productivity will increase profits both in the office and field — so don’t be busy; be productive.

Don Kiper is an independent electrical estimating trainer and consultant based in Niagara Falls, N.Y. He can be reached at don@electricalestimating101.com.

AROUND THE CIRCUIT

Electrical Supply Chain Challenges and Solutions

Best practices for electrical contractors and their manufacturer partners

By Eric Nimer, P.E., RMF Engineering

Over the past three years, the global supply chain has been fraught with challenges, particularly within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Disruptions, such as manufacturing delays, material scarcities, shipping interruptions, workforce gaps, and regulatory obstacles, have all contributed to an increasingly complex and unpredictable building landscape. While some of these challenges have gradually begun to subside over time, the industry still faces significant hurdles when it comes to electrical equipment — switchgear and generator packages, in particular.

The scramble for materials and resources, reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when even essentials were scarce, has seeped further into the availability of these pieces of equipment. The associated low-voltage power circuit breakers are now seeing the longest delays, often surpassing a year from the time a purchase order is issued. Reliance on these integrated circuits — primarily supplied by manufacturing centers in Taiwan and China — has set a cascading series of at-home challenges into motion. As a result, professionals from across the AEC industry have had to become increasingly creative with their solutions to keep necessary infrastructure online and improvement projects on track.

THE BURDEN OF SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS

The significance of the impact of electrical equipment backlogs cannot be understated. Essentials such as

generator packages and switchgear lineups, which once had a standard lead time of approximately 15 weeks, are now taking more than 92 weeks to deliver. The extensive delays are impossible to accommodate within today’s tight construction timeline expectations and are far too costly to even consider. Consequently, owners, decision-makers, and engineers are forced to problem-solve even earlier in the design process — where information is extremely limited, and changes are inevitable.

Shifts in project specifications can be substantial as a concept moves through the design, development, and documentation phases — further complicating the process of accurately sizing critical

pieces of equipment. Moreover, resizing that equipment can add considerably to the project timeline; every hurdle in the equipment sizing process during the mechanical engineers’ work leads to a delay or “re-do” of the electrical engineer’s sizing. When program changes occur further up the pipeline, such as from the owner or architect, the resulting domino effect sends every engineer back to the drawing board once again.

To solve for these potential setbacks and keep projects moving forward despite the “stop-rework-and-go” model, being employed out of necessity, project teams have begun procuring oversized generators and switchgear to account for the uncertainties. While prudent now,

A facility at the Roper St. Francis Healthcare underwent infrastructure upgrades.

this strategy can introduce additional delays in project timelines, increased costs, and operational inefficiencies. Oversized equipment is always going to be more expensive than the right-size solution — both upfront and in terms of the ongoing energy prices and maintenance budgets.

Oversizing also raises questions about environmental responsibility that owners will have to grapple with longterm. Operating oversized equipment contributes significantly to energy inefficiencies and a larger carbon footprint, which will translate to broader sustainability questions down the line.

The far-reaching implications of this intermediate solution underscore the urgency of rectifying the challenges within the supply chain. Navigating this landscape demands creative problemsolving and unwavering dedication from engineers and decision-makers. With strategic collaboration and a little creativity, the industry can pave the way

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A worker examines generator hub switchgear at Duke Health.

Courtesy of Sterling E Stevens

AROUND THE CIRCUIT

The University of Maryland Baltimore experienced a phased campus-wide replacement of its electrical power system.

for a more efficient and robust supply chain, thus reducing the environmental footprint of its operations.

WORKING TOGETHER TOWARD BETTER SOLUTIONS

Owners, architects, and engineers must work together to strike a balance between mitigating uncertainties and avoiding unwarranted costs. Proactive planning is key to creating a stopgap for disruptions, and close collaboration is essential to staying ahead of volatility. Particularly for owners who may not be as familiar with the project dynamics as the on-the-ground team, this proactivity recognizes the unintentional role owners may play in overlooking how urgent decisions must be made to stay on track.

Additionally, by ensuring electrical and mechanical teams are kept in the loop on changes in real-time, the entire project team will be able to pivot strategies much faster. Equipment re-selections can be made more quickly, and the downstream processes can be expedited. In this dance, engineers can and should take the lead in advocating for what’s needed to successfully deliver a project that is both budget-friendly and quality-conscious.

When new equipment still is not a viable option, however, used generators have emerged as an effective solution. Most generators are built to support a lifespan of around 20 to 30 years. Inevitably, there will be some variability based on how well the equipment has been maintained and how often it was made to operate beyond its manufactured capacity or output. More often, the largely dependable grid infrastructure in many parts of the United States will have limited the need for generator use to power entire facilities. Many generators are only used during their mandatory testing periods and have many years left of useful life.

It is important to note, however, that while used generators represent a resourceful option that can alleviate the need for last-minute changes and can be a good place to source spare parts in a time crunch, this option becomes less feasible when paralleling switchgear is in place. Fortunately, there are other ways to strategize equipment selections that don’t require a “solve-for-this-scenario” line of thinking.

LEANING ON MANUFACTURER PARTNERSHIPS

While the lead time on larger pieces of equipment can stretch from 52 to 92 weeks, smaller units often have much faster manufacturing turnarounds. By working closely with the architect team, engineers can determine if the square footage needed for a two-part solution is available and pivot to the procurement of two smaller units that fulfill the same capacity initially needed from a larger, single unit. This approach also necessitates ongoing dialogue with the equipment manufacturers themselves; they know best what is available, what has the fastest lead times, what is delayed, and what the alternatives may be.

In the electrical construction and maintenance fields, the relationship between an engineer and the product and equipment manufacturers is not merely transactional; it’s a partnership,. The manufacturer will bring a discerning eye to an engineer’s designs and assist in providing equipment solutions to achieve the architect’s vision. By fostering ongoing, open dialogue, this process is as agile and adaptable as its upstream counterparts — mitigating the impact of last-minute modifications and ensuring the project stays on track the entire time.

These partnerships are also essential in better equipping the manufacturers to equip the engineers. As new products and solutions are introduced to the market and alternatives are tested and workshopped, those open lines of communication can allow for a more robust feedback loop on opportunities to improve or gaps to be filled. This is powerful data for the manufacturer to have — empowering them to evolve their development process in accordance. The benefit of that process is integral to the success of the engineer on a project, whose whole solution hinges on the manufacturer’s ability to respond. Together, this symbiotic relationship bridges the gap between what’s not working and what’s needed, helping to overcome disruptions and deliver innovative strategies efficiently.

Ultimately, each partner on the project team has an equally vested interest in its success. Engineers, in particular, play an important role in bridging vision with reality. This presents a significant opportunity to shape the trajectory of the industry and its expectations of supply chain challenges to produce

Photo courtesy of RMF Engineering

more effective and efficient outcomes. By embracing open communication, advocating for collaboration, and balancing financial acumen with agile decision-making, engineers can steer projects through the complex, volatile landscape. What’s more, by better understanding and navigating the maze of shipping timelines, delivery delays, and parts shortages, engineers can help build a more sustainable future for all stakeholders involved.

As technology advances and innovation accelerates, engineers must remain adaptable and open to new solutions, further solidifying their role as pioneers in the ever-evolving landscape of industry and sustainability.

Eric Nimer is an electrical engineer and Georgia Buildings Team Lead for RMF Engineering with experience primarily in health care, higher education, and governmental projects. He also holds a master electrician license (unrestricted).

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Workers perform maintenance on the generator hub at Duke Health.

Commercial Lighting Rebate Trends for 2024

Check out the latest trends for commercial lighting rebates in 2024.

By Randy Young, BriteSwitch

According to BriteSwitch, a firm specializing in capturing local, utility, state, and federal rebates/incentives for businesses, the past couple of months have seen a flurry of activity as organizations updated their rebate programs for 2024. Each year, these incentives, which have been instrumental in driving energy efficiency since the mid-80s, continue to evolve to reflect the changing industry and market dynamics. Now, the dust has settled, and most of the new programs have launched, and it’s very favorable for those in the lighting industry.

Here are the rebate trends for commercial lighting and control rebates in 2024.

MOST OF U.S. HAS A COMMERCIAL LIGHTING REBATE PROGRAM AVAILABLE

Over the last 15 years, the availability of commercial lighting rebate programs across the United States has been subject to fluctuations. In that time, the portion

This year, 78% of the country boasts access to such a program (see Map on page 20). It’s the fourth year in a row we’ve seen this coverage level, a good sign for dis-

The Northeast and Northwest remain the best areas with the strongest incentives and good coverage. States like North Dakota and Kansas remain holdouts with no commercial lighting programs at all.

of the country covered by a lighting incentive varied between 42% to 79%. However, recent years have seen a welcome trend towards stability.

tributors and contractors who rely on these rebate programs to help close business.

However, that doesn’t mean everything stayed the same. For example,

some utilities in Ohio debuted new programs in mid-2023. Until that point, the state had no rebate opportunity due to legislation that stopped the energy efficiency rebate programs in Ohio in 2020.

Generally speaking, the Northeast and Northwest remain the best areas with the strongest incentives and good coverage. States like North Dakota and Kansas remain holdouts with no commercial lighting programs at all. The states with the highest populations, California, Florida, and Texas, still have some of the worst rebate opportunities with very few programs which are usually very complex.

REBATE AMOUNTS FOR LEDS STILL STRONG

When LEDs were first introduced in rebate programs, the amounts were very

LIGHTING & CONTROL

Average Prescriptive Rebates in North America Retrofit Lamps/Tubes

$15

Source: BriteSwitch RebatePro for Lighting 2/2024

$10

$5

$0 Fixtures

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

high, but quickly, a pattern emerged where the rebate amounts declined every year by 10% to 20%. It was a disturbing trend that had many wondering if it was a race to the bottom.

In 2021, that all turned around. Between the soft market, due to a lack of demand for projects and cost increases, the rebate decline slowed down. The incentives started to level out, and over the past few years, we’ve noticed relative stability (Fig. 1).

In fact, rebate amounts for 2024 are up 2% on average for LEDs and 5% for controls. For most LED products, the average rebate across North America is near the highest recorded levels.

The best rebates are still for LED fixtures replacing HID fixtures like high bays and pole lights. It makes sense since these fixtures typically cost the most and also offer the highest energy savings (Fig. 2 on page 22).

With the changes from EISA that went into effect in July 2023, it was expected that the rebate amounts for A19s, PARs, and downlights would decrease significantly, but to everyone’s surprise, they increased. While many programs like Duke Energy’s Smart Saver Program, Energizing Connecticut’s Instant Lighting Program, and the state-wide MassSave program discontinued rebates for these types of lamps, many other programs still continue to include them in their offerings at a higher average dollar amount.

$150

Source: BriteSwitch RebatePro for Lighting 2/2024

$100

$50

$0

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Commercial Lighting Rebate Coverage 2024

Percentage of state covered by a lighting rebate

Source: BriteSwitch RebatePro for Lighting 2/2024

In 2024, 78% of the United States has access to commercial lighting rebate programs.

PROGRAM FUNDING STRETCHES FURTHER

The volatility of commercial lighting rebate programs makes it more challenging for contractors, manufacturers, and lighting distributors to take advantage of. Historically, one of the big issues has been programs running out of funding before the program year is over. According to RebatePro for Lighting, 10% to 25% of programs would traditionally run out of funding before the year ended.

However, recent trends indicate a shift toward sustained funding. In 2023, less than 5% of programs ran out of funding before year end. In the late fall, when programs would typically announce their lack of funding, the announcements instead focused on bonus programs. These limited-time spiffs offered increases of 10% to100% for some of the most common upgrades. By the end of 2023, 22% of the programs provided some type of bonus.

Pole Lights High Bays Troffers TLEDs A19/PAR Lamps

Fig. 1. Until 2021, rebate amounts declined almost every year. That trend turned around in 2021, and in the few years since then, incentives have leveled out.

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LIGHTING & CONTROL

2024 Average Rebate Amounts in North America

Based on prescriptive and midstream rebates as reported in BriteSwitch RebatePro for Lighting 2/2024

Fig. 2. As of 2024, the best rebates are still for LEDs replacing HID luminaires, such as high bays and pole lights.

Type of NLC Rebate Programs

Source:

Some of these bonus programs have even continued into 2024. Right now, more than 30 different bonus or trade ally programs are running, which is quite uncommon to see in the first quarter. One example is Georgia Power’s program, which is is offering a 50% bonus on all standard rebates through June 30.

These changes are most likely not because of increased overall funding levels but decreased participation. With the lighting retrofit market slowing down — and most of the easy targets already having upgraded to efficient lighting, the remaining holdouts will take more convincing. At the same time, contractors and distributors are turning their attention to other opportunities, looking at more attractive and rapidly growing markets like EV chargers and battery storage/ backup. Higher incentives are needed if

Source:

programs are going to meet their annual energy savings goals.

NETWORKED LIGHTING CONTROL (NRC) REBATES GET A BIT STRONGER

There’s been a lot of talk in the lighting industry about the savings potential of networked lighting controls (NLCs). While lighting has become more efficient over the years, turning it off altogether — or offering just the right amount of light when needed — offers even more energy savings. But NLC’s extra cost and complexity make them a tougher sell for many contractors and distributors. Thankfully, this year sees some improvement in the structure, availability and amounts of NLC incentives.

In 2024, 8% more utilities are offering a rebate specifically for NLCs. That means a majority of rebate programs in the United States have now written these controls specifically into their programs. For the other programs, NLC projects will typically qualify under a performance or custom program.

The type of NLC rebate has also shifted, with 53% of rebates being prescriptive — up from 44% last year (Fig. 3). Additionally, standardization of NLC incentives has increased. This year, 70% of the NLC rebates are now paid per fixture, rather than the more complex calculations like kilowatt-hour saved, square feet, or connected watt (Fig. 4).

In terms of dollar amounts, the average NLC rebate amount increased by 4% over 2023.

DON’T OVERLOOK COMMERCIAL LIGHTING REBATES THIS YEAR

With a softer market for commercial lighting retrofits and many in the channel looking to diversify their interests in other markets, rebates are increasingly important. Incentive programs are more stable than ever — with near record-high dollar amounts. Millions of dollars in incentives are out there and available. For every project, you should look into the potential rebates and see how they will impact the payback of the upgrade.

Randy Young is the director of marketing and data solutions at BriteSwitch, a company that specializes in finding and capturing rebates for businesses. He can be reached at randy.young@briteswitch.com.

Fig. 3. Prescriptive rebates make up 53% of NLC rebates — up from 44% in 2023.

Fig. 4. In 2024, 70% of NLB rebates are paid per fixture.

LEDucation 2024 Smashes Attendance Record

The aisles were packed at LEDucation with more than 10,000 lighting pros looking for the latest design options and networking with industry buddies.

By Jim Lucy, Electrical Wholesaling

LEDucation built on its growing reputation as a national lighting show with estimated attendance of nearly 11,000 and an as-yet undetermined final count of participants in virtual training sessions at the New York Hilton Hotel on March 19-20.

Well over 400 booths and 48 educational sessions attracted members of the lighting community from across the United States. For the 475 exhibitors, a major attraction of the event was that all booths were restricted in size, trimming the comparatively large investment of a booth at LightFair. According to a report

at inside.lighting.com, each individual booth was limited to 224 cubic feet, with standard dimensions of 7 ft in width, 4 ft, in depth and 8 ft in height. Many exhibitors used the smaller footprint to focus on a tightly targeted selection of product launches — often less than five new products.

Although it has evolved into a national show, LEDucation has a distinctly New York City feel. On the first day of the event, some of the aisles in the four exhibition halls were jammed to the point of gridlock. It almost seemed like the event was a victim of its own success,

with some aisles at times almost completely blocked by attendees visiting with vendors and chatting with business associates. Printer glitches on Day 1 at the registration kiosks added to the general atmosphere of controlled mayhem. On Day 2, the show aisles on the trade show floor were much easier to navigate, and registration seemed to be a breeze.

A surprising number of lighting vendors were exhibiting tape lighting at LEDucation, which has become popular because of the broad array of colors LEDs now offer and the customization/ flexibility the products provide. At the

Well over 400 booths and 48 educational sessions attracted members of the lighting community from across the United States. The Innerscene booth was busy both days of the show.

SHOW

Tivoli Lighting booth, Larry Lin differentiated his company’s tape light by demonstrating available color temperatures and other technical characteristics in a notebook with “live lighting.”

The trend toward fixture miniaturization was also evident, with many fixtures of less than 2 in. on display that provide better lighting than the PAR lamp options available a few years ago. WAC Lighting has launched many smaller track luminaires with impressive lighting specs over the past few years, and this design trend was also evident in its new Colorscaping landscape lighting products. They use conventional two-wire landscape lighting to provide tunable white light from 2,700K to 6,500K. Fixture beam spreads are adjustable on site, and the lighting scenes can be controlled via an intuitive app.

Edison Price’s Loom track lighting system also uses smaller fixtures that pack a punch. Loom allows lighting pros to quickly adjust fixture placement along a sliding rail system. The product was one of the Edison Report’s “Top 10 Must See Products” at LEDucation.

Innerscene had a particularly busy booth during both days of the show. Innerscene’s Virtual Sun is a skylight that mimics the light of the sun or as it tracks across the sky with simulated circadian rhythms.

A big part of the LEDucation experience is the event’s impressive offering of on-site and virtual training. Leviton’s Joe

Brisco, technical sales specialist, and ConTech’s Mike Lehman, general manager, helped a packed room of lighting designers and other show attendees understand the nuances of the many code updates for IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 lighting and control requirements. States and cities have adopted different versions of these building and design codes, so it’s important to check with your local inspectors on what version your market area is following.

In the “POE Past-Present-Future” panel discussion, Mitchell Bloomberg, International Lights; Lilian Fu, WSP; Farukh Aslam, Sinclair Holdings; and

Michael Baudo, Zumtobel, updated the audience on the use of DC power in Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting and other building applications. At Sinclair Holdings, Aslam has been using DC power in hotels and several other large commercial applications and is a big believer in its potential to provide dependable power at a much lower installation cost than traditional wiring because of the use of smaller wire and cable — and the fact that it can be installed without conduit.

LEDucation continues to resonate with lighting professionals for several reasons. It’s an event managed by New York’s lighting designers and lighting reps, so it has a “by the people, for the people” feel.

The continuing march of lighting technology continues to fuel interest in the event, too. It’s getting tough to squeeze additional energy savings out of LED lighting systems because of the revolutionary R&D we have seen with LED technology, and the dramatic savings over the past two decades LEDs have been on the scene. But with fixture miniaturization and other innovative new fixture form factors, advancements in appbased and wireless lighting control, and the potential of PoE lighting, there’s still plenty of new products in the pipeline.

The next generation of LED lighting systems will be on display at LEDucation 2025, which will be back at the New York Hilton on March 18–19, 2025.

Leviton’s Joe Brisco, technical sales specialist, and ConTech’s Mike Lehman, general manager, helped a packed room of lighting designers and other show attendees understand the nuances of the many code updates for IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 lighting and control requirements.

Edison Price’s Loom track lighting system allows lighting pros to quickly adjust fixture placement along a sliding rail system. The product was one of the Edison Report’s “Top 10 Must See Products” at LEDucation.

By Tim Kridel, Freelance Writer

Power over Ethernet (PoE) enables new lighting options — and new competition from low-voltage contractors. How does illumination stack up against other PoE applications?

Lighting is a lightning rod for Power over Ethernet (PoE). With publication of the IEEE 802.3bt standard in September 2018, PoE gained the ability to support up to 90W. That made it a good fit for lighting applications that traditionally required an AC outlet. But in the process, 802.3bt opened the door for non-electricians to install lighting, such as audio-video (AV) integrators, security firms, and other contractors who specialize in low-voltage applications. That prompted the electrical industry to lobby for state building code changes to stave off new competition by moving the high-voltage/low-voltage demarcation line. One example from Utah was lowering Class 2 wiring voltage from 100V to 50V.

“The controversial technology is LED lighting,” Chuck Wilson, executive director of the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA), told EC&M in 2019. “One of the concerns electricians have right now is lighting is going low voltage.”

Five years later, PoE lighting is a relatively niche application, regardless of who’s installing it. In early 2024, the Ethernet Alliance surveyed companies

that design and install PoE equipment, as well as those that own and manage it, such as enterprise IT departments. Only 19% of respondents said they use it for lighting, making it No. 8 on the list of most common PoE applications (Fig. 1) on page 30).

“Right now we are seeing PoE mostly with networked lighting control systems in commercial settings,” says Collin Weiner, president of CalEnergy Corp., which specializes in California Title 24 energy compliance. “PoE is increasingly used in lighting systems for its ability to power and control LED luminaires, either utilizing integrated fixture controls, distributed control systems, or centralized. In addition to being more cost-effective by cutting down on labor and material costs, PoE systems allow for a more flexible and energy-efficient lighting solution. This is especially true in commercial buildings where additions, alterations, and tenant improvements of spaces are common.”

In some cases, PoE is complementing rather than replacing AC.

“We were seeing a push for PoE in the lighting world,” says Eric Hoge, vice president of engineering at Des Moines, Iowa-based Commonwealth Electric

Company of the Midwest. “However, we have had a couple of clients move away from PoE because of issues with the product and Ethernet switches. We are seeing a bigger move toward networking the controls system but using line voltage at the fixtures. The drive for these types of systems is the ability to control either zones or individual lights using Wi-Fi.”

Commonwealth used wireless for recent projects such as the Nebraska Medicine Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.

“The application is not PoE in a strict sense since the lights are powered by line voltage,” Hoge says. “However, these systems are still controllable at a granular level like PoE fixtures are. The

drawback is that each zone or fixture to be controlled will require a switching mechanism such as a relay that is controlled by the devices.”

Hoge is bullish about PoE lighting over the long term.

“Our biggest challenge is just the technology itself,” he says. “It has come a long way over the past 10 years, but there are still improvements that need to be made to gain widespread acceptance. I think it is like LED 15 years ago. Compact fluorescent was the fixture of choice over incandescent for energy savings. LEDs were in the market, but the technology had not been refined, and the fixtures were not cost-effective.”

Today, Hoge says LED technology is the primary choice on all of our projects.

“I have zero doubt that PoE is the next step for energy efficiency in every facility,” he says. “The ability to measure and manage our energy use will be huge.”

LESS IS MORE

One aspect of PoE’s future is certain: It’s unlikely to get another wattage boost.

“We wrote 802.3bt with the idea that it was the last multipair PoE standard because once you go past 100W, the rules change around installation practices both in the U.S. and Europe,” says Chad Jones, an Ethernet Alliance member and chair of the IEEE P802.3bt task force.

Currently, most market demand is for products well below the 90W maximum.

“The next largest sales point is the Class 6 power source equipment,” says

David Tremblay, Ethernet Alliance PoE subcommittee chair. “That’s up to 60W capability. Marketing research shows that there’s a growing opportunity for Class 8, but we just aren’t seeing that take over the Class 4 and Class 6 demand.”

Energy efficiency is another marketplace factor. Although 90W PoE enabled more lighting applications and competitors, LED efficiency also is key. This trend is playing out with other devices, which highlights potential business opportunities for electrical contractors.

For example, some commercial video displays are now so energy efficient that PoE can provide both their power and data. In the 2024 Ethernet Alliance survey, 39% of respondents said they’re using PoE for displays, making them the

Inara Prusakova

No. 4 most common device. Electrical contractors might see all that as a reason to expand into the digital signage market with design and installation services instead of just pulling power cables as a sub to AV integrators.

“Absolutely contractors will expand, and it’s very exciting,” says Weiner, whose NECA 2023 presentation focused on “How Lighting Controls Can Revolutionize Service and Maintenance.” “The trends of increasing energy efficiency in connected devices and the growing power capabilities of PoE are indeed expanding the range of applications where it can be the sole source of power and data. The combination of these trends along with the introduction of Class 4 fault-managed power opens up new possibilities and opportunities in various sectors.”

CUTTING THE CORD

Some electrical contractors are leveraging PoE to expand into the indoor wireless market. Wi-Fi access points (APs) were the most common PoE device in the 2024 Ethernet Alliance survey.

“One of the challenges we occasionally come across with a client is trying to communicate what is truly required to create a strong, stable network,” says Heath Eastman of Kingston, N.H.-based Eaton & Eastman Electric. “While they may understand the need for good Wi-Fi coverage, it can be difficult to convey how critical the complete system with all of the necessary components truly is. A solid network has become a necessary foundation to ensure proper communication and operation of the equipment that is being utilized in today’s homes and businesses. PoE helps us with the ease of installation as well as a cleaner finished look for the client.”

Another wireless opportunity is indoor cellular “small cells,” which look like Wi-Fi APs but provide 4G and 5G connectivity in malls, airports, and other public places. Some small cell products are available in AC and PoE versions, with technology that helps automate network design aspects, such as site surveys, to identify the ideal installation locations. But as with Wi-Fi, digital signage, and other non-lighting applications, electrical contractors need to acquire some cellular skills to be successful and compete with telecom specialists.

Survey Participants

“Certainly electrical contractors are free to go learn that skill and advertise it and do the job,” says Ethernet Alliance’s Jones. “But it’s not something that your typical electrical contractor will know how to do, and it’s not something you learn in a day.”

Small cells and Wi-Fi APs also can create upsell opportunities for electrical contractors. For example, the client might initially want Wi-Fi for broadband access but then be receptive to other applications that use it for connectivity, such as Internet of Things (IoT)

Fig. 1. The Ethernet Alliance recently surveyed companies that design and install PoE equipment as well as those that own and manage it, such as enterprise IT departments. Only 19% indicated that they use it for lighting.

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sensors and controllers for smart home/ smart building systems.

“As IoT continues to grow, PoE becomes a convenient and efficient way to power and connect a variety of IoT devices, such as smart lighting systems, security systems, HVAC systems, and distributed energy resources,” Weiner says. “I predict this will eventually contribute to the development of a smart building under one converged system, replacing the structured cabling system and effectively siloing the different building systems, which is the current practice.”

ALL TOGETHER NOW

There’s no shortage of PoE devices and manufacturers to choose from, but some contractors prefer to stick with one brand to ensure that everything just works.

“We typically install new systems with matching components from the manufacturer to help ensure the ease of installation and solid communication between the equipment,” says Eastman,

who also serves as This Old House master electrician.

However, many PoE installations are multivendor environments because they’re an expansion of the client’s existing system or because no single manufacturer can meet all of the project’s requirements. In those cases, vendor interoperability and technology generations are important considerations. 802.3bt is designed to be backward compatible with 802.3af and 802.3at products, but there’s no guarantee that it will support PoE++ devices because that’s a proprietary version — read more on PoE++ and its potential drawbacks at ecmweb.com/20904845..

Older power source equipment (PSE) might not be able to adequately support newer devices. For example, if a legacy 802.3af Class 3 PSE connects to a newer 802.3bt Class 6 device, the latter will be “power demoted.” This process occurs when the device and PSE initially connect and exchange information about

their capabilities. The device will then start disabling features to ensure it doesn’t draw more power than the PSE can provide.

The Ethernet Alliance’s PoE Certification Program helps electricians quickly identify power levels via logo marks that vendors put on products and in documentation. For instance, if the PSE logo number is greater than or equal to the device’s logo number, then the latter won’t be power demoted.

That’s also an example of how the certification program aims to address some of the problems that were flagged in the 2024 Ethernet Alliance survey. For instance, 15% said “power/operation unreliable” is a major problem (Fig. 2 on page 34).

The program also can help with multi-vendor installations.

“This was one of the main reasons for the certification program: to reduce interop issues,” Jones says. “Something that has an Ethernet Alliance certification is exceedingly less likely to have interop issues.”

Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest frequently uses PoE for Wi-Fi access points, including this project at the University of Nebraska. Besides providing broadband internet access, Wi-Fi often is used to link and control smart lighting fixtures, switches, and sensors.

Courtesy of Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest

NICE WORK — IF YOU CAN GET IT

Understanding these kinds of nuances and caveats goes a long way toward ensuring competitiveness and profitability in the PoE market.

“The largest challenge I see for electrical contractors, low voltage, or AV integrators looking to be successful in this space will be high-level education and training for their team,” Weiner says. “Staying updated on the evolving PoE standards, technologies, and manufacturer best practices requires ongoing education and training. Contractors need to invest in keeping their teams knowledgeable about the latest advancements in PoE to provide optimal solutions for clients. Training programs offered by the Ethernet Alliance and the PoE Consortium will be a valuable resource to keep your team a step ahead.”

In the Ethernet Alliance survey, video surveillance and access control were the second and fifth most common applications, respectively. But successfully targeting those markets doesn’t necessarily mean adding or training employees. It could be faster, cheaper, and less risky to partner with firms that specialize in those applications. Their brand recognition also can help open doors, such as with the IT departments responsible for all Ethernet-based applications.

“By leveraging each other’s strengths, sharing expertise, and staying abreast of technological advancements, they can collectively provide optimal solutions for clients in the evolving landscape of PoE systems, Class 4 fault-managed power, and converged smart building systems,” Weiner says.

This strategy also can be a way to turn competitors into partners.

“As the technology continues to emerge and become more powerful, electrical contractors without a limited energy/low-voltage group are going to be faced with losing a part of their market share,” Hoge says. “These systems can be installed quickly without the necessity of conduit installed by electricians. Technicians are going to be qualified to complete the work.

“Even for contractors with low-voltage teams, there is a steep learning curve to be able to compete as an integrator.

PoE Device Installation Challenges

Learn more at ethernetalliance.org/poecert

That means design and programming expertise will be required at the contractor level. To take the discussion just a little further, does that put the electrical contractor in the same arena as the mechanical contractor for supplying control systems? It certainly is going to

be fun watching how the market changes over the next few years.”

Kridel is an independent analyst and freelance writer with experience in covering technology, telecommunications, and more. He can be reached at tim@timkridel.com.

Fig. 2. According to a recent survey from the Ethernet Alliance, respondents noted many installation challenges when it comes to PoE applications, including power/ operation reliability issues.

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Demystifying IECC and ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Lighting and Control Requirements

Since different states and municipalities adhere to different versions of IECC and ASHRAE 90.1, it’s critical for contractors to understand what’s required and how to apply the requirements in the field.

NBy Mike Lehman and Joe Briscoe, Leviton

avigating evolving building energy codes and standards is a task that electrical contractors, engineers, designers, and building professionals face daily. Understanding the difference between the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) is critical to ensuring code compliance and optimizing lighting efficiency in various building spaces.

DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN CODES AND STANDARDS

It’s important to recognize the fundamental difference between codes and standards. The IECC, developed by the International Code Council (ICC),

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establishes minimum requirements for energy efficiency in buildings. It develops codes, which serve as a regulatory framework adopted by states and municipalities to enforce energy conservation measures in construction and renovation projects.

ASHRAE (and partner organizations) establish technical standards and guidelines for the design, construction, and operation of building systems. ASHRAE publishes various standards and guidelines, including ASHRAE 90.1, which specifies energy efficiency requirements that are referenced in codes and rating systems.

VARIED LANDSCAPES OF BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS

The challenge is understanding which lighting and control codes/standards apply to your designs and spaces. Some states and municipalities adhere to the IECC; others adopt ASHRAE 90.1. These codes and standards are typically updated every three years — with inconsistent adoption across states and municipalities. Recognizing the differences between the current codes and standards (and their recent updates) is critical for meeting

regulatory requirements and delivering high-performing buildings.

UNDERSTANDING IECC-2021

The 2021 IECC specifies changes aimed at reducing lighting energy consumption in commercial and residential buildings. The most significant change is a reduction in lighting power allowance (Sec. C405.3.2) for most building types. For example, the hospital lumen power density (LPD) dropped minimally from 1.05W/ft2 to 0.96W/ft2, while museums dropped significantly from 1.06W/ft2 to 0.55W/ft2, as shown in Photo 1

Another change in IECC-2021 is a reduction in lighting power of at least 10% compared to the lighting power allowance (Sec. C406.3.1). This change requires the total interior lighting power load calculated with the equation method (Sec. C405.3.1) to be less than 90% of the total lighting power allowance in Sec. C405.3.2 (Building Area Method or Space-By-Space Method).

Lighting efficacy was increased in IECC-2021 and harmonized between the commercial (C406.3.3) and residential sections (R202). As a result of advancing LED technology, lamps must now have an efficacy of at least 65

lumens per watt, and luminaires must have an efficacy of at least 45 lumens per watt. Efficacy is no longer tiered based on wattage consumption.

HOW TO ADDRESS LIGHTING POWER REDUCTION

There are three methods to address lighting power requirements in the IECC. The first entails utilizing the Equation Method, which is calculation-based. The other two ways are the Building Area Method and the Space-By-Space Method. These popular methods are chart-based and deliver quicker results than the Equation Method. The allowances for the same space may differ between the two methods though, with the Space-By-Space Method typically resulting in a greater allowance.

For instance, a 20,000-square-foot library, comprised of 5,000 square feet of a reading area and 15,000 square feet of a stack area will have an allowance of 16,600W using the Building Area Method because of the 0.83 allowance. The Space-By-Space Method, however, results in a greater allowance of 22,500W because the reading area and the stack area are calculated separately using allowances of 0.96 and 1.18, respectively.

Photo 1. Changes to the 2021 IECC reduced the lighting power allowance (Sec. C405.3.2) for most building types, especially museums.

Photo 49964847 © Jackbluee Dreamstime.com

When designing lighting, it is important to consider each unique space as well as the required light levels to ensure the occupants are safe and productive. Select luminaires that address the light levels to individual space needs while ensuring the overall power allowance complies with building code requirements.

ADDITIONS TO IECC-2021

In the 2021 IECC, areas where occupancy sensors are required have been expanded to include corridors (Photo 2). This is to reduce the lighting power to no more than 50% of full power within 20 minutes of being unoccupied. Light reduction controls require manual control, allowing the occupant to reduce the light by no less than 50% using dimming, step dimming, or switching. Daylight-responsive controls now include secondary side-lit zones with more than 300W of general lighting within the zones. Daylight controls also cannot exceed an occupancy sensor’s pre-programmed unoccupied light level in the same spaces.

IECC-2021 includes a section for specific applications and requirements for task lighting for medical and dental applications. A manual control must be

provided that is separate from the general lighting, and all lighting and switch receptacles must turn off within 20 minutes of occupants leaving the space.

The 2021 IECC also notes that 50% of all receptacles are to be controlled automatically in a variety of spaces, including private offices, conference rooms, individual workstations, and classrooms. Either split-controlled (topcontrolled) or controlled receptacles must be marked per NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC), located within 12 in. of each uncontrolled receptacle — and controlled by a schedule, occupancy sensor, or signal from another control or alarm system.

Exterior lighting control is typically controlled using a time switch. A new addition requires occupancy sensors to automatically reduce the lighting serving outdoor parking areas by 50% when no activity has been detected for 15 minutes. New parking garage requirements mandate a 30% reduction in lighting power when no activity has been detected for 20 minutes. Additionally lighting for covered vehicle entrances must decrease by 50% from sunset to sunrise to accommodate

drivers’ vision adjustments. Daylight controls are also specified for parking garage luminaires within 20 feet of any perimeter wall structure.

ENERGY MONITORING NOW REQUIRED IN IECC-2021

Energy monitoring requirements have been in the ASHRAE 90.1 Standard since 2013. The 2021 IECC now requires similar energy monitoring requirements for new buildings 25,000 square feet and larger for interior lighting, exterior lighting, plug loads, HVAC systems, process loads, building operations, and other miscellaneous loads. Energy usage must be automatically communicated to a data acquisition system with data stored for a minimum of 36 months and graphical data provided for each end-use category for every hour, day, month, and year for the previous 36 months.

Mike Lehman is general manager at ConTech Lighting, a Leviton Company. He can be reached at mike.lehman@leviton.com.

Joe Briscoe is a technical sales specialist at Leviton. He can be reached at joe.briscoe@leviton.com.

Photo 2. The 2021 IECC expands occupancy sensors to corridors. So, for example, in a hotel setting, this requires the lighting power to be reduced to no more than 50% of full power within 20 minutes of being unoccupied.

Photo 50604201

© Kai Shen Dreamstime.com

the cable into the connector and rotate the connector clockwise.

Available in 3/8" trade size, both connectors install into a 1/2" knockout, and are Listed for steel and aluminum AC, HCF, MCI and MCI-A cable.

The tinted 40STS has more room inside for easier cable insertion.

for use with AC90 and ACG90 cable.

• Tested to UL 514B and Listed to meet UL ground fault requirements

• Removable Unscrew the connector counterclockwise to remove it from the cable. Remove the connector from the box using a flat blade screw driver. Release the snap tangs from the inside of the box while pulling the connector out of the knockout.

• Packed in heavy-duty, 200-piece boxes

By Bob Tortorello, Optec LED Lighting

Best Practices for Effective Lighting Projects

Early collaboration and an honest broker are invaluable.

There are three main purposes for exterior lighting: to increase safety and visibility; create the right impression and atmosphere; and enhance security. Understanding the many important considerations and best practices that need to be implemented is key to achieving these goals and having effective lighting projects.

GOOD LIGHTING DISTRIBUTION ENHANCES SECURITY AND SAFETY

When it comes to proper outdoor safety, one of the primary concerns is visibility. Poor lighting conditions can make it difficult to navigate walkways, parking lots, parking structures, and other outdoor spaces. Well-designed exterior lighting increases the feeling of security for facilities’ employees and patrons, helps ensure that people don’t trip and fall, and plays a critical role in the prevention and deterrence of crime.

Since insufficient light can compromise safety, designs often focus on light output. While light levels are critical, poor distribution can create too much lighting in some areas and dark patches in others. In fact, according to Eric Richman, senior research engineer at the Department of Energy, “the conventional wisdom is that more light is better, but from a security standpoint, too much of the wrong kind of light, aimed in the wrong direction, can cause glare. Moreover, security camera function depends on various lighting factors including

uniformity/contrast, light color, color rendition (CRI), and intensity.”

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) outlines the most important considerations for effective safety and security lighting:

• Horizontal illuminance is the standard for assessing effective lighting because many tasks are horizontal in nature.

• Vertical illuminance is critical for security issues because identifying objects and their movement is best done by viewing their vertical surfaces.

• Uniformity is important for avoiding dark areas and enhancing the effectiveness of security cameras.

POLE PLACEMENTS

Light poles are needed to mount luminaires for illuminating large, exterior projects, such as parking lots or outside tennis courts. One critical factor is the space between the poles. The goal is to have illumination bright enough that is suitable for the application and meets lighting requirements. Additionally,

The light uniformity inside Potawatomi Casino Hotel parking garage in Milwaukee helps ensure guests feel safe and enhances the effectiveness of security cameras.

Courtesy of Optec LED Lighting

the light needs to be uniform across the area so that there aren’t sections that are dimmer or brighter than others across the same space. Replacing light poles is expensive, so while a retrofit project may include new luminaires, many times the pole spacing remains the same.

The poles’ height is also a factor to ensure best practices. Larger parking lots require taller poles spaced farther apart. Taller poles also need higher output luminaires.

If it’s a new construction project, getting involved early is ideal to recommend the pole heights, placement, and beam angles for the layout to ensure optimum light coverage.

OUT WITH THE OLD

While contractors and facility managers may be looking for a quick, easy, and inexpensive upgrade to their lighting system, there are downsides to consider when installing replacement LED lamps in existing fixtures. A replacement lamp may not offer the same light distribution. As outlined above, light distribution is a major consideration for commercial lighting best practices.

On the other hand, there comes a time when old luminaires just need to be replaced. Outdated or malfunctioning luminaires can hinder productivity, waste energy, and increase maintenance expenses. The impetus for this is often the inability to buy replacement parts, or the luminaires are so corroded that they can’t even be opened for repairs.

To get the best light uniformity, a photometric layout was used for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport’s new lighting upgrade. Remote Lot A now includes LED luminaires that replaced high-pressure sodium luminaires.

Fortunately, there are many benefits of an updated lighting system. Upgraded LED luminaires dramatically reduce power consumption from 50% to 75% compared to older technology. The new luminaires may also support broader sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals such as a smaller carbon footprint. Many facility managers are surprised to learn lighting upgrades often have a short return on investment.

PHOTOMETRIC LAYOUT

Another important lighting best practice is to have a photometric

Three parking areas at Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee have new LED luminaires, including the top deck on the main garage. The facilities manager reviewed the luminaire’s performance, distribution, driver durability, and color temperature to ensure the illumination would be uniform to help guests feel safe and secure.

layout completed. This will provide a computer simulation of light levels. While this may seem rudimentary and common to have one, it surprisingly isn’t done on every project. This plan helps achieve the proper light levels throughout the space, ensuring enough illumination, wattage, and luminaire lens distribution — and not over-lit, causing wasted energy consumption — without causing eye discomfort or distractions from glare or shadows.

Photometric layouts also provide an accurate visual to determine if there are too many or too few poles in the space. The layout will also show if new poles should be added or moved on an upgrade project to provide more light uniformity.

HONEST BROKER

As design engineers and electrical contractors, you play a unique role with your clients as an unbiased, honest broker. Providing invaluable counsel as to the most effective lighting system for each project positions you as a trusted, collaborative partner. Understanding and implementing these lighting best practices will help achieve each project’s specific goals.

Bob Tortorello is vice president at Wisconsin-based Optec LED Lighting. He can be reached at btortorello@optecled.com. For more information, visit www.optecledlighting.com.

Courtesy of Optec LED Lighting

Courtesy of Optec LED Lighting

NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Focus on Lighting & Controls

Adjustable LED Strip Luminaires

The company has introduced three new LED strip luminaires available in 24-, 48- and 96-in. lengths with the flexibility of switching between 3,500K, 4,000K, and 5,000K at the time of installation. Each luminaire is available in three wattages to ensure the appropriate illumination levels and the desired color temperatures for optimum productivity. The luminaires deliver 130 lm/W with a high 80+ CRI.

The 24-in. LED strips set at 15W, 20W, and 25W and deliver 1,950 lm, 2,600 lm, and 3,250 lm, respectively. Adjusted at 22W, 28W, and 40W, the 48-in. strip light produces 2,860 lm, 3,640 lm. and 5,200 lm (initial). The 96-in. LED strip can be set at 65W, 75W, and 90W to offer 8,450 lm, 9,750 lm, and 11,700 lm (initial).

EarthTronics

Dual Controls

The company has announced new Maestro dual controls with built-in LED+ advanced dimming technology. Available in dimmer/switch and dimmer/timer models, the two-in-one devices provide professional installers with dimming performance for a wide range of LED, incandescent, and halogen bulbs in a space-saving, stacked design. The dual models control two loads independently from a single location. The dimmer/switch features a dimmer on top to dim and turn one load on/ off, and a switch on the bottom controls on/off switching of a second light or fan. The dimmer/ timer features a dimmer on top to dim or turn one load on/off, while the bottom button allows the user to select a preset time limit for a separate light or fan to turn off automatically.

Lutron

All-Weather Luminaires

The Terra Drum series features rugged, all-weather, in-ground, drive-overrated luminaires designed for recessed façade and tree lighting applications. Available in 15W, 30W, and 60W versions, they have a drive-over rating of up to 6,000 lb. They are offered in 2,400K, 2,700K, 3,000K, 3,500K, 4,000K, dynamic white (2,700K-,6,000K), quad spectrum (RGBW, W=3,000K), quad white 4,000K, and quad white 6,000K color temperatures options. The white version of the luminaires produces up to 4,000 lm, while the color versions deliver up to 1,800 lm. They offer beam angles of 10° × 10°, 10° × 60°, 25° × 25°, 30° × 60°, 40° × 40°, 60° × 60°, and 90° × 90°, along with an asymmetric wall wash option (60° × 60° + 20° tilt). Additionally, the company’s Terra-Tilt adjuster allows users to fine-tune the beam position once each luminaire is in place.

Acclaim Lighting

LED High Bay

The company has introduced an all-new battery backup model of its LED high bay. The new auxiliary battery backup solution comes factory installed with NiMH battery technology, making installation quick and easy. It offers a wide operating temperature range from -4°F to 131°F and can provide illumination for a field-selectable duration from 60 min. to 180 min. to meet Life Safety Codes in accordance with NFPA 101 guidance on emergency lighting. Available with either permanent-maintained or switch-maintained operation and 10W and 20W battery options, the luminaire covers a wide range of lighting needs in industrial and hazardous locations and has been certified to UL1598/A, UL924, UL844, CID2, CIID1, and CIIID1&2. Dialight

NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE

NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Recessed Downlighting

LED Vanity Light

The company debuts the “Mirror Mirror” wall sconce in the popular dweLED collection. Mirrored to reflect luxury finishes in a well-appointed space, the framed light emanates from this unique LED luminaire. The LED vanity light features a design using the hue of the wall behind it as an accenting shade for its light. LEDs follow the slim inner surface of the frame, creating a radiant LED glow that softly glazes its outlined wall. The sleek sconce is available in a 17W 18-in. model, 22W 27-in. model, and a 31W 37-in. size. The luminaire has a color temperature of 3,000K and a 90 CRI, delivers up to 3,500 lm, and dims using ELV, 0V-10V, and TRIAC dimmers. The luminaire features a titanium matte finish with a mirror insert. The driver is concealed within the unit, and the sconce doubles as a vanity light, mounting in vertical or horizontal directions.

WAC Lighting

According to the company, the 4-in. aperture M Series commercial recessed downlighting family meets all site requirements across an entire property for a wide variety of applications with lumen packages ranging from 750 lm to 3,500 lm, while providing continuity in aesthetics and performance throughout varying ceiling heights. The modular design features interchangeable modules, optics, and trims, allowing for easy serviceability and design changes, as they can be easily swapped on site from below the ceiling (from fixed to adjustable to wall wash). Drivers are integrated into the light engine modules versus the housing, so modules equipped with quick connects can be easily swapped out with below-ceiling access.

DMF Lighting

LED Industrial Luminaires

The company has upgraded two of its Appleton LED lighting portfolio products. For the first time, Appleton Baymaster LED high-bay luminaires and Areamaster LED floodlights will be equipped with energy-saving 0VDC-10VDC dimming as a standard feature along with new color temperatures that minimize light pollution. In addition, the luminaires now offer a cold start option for ambient temperatures as low as -67º F, and a new prewired design for easier, less time-consuming installation. Upgrades apply to both the hazardous rated (CID2) and harsh industrial versions of Appleton Areamaster and Baymaster LED luminaires.

Illuminated Closet Rod

The Armadio illuminated closet rod collection includes custom Nano Linear closet rod luminaires engineered and designed to be one of the strongest closet rods, according to the company. They are offered in custom lengths to meet a designer’s exact specification in 1/8-in. increments up to 8 ft. With a diameter of only 1.34 in., the Armadio collection is powered by an Optique Nano Linear light engine offered in five lumen outputs up to 1,205 lm/ft and in seven color temperatures (2,200K, 2,400K, 2,700K, 3,000K, 3,500K 4,000K, and 5,000K) with quick ship configurations offered. The luminaires provide up to 97+ color rendering index (CRI) with high R9 and R13 values. Color variation is kept within a 2-step MacAdam ellipse for improved consistency.

Optique Lighting

Emerson

snap-in installation - NO TOOLS. Install connector into the knockout in an existing box, pulling cable/conduit through the knockout. Slip the fitting onto the cable, then snap the assembly into the box. That’s it... a secure installation with no pullout Widest

VFD Cable

The Helukabel TOPFLEX 600V VFD cable is designed to handle the power needs of VFDs and limit the effects of electromagnetic interference. This cable is available in 16 AWG to 2 AWG sizes with individual Class K flexible stranded tinned copper conductors covered with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation. The special PVC outer jacket is free from cadmium, silicone, and substances harmful to the wetting properties of lacquers and paints, making these cables ideal for painting, plating, and coating applications. In addition, these cables are rated for tray and direct burial use and are highly resistant to sunlight, oil (Oil Res I/II), and chemicals. TOPFLEX 600 VFD cables have also been thoroughly tested and certified by ECOLAB for use with cleaning and disinfecting agents used in food and beverage applications.

AutomationDirect

Pipe Seal

The PHPS pipe seal accepts a range of pipe and conduit sizes within a single seal. The product’s segmented ring allows individual adjustments to the pipe diameter on site. PHS is ideal for smaller pipes or multiple pipe ODs covered with one seal. It is available in 1.575-in. width EPDM or NBR rubber. According to the company, the product is completely gastight and watertight. Finally, PHPS segmented ring technology allows the fitting of numerous pipe sizes within a single seal without the need to consult a sizing chart.

Polywater

Compact Cable Splicing Enclosure

The HyperDrop PAS mini patch and splicing enclosure (p/n HDPAS-M-x) is small and easy to install in a variety of environments, such as underground burial, pole mount, wall mount, or wire suspension. The product is designed for splicing and coupling fiber, twisted pair, and other lowvoltage cables. It is IP68-rated for outdoor installation and features an easy-to-open design with watertight latching. The product includes a visible fiber splicing tray as well as grommets to accommodate a variety of cable sizes and constructions. It is compatible with fiber couplers, fiber splice connections, keystones, and other barrelstyle couplers.

LYNN

Electric Scissor Lift

The ES4046 electric scissor lift provides maximized performance capabilities, implements application-driven design, and offers full life-cycle support for its operators. According to the company, the product has over 50% more duty cycles than the previous R4045 electric scissor lift as well as incorporation of parts commonality, fewer hoses/fittings, and a single lift cylinder, which results in reduced maintenance needs. It is the highest ES series scissor, with its platform measuring 39-ft height indoors (up to 28.5 ft outdoors), while simultaneously being the lowest gross-weight scissor in its class. Later this year, the company will introduce a lithiumion battery option to offer more efficiency, enhanced battery life, fast charging, and a lower lifetime cost of ownership.

JLG Industries

Portable Power Supply

The ROLL-ON 7,200W/3,600W 2.5kWh power supply features a non-removable, REDLITHIUM-integrated 2.5kWh battery. This power supply provides enough power and run-time to sustain high-demanding, intermittent applications throughout the day, according to the company. With the capability to charge to 100% in 3 hr and 25% in 35 min., the ROLL-ON features pass-through power for the ability to charge and discharge simultaneously. Delivering 7,200W of starting power, users experience instantaneous peak power and 3,600W of continuous running power to support two to four operators per unit. In addition, ROLL-ON is equipped with two 20A GFCI duplex outlets with circuit breakers, one USB-C, and one USB-A to provide power for two 20A corded tools or a piece of capital equipment while charging batteries and personal electronics.

Milwaukee Tool

High-Temperature Light

The high-bay hot series can maintain up to 95.9% of its initial lumens after 10,000 hours of continuous operation at an ambient temperature of 176°F. According to the company, the luminaire can maintain at least 70% of its initial lumen output after 47,000 to 50,000 hours of continuous operation at 176°F ambient, equivalent to more than a 5-yr lifetime at 24/7 operation or more than 10 years at 12 hr/day. In addition, the lighting series boasts rugged construction, including a heavy-duty anodized aluminum housing that provides anti-corrosion properties. Finally, the vertical flow cooling fin design and driver box enable the fixture to perform in extreme heat environments, such as die-cast facilities, foundries, iron forges, steel mills, power generation plants, and chemical plants.

Red Sky Lighting

Arlington’s heavy-duty, plated steel fan/ fixture box has an adjustable bracket that mounts securely between joists spaced 16" to 24" o.c.

Flush ceiling installations

FBRS415 is designed for ceilings up to 1-1/4" thick. For 1/2" ceilings, use the pre-bent positioning tab. For other ceiling thicknesses, bend along the appropriate score line.

• 15.6 cu. inch box ships with captive screws, mud cover, installed NM cable connector

Arlington’s non-metallic hole cover kits offer the fastest way to cover a hole – and ensure compliance with OSHA safety standards on a multi-story building site. Available in three sizes, our hole cover kits come with retaining clips that adjust to fit a range of hole sizes.

• Reference scale for precise sizing to hole diameter

• Complies with OSHA Standard 1910.28 (b) (3) (i) (A)

• Rated for 250 lb load

CODE BASICS

NEC Requirements for Services — Part 1

Do you understand the conductor and equipment requirements for services?

By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant

Article 230 covers the installation requirements for service conductors and service equipment. A service consists of the conductors and equipment connecting the serving electric utility to the premises wiring system [Art. 100](Fig 1).

NUMBER OF SERVICES

There are many possible combinations of what is considered one service drop or one service lateral. A building can be served by only one service except as permitted by Sec. 230.2(A) through (D).

(A) Special Conditions. Additional services are permitted for the six reasons listed in Sec. 230.2(A). These include fire pumps and emergency systems.

(B) Special Occupancies. Additional services are permitted for either

multiple-occupancy buildings where there’s insufficient space for supply equipment accessible to all occupants, or a building so large that one service doesn’t cut it.

(C) Capacity Requirements. Additional services are permitted for buildings with capacity requirements exceeding 2,000A, or if the load requirements of a single-phase installation exceed the serving electric utility’s power capacity.

(D) Different Characteristics. Additional services are permitted for different voltages, frequencies, or phases but also different uses such as varying electricity rate schedules.

If a building has more than one service, a permanent plaque or directory must be installed at each service disconnect location indicating the location of other services supplying that building [Sec. 230.2(E)].

This is vital to first responders who must disconnect power to the building.

SERVICE CONDUCTORS THROUGH BUILDINGS

Service conductors must not pass through the interior of a building to supply another building [Sec. 230.3].

Conductors are considered outside a building or structure when installed [Sec. 230.6]:

(1) Under at least 2 in. of concrete beneath a building.

(2) Within a building or structure in a raceway encased at least 2 in. of concrete or brick.

(3) In transformer vaults.

(4) In dirt floor buildings, with the raceway installed at least 18 in. below the finished surface.

You can’t install feeder and branchcircuit conductors in the same raceway, cable, handhole enclosure, or underground box with service conductors [Sec. 230.7]. Doing this would bypass the feeder or branch-circuit overcurrent protection if there’s a short between those conductors and service conductors (Fig. 2 on page 54).

Service, feeder, and branch-circuit conductors are permitted in the service disconnect enclosure.

Where a service raceway enters a building or structure from outside, it must be sealed per Sec. 300.5(G) and Sec. 300.7(A) [Sec. 230.8]. Sealants must be identified for use with cable insulation, conductor insulation, bare conductor, shield, or other components.

OVERHEAD SERVICE CONDUCTORS

Overhead service conductors are the overhead conductors between the serving electric utility service point and the first

Fig. 1. The definition of a service is found in Art. 100 of the NEC.

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Built-in end stop NEW

* Examples of 3- and 4-conductor cables accommodated.

CODE BASICS

This e-newsletter, published four times per month, is dedicated to coverage of the National Electrical Code. The content items are developed by well-known Code experts.

CodeWatch promises to:

• Explain how to properly apply the Code

• Test your knowledge of the Code

• Provide information on upcoming Code-related seminars and shows

• Offer Code quizzes and real-world Code violations

CodeWatch Subscribe Today

See all of our EC&M e-newsletters at www.ecmweb.com

Installing feeder and branch-circuit conductors in the same raceway, cable, handhole enclosure, or underground box with service conductors would bypass the feeder or branch-circuit overcurrent protection if there’s a short between those conductors and service conductors.

point of connection to the service-entrance conductors at the building [Art. 100].

“Service Point” is where the serving electric utility conductors connect to customer-owned premises wiring.

“Service Drop” is the set of utilityowned overhead conductors between the serving electric utility transformer and the service point [Art. 100].

Overhead service conductors must have sufficient ampacity to carry the load as calculated per Parts II through V of Art. 220 [Sec. 230.23(A)].

Overhead service conductors cannot be smaller than 8 AWG copper or 6 AWG aluminum [Sec. 230.23(B)]. Exception: Overhead service conductors can be as small as 12 AWG for limited-load installations.

The neutral conductor for overhead service conductors must be sized to carry the maximum unbalanced load per Sec. 220.61 and no smaller than required by Sec. 250.24(D)(1) [Sec. 230.23(C)].

The service neutral conductor must not be smaller than required by Sec. 250.24(D)(1) to ensure it has sufficiently low impedance and current-carrying capacity to safely carry fault current to facilitate the operation of the overcurrent protective device [Sec. 250.4(A)(5)].

Overhead service conductors must maintain a clearance of 3 ft from

windows that open, doors, porches, balconies, ladders, stairs, fire escapes, or similar locations [Sec. 230.9(A)].

Overhead service conductors within 3 ft measured horizontally of platforms, projections, or surfaces that will permit personal contact must have a vertical clearance of at least 10 ft above the platforms, projections, or surfaces per Sec. 230.24(B) [Sec. 230.9(B)].

Overhead service conductors cannot be installed under an opening through which materials might pass and where they will obstruct entrance to building openings [Sec. 230.9(C)].

You can’t use trees or other vegetation to support overhead service conductor spans or service disconnects [Sec. 230.10].

Conductor spans above roofs must maintain a vertical clearance at least 8 ft - 6 in. above the surface of a roof for a minimum distance of 3 ft in all directions from the roof edge [Sec. 230.24(A)]. However, five exceptions exist. Here are two of those five exceptions.

• Exception No. 2: If the slope of the roof exceeds 4 in. of vertical rise for every 12 in. of horizontal run, the 120V/208V or 120V/240V overhead service conductor clearances can be reduced to 3 ft over the roof.

The SCOOP™ series of reversible, non-metallic ENTRANCE HOODS, PLATES AND DEVICES protect cable while delivering good looks and installation versatility. They also reduce labor and eliminate extra connections.

Our newest CABLE ENTRY DEVICES come with or without a wall plate for efficient cable management. HOODS for decorator-style wall plates, single and two-gang PLATES install facing in or out...and save time!

• Low voltage cable protection

Our new single gang, zinc mounting bracket, LV1M, for existing construction, offers extra rigidity so it won’t bend as easily as plastic. Plus, it has threaded holes for easy, fast device installation – and LABOR SAVINGS. Also available, a variety of single-, two-, three- and four-gang NON-METALLIC low voltage brackets, and others for specialty

CODE BASICS

• Exception No. 5: If the voltage between conductors does not exceed 300V and the roof area is guarded or isolated, the clearance can be reduced to 3 ft.

Conductor spans above grade must maintain the following vertical clearances [Sec. 230.24(B)]:

(1) 10 ft above finished grade, sidewalks, platforms, or projections that permit personal contact for circuits supplied by 120V/208V or 120V/240V.

(2) 12 ft above residential property and driveways, and commercial areas not subject to truck traffic for circuits supplied by 120V/208V, 120V/240V, or 277V/480V.

(3) 15 ft above residential property and driveways, and commercial areas not subject to truck traffic for circuits supplied by a system having a voltage exceeding 300V to ground.

(4) 18 ft above public streets, alleys, roads, parking areas subject to truck traffic, driveways on other than residential property, and other areas traversed by vehicles such as those used for cultivation, grazing, forestry, and orchards.

(5) 24 ft - 6 in. above tracks of railroads.

Overhead service conductors above pools, outdoor hot tubs, fountains, and similar installations must comply with the clearance requirements in Sec. 680.9 [Sec. 230.24(D)].

The point of attachment for overhead service conductors must be at least 10 ft above the finished grade [Sec. 230.26]. It must be located so the minimum overhead service conductor clearances required by Sec. 230.9 and Sec. 230.24 can be maintained. The point of attachment for conductors might need to be raised so the overhead service conductors will comply with the clearances from building openings required by Sec. 230.9 and from other areas as required by Sec. 230.24.

Open conductors must be attached to fittings identified for use with service conductors or to noncombustible, nonabsorbent insulators securely attached to the building [Sec. 230.27].

Masts used for the support of overhead service conductors or service drops must be installed per Sec. 230.28(A) and (B):

(A) Strength. If a mast supports the service drop or overhead service conductors, it must have adequate mechanical strength, braces, or guy wires to withstand the strain caused by the conductors.

(B) Attachment. Conductors cannot be attached to a mast between a weatherhead or end of the conduit and a coupling if the coupling is above the last conduit support or if the coupling is above the building (Fig. 3).

In addition, many electric utilities contain specific requirements for the installation of the service mast.

UNDERGROUND SERVICE CONDUCTORS

Underground service conductors are the underground conductors between the service point and the first point of connection to the service-entrance conductors in a terminal box, meter, or other enclosure, whether inside or outside the building wall [Art. 100].

“Service Point” is the point where the serving electric utility conductors connect to customer-owned premises wiring [Art. 100].

“Service Lateral” is the utility-owned underground conductors between the serving electric utility transformer and the service point [Art. 100].

Only the 11 wiring methods listed in Sec. 230.30(B) can contain underground service conductors. These include IMC conduit, PVC conduit, and IGS cable.

Underground service conductors must have the ampacity to carry the load

as calculated per Parts II through V of Art. 220 [Sec. 230.31(A)]. Underground service conductors can’t be smaller than 8 AWG copper, 6 AWG aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum [Sec. 230.31(B)].

Exception: Underground service conductors can be as small as 12 AWG for limited-load installations.

The neutral conductor for underground service conductors must be sized to carry the maximum unbalanced load per Sec. 220.61 and not smaller than required by Sec. 250.24(D) [Sec. 230.31(C)].

PREVENTING POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

The service is where conductors have the most energy, undergo the most strain, and pose the greatest danger. When selecting or installing service conductors, it’s a good practice to assess what potential problems may exist and how you can avoid them. For example, something allowed by the Code, such as a second service, might not be the best engineering choice for optimizing performance and reliability.

These materials are provided by Mike Holt Enterprises in Leesburg, Fla. To view Code training materials offered by this company, visit www.mikeholt.com/code.

Fig. 3. Conductors cannot be attached to a mast between a weatherhead or end of the conduit and a coupling if the coupling is above the last conduit support — or if the coupling is above the building.

CODE QUIZ OF THE MONTH

Test Your Code IQ

How much do you know about the National Electrical Code?

By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant

All questions and answers are based on the 2023 NEC.

Q1: Article 410 covers luminaires, portable luminaires, lampholders, pendants, incandescent filament lamps, arc lamps, electric-discharge lamps, and _____, and the wiring and equipment forming part of such products and lighting installations.

a) decorative lighting products

b) lighting accessories for temporary seasonal and holiday use

c) portable flexible lighting products

d) all of these

Q2: Where one or more internal cable clamps are present in the box, a single volume allowance shall be made based on the _____ present in the box.

a) largest conductor

b) smallest conductor

c) average conductor size

d) number of devices

Q3: Thermal insulation shall not be installed above a recessed luminaire or within ____ of the recessed luminaire’s enclosure or wiring compartment unless the luminaire is identified as Type IC.

a) 1 in.

b) 11/4 in.

c) 11/2 in.

d) 3 in.

Q4: Tap connections to a common grounding electrode conductor for multiple separately derived systems may be made

to a copper or aluminum busbar that is _____ and of sufficient length to accommodate the number of terminations necessary for the installation.

a) smaller than 1/4 in. thick × 4 in. wide

b) not smaller than 1/4 in. thick × 2 in. wide

c) not smaller than 1/2 in. thick × 2 in. wide

d) not smaller than 1/4 in. thick × 21/2 in. wide

Q5: Where required in Art. 680, ground-fault protection of receptacles and outlets on branch circuits rated 150V or less to ground and _____ or less, single- or 3-phase, shall be provided with a Class A GFCI.

a) 20A

b) 30A

c) 40A

d) 60A

Q6: Where the motor short-circuit and ground-fault protection devices determined by Table 430.52(C)(1) do not correspond to the standard sizes or ratings, a _____ rating that does not exceed the next _____ standard ampere rating is permitted.

a) higher

b) lower

c) smaller

d) larger

See the answers to these Code questions online at ecmweb. com/55000991.

CODE VIOLATIONS

Illustrated Catastrophes

By Russ LeBlanc, NEC Consultant

All references are based on the 2023 edition of the NEC.

HOTEL ROOM HORRORS

I spotted this enclosed panelboard during a recent stay at a hotel. The room safe was installed in a position that completely obstructs some of the cover screws for the panelboard enclosure. That safe would probably need to be taken out before you could remove the screws for panelboard cover, which isn’t cool! It’s also not up to Code.

The working space required by Sec.110.26(A) is obstructed by the safe and the shelves above the safe. One of the circuit breaker blanks is partially pried out of the panelboard cover. This increases the risk of shock as curious people, including kids, could easily stick a finger in that opening and make contact with the energized terminals of busbars inside the enclosure. Section 408.7 requires unused circuit breaker openings to be closed up in a manner that provides protection equivalent to the enclosure walls. Section 110.27(A) requires live

parts to be guarded against accidental contact by approved enclosures when not protected by the other means specified in Sec. 110.27(A)(1) through (A)(4). None of those other means is applicable here. Additionally, it appears as though the door on the cover, which is normally used

A RAIN CATCHER

to protect the circuit breakers, was intentionally ripped off its hinges. I’m guessing that was probably done to reset a tripped circuit breaker. I would say a broken door violates Sec. 110.12(B) because the integrity and mechanical strength of the enclosure has been compromised.

With the position of that weatherproof lampholder facing toward the sky, I think that it will act like a cup and fill with rainwater, causing all kinds of problems. The weatherproof lampholders that I have installed are provided with instructions or are stamped with wording such as “aim horizontal or below” so snow and rain do not enter the lampholder. It might be difficult to see in this photo, but this lampholder had those words stamped on its side. Failing to follow instructions can lead to an increased risk of fire and shock. It is also a violation of Sec. 110.3(B).

Another problem I noticed was the type of set screw EMT connector used on the raceway connected to the round weatherproof box. This type of EMT connector is not suitable for use in this wet location. Section 314.15 requires boxes, conduit bodies, outlet box hoods, and fittings (such as connectors) installed in wet locations to be listed for use in wet locations. The EMT raceway in the top left of the photo was installed using compression connectors, which may be suitable for this wet location.

How Far Is Too Far?

Reminder of the importance of Art. 100 definitions

By Russ LeBlanc, NEC Consultant

Iam often reminded of the importance of the definitions in Art. 100 when it comes to correctly applying and understanding Code rules. Here is yet another case in point.

When it comes to installing an emergency disconnect for a one-family dwelling unit as required by Sec. 230.85, installers may interpret that the disconnecting means is required to be located on or within 50 ft of the dwelling unit, since the literal wording in Sec. 230.85(A)(1) states the disconnect must be “installed in a readily accessible outdoor location on or within sight of the dwelling unit.” But, in reality, there is no limit on how far away the disconnect can be. There is no 50-ft limit. It can be 100 ft away if it is still “within sight” of the dwelling unit. That statement brings us to our definitions.

Article 100 defines “within sight”, aka “within sight from” or “in sight from,” as “equipment that is visible and not more than 50 ft distant from other equipment is in sight from that other equipment.” But this definition only mentions the distance from one piece of equipment to another piece of equipment and makes no mention of the distance from a building to a piece of equipment. Is the intent to include the distance from a building to a piece of equipment too? I suppose so, but that is a question you may need to discuss with your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

language, including but not limited to, Sec. 225.41(A)(1) for feeder emergency disconnects, Sec. 700.12(D)(4) for

In reality, there is no limit on how far away the disconnect can be. There is no 50-ft limit. It can be 100 feet away if it is still “within sight” of the dwelling unit.

Section 230.85 is not the only requirement where the equipment is required to be “within sight” of a building. Many other rules use similar

emergency generator sets, Sec. 701.12(D) (3) for legally required generator sets, Sec. 702.12(A) for optional standby generators, Sec. 550.32(A) for mobile home

service equipment, and Sec. 550.33(A) for mobile home feeder disconnects. Other rules make it easier to apply the definition of “within sight,” including Sec. 430.102(A), which requires the disconnecting means to be located “in sight from” the motor controller location.

In this case, the 50-ft distance is between two pieces of equipment and aligns with the Art. 100 definition of “in sight from.” Perhaps we will see some revisions to help clarify the definition of “in sight from” for the 2026 Code. Until then, a discussion with your AHJ would probably be a good idea to help figure out these sometimes confusing requirements.

(Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this index. However, the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions.)

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CODE VIOLATIONS

By Russ LeBlanc, NEC Consultant

How well do you know the Code?

Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn’t identify?

Here’s your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else’s work from the safety of your living room or office. Can you identify the specific Code violation(s) in this photo?

Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2023 NEC.

Hint: Pump up the volume

‘TELL THEM WHAT THEY’VE WON...’

Using the 2023 NEC, correctly identify the Code violation(s) in this month’s photo — in 200 words or less — and you could win an Arlington Industries 18-in. Slider Bar and plastic box for mounting between studs with non-standard spacing. E-mail your response, including your name and mailing address, to russ@russleblanc.net, and Russ will select three winners (excluding manufacturers and prior winners) at random from the correct submissions. Note that submissions without an address will not be eligible to win.

FEBRUARY WINNER

Our only winner this month was Jake Jakobson, a control panel engineer for Q-PAC in Elkton, Fla. Jake knew copper wire handle ties do not comply with the Code.

When it came to installing handle ties for circuit breakers, this installer used some scrap wire and jammed a piece of copper through the holes in the handles of circuit breakers 16 and 18 in an attempt to comply with the Code. Unfortunately, they fell a little short.

For multiwire branch circuits, Sec. 210.4(B) requires a disconnecting means that will simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors of the branch circuit. That same Section makes no

mention of handle ties though. Thankfully, other rules do address handle ties. Section 240.15(B)(1) through (B) (5) address several installations where single-pole circuit breakers can be used with handle ties. In each one of those situations, identified handle ties are required to be used. A piece of copper wire is not an identified handle tie. The handle tie installed on the 2-pole breaker at circuits 12 and 14 is a good example of an identified handle tie. That same type of handle tie could be used for single-pole breakers on multiwire branch circuits as specified in Sec. 240.15(B)(1) and the other circuits specified in Sec. 240.15(B).

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