Products and the 2002 National Electrical Code Changes

Per Article 100, a Wet Location is defined as: Installations underground or in concrete
slabs or masonry in direct contact with earth; in locations subject to saturation with water
or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas; and in unprotected locations exposed to
weather.
If the receptacle is either a 15 or 20 amp, 125 or 250 volt receptacle, exposed to the
weather, an in-use weatherproof cover, also know as a bubble cover or hood cover, must
be used. A roofed open porch or under a canopy would be considered a Damp Location if
it protects the outlet from the elements. A Damp Location is a location not normally
subject to the effects of the weather.
GFCI receptacle manufacturers have required that their devices have adequate protection
from exposure to moisture to prevent the corrosion of internal components. The result of
prolonged exposure to moisture could compromise the ability of the GFCI to provide
personnel protection. Since it was nearly impossible to predict that an outdoor receptacle
was to be attended or unattended, Code Making Panel 18 decided it was safer to require
an In-Use Weatherproof Cover to be installed for all outdoor applications regardless if it
is a GFCI or a standard receptacle or whether or not it is attended.
This change to the 2002 NEC may go unnoticed at first, but as contractors and inspectors
become educated about the new requirement, it will have a very large impact on both the
residential and commercial construction and Carlon’s In-Use Weatherproof Covers.
Article 430
Motors, Motor Circuits, and Controllers
Table 430.91 Motor Controller Enclosure Selection. (Enclosures). A new NEMA Type
Enclosure Rating has been added to Table 430.91. They include Types 3X, 3RX and
3SX. These enclosures are approved for outdoor use and provide a degree of protection
against corrosive environments. These new NEMA Type Enclosures Ratings should
become popular in coastal areas.
Article 518
Places of Assembly
518.4(C) Spaces with Finish Rating. (ENT and RNC). The list of places of assemblies
where ENT and RNC are permitted to be used has been expanded. Places of Assembly
has been expanded to include: club rooms, college and university classrooms,
courtrooms, drinking establishments, museums, passenger stations and terminals of air,
surface, underground, and marine public transportation facilities, and libraries. Church
chapels has been expanded to include: mortuary chapels and places of religious worship.
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