2014 Changes to the NEC

• Every three years, the National Electric Code, or NEC, receives new revisions to keep the Code up to date and keep electricians safe while they're on the job. More than 3,700 proposals were submitted in 2011. Each of them were reviewed by the NPA Code-Making Panels and Technical Committee to bring about the 2014 changes. Below are some of the noteworthy changes:
  
• The nominal threshold voltage was increased from 600 Volts to 1,000 Volts. The higher voltage is needed for the installation for solar PV equipment.
  
• New Articles were added to the NEC topics concerning:
  
  • Article 393 Low Voltage Suspended Ceiling Power Distribution
  • Article 646 Modular Data Centers
  • Article 728 Fire Resistive Cable Systems
  • Article 750 Energy Management Systems
• The definition of "readily accessible" has been added to article 100. (Readily Accessible: Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspection without requiring those concerned to use a tool, to climb over, remove obstacle or other.)
•  Article 210.12 AFCI Protection for Dwelling Units now required in kitchen, laundry and dormitories. 
  
• There is a revision in Article 445.11 to require marking at generators to indicate if the neutral is bonded to the frame.
  
• There was a revision to article 406.9(B)(1) Extra-Duty Covers at 15- and 20-Ampere for receptacles at wet locations.

• Articles 517.18(B); 517.19(B); and 517.19(C) for healthcare facilities will conform to NFPA 99 and change the number of receptacles in patient care facilities for the patient and in operating rooms.
  
• Article 690.12 will require Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems on Buildings.
  

To read these noteworthy changes in more detail, visit: http://www.ieci.org/codes-and-standards/2014_nec_changes