What is the difference between Exposed, Accessible, and In Sight? (Code Words You Should Know)
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- Опубликовано: 8 июн 2024
- In our ongoing series of Confusing Code Terms Explained, Dustin reviews the terms Exposed, Accessible and In Sight. And while not too awful sounding, they can be a bit confusing on exactly what they mean from a Code standpoint!
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Article 100 of the NEC defines accessibility as such:
Accessible (as it applies to equipment) is “Capable of being reached for operation, renewal, and inspection”. There is nothing too magical about this definition, it simply means that the equipment must be installed so it can be operated, serviced, etc. So, you can’t install something that has to be accessible above a hard lid ceiling with no access, or pour it in concrete, or bury it behind a piece of drywall or something like that. Accessible (as it applies to wiring methods) is defined as capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building. Same type of situations as above in that after you install it, it must be able to be reached and operated/manipulated after it is completed. Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible) is defined as capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as to use tools (other than keys), to climb over or under, to remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders and so forth. This is the most stringent of the group and in essence means that you must be able to walk right up to the item and be able to access/actuate it without tools, equipment, or moving anything.
On the inverse side of things, Article 100 of the NEC has a few terms that are the opposite of accessible:
Concealed is “Rendered inaccessible by the structure or finish of the building. Again, the exact opposite; you can’t see or access it. Enclosed means “surrounded by a case, housing, fence, or wall(s) that prevents persons from accidentally contacting energized parts”. This is important so not everyone has access to the potential dangers of electrical current flow. Exposed (as it applies to live parts) is the complete opposite of Enclosed and is “Capable of being inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person”, while Exposed (as applied to wiring methods) “on or attached to the surface or behind panels designed to allow access”.
The NEC defines Guarded as “Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by means of suitable covers, casings, barriers, rails, screens, mats, or platforms to remove the likelihood of approach or contact by persons or objects to a point of danger”. While close to Enclosed, Guarded seems like it is a lesser form of protection.
In Sight From (or Within Sight From or Within Sight) is defined as “Visible and not more than 50 feet distant from the other”. You may hear this term as it relates to a disconnect being within sight from the equipment it serves (or something of that nature).
Isolated (as applied to location) means “Not readily accessible to persons unless special means for access are used”. So, one would have to be Given access to something isolated and not have it readily available.
We hope this has clarified some of the terminology surrounding Accessibility as it relates to the NEC. These terms are all closely related, and as electricians, we should know the difference between them. Make sure you are explaining this to your apprentices when teaching, make sure you are discussing this when your customers have questions as to WHY you installed something where you did, etc. I think with the state of current affairs today, EVERYONE could probably use a little more education on things!!
#electrician #electrical #electricity #sparky life #national electric code
I've been doing some upgrades at my house, and your videos have been really helpful (I haven't electrocuted myself, at least!)
The one common thing that I've seen throughout all of your videos is REFERENCE BACK TO THE MANUAL. This is probably the most important and helpful thing you can do when working on anything technical. I work as a trade skill instructor myself, and I can't count the number of problems that could have been avoided by cracking open a book.
You can't cover a receptacle with sheet rock...."oops" said every drywall guy ever as I'm standing scratching my head saying "I swear there were 5 not 4"
What's the best way to find buried receptacles? Besides feeling for a lump at 18"
@@--JohnDoe as an electrician, I find the best way to find my buried plug is to tell the general on site that if he expects me to hunt for the buried box, I’ll be charging him money and making a 3 foot by 3 foot hole with my reciprocating saw. Somehow, without fail, the plug always magically appears within an hour and I don’t have to hunt 😂😂
@@jakesully5402I have been tasked with this several times with different companies. I like your idea though.
Just graduated 4th year at IEC and you were the channel I watched the most when I first got in the trade and now I'm reviewing for my JMan exam and I was really happy to know you're still making videos!
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What is IEC?
Hey man I just wanted to say thank you for all the videos and the inspiration I just got hired on today for my apprenticeship after I completed my first year of trade school keep up the great work!
Thanks for going through definitions, definitely worth learning.
You are a boss Dustin. RUclips University at it's finest
Hey Dustin, I appreciate the hard work you and your team put into these videos! I am starting an industrial electrical internship here in May, and was wondering if you could make a video about all the different materials one should know. Thanks!
An "industrial" apprenticeship. Never heard of such a thing. How many years does that take?
DS, love you, man. You do so much for the industry. Keep up the awesome job, brother!
So, in my case of a metal junction box located in a basement ceiling above a dropped ceiling, that can be accessed by simply moving a ceiling tile, it is considered accessible, but not readily accessible. Yes?
By installing a dropped ceiling in my basement, I still meet code allowing "accessible" access to boxes/junctions/etc. located above in the floor joist areas for inspection and/or maintenance.
Random question, but I'm both a working electrician AND a working musician (playing over 30 years more)... if you're ever wanting a more rock-oriented intro theme, let me know. I wouldn't charge you, and I could custom contour it to your preferences. Was just thinking it might be something you might be interested in. If you're happy with what you already have, that's cool too. Either way, you have a cool channel, and it is helpful. Keep up the great work. :)
What does "likely to become energized" mean? Specifically in regards to bonding the gas line or other components.
great videos!
I’m running a 120v 12/2 burial cable (in a 3/4” PVC conduit) from shed to house, can i splice the in house feed (from main panel) in the LB outside or i need to run burial cable into house in a junction box?
thanks.
Got a second?
Got a question for you.
I've got a 70s home, no grounded(3rd wire) outlets no where.
What is the best way I can address this?
Just replace all outlets using a GFI in each room/circuit?
Pull ground wires?
I want it safe and new millennium ready.
Block tri-level 2x2 outer walls. Just paid $3,200 for 200A service
Buddy i have a cuestión for you, I need to move my washer and dryer, can I just do like a junction box to do the connection to extend the wires? Thanks buddy
What brand is the digital whiteboard you use???
Awesomeness lol!!
I am an apprentice that’s about to take his wireman’s test in a few months in DFW
Is there anything in particular that I should study
What is the meaning of "CMP-1" at the end of some code articles?
Great video. Thanks.
Code Making Panel - this is the committee of experts that reviewed that part of the codebook. There are multiple such committees - hence the number.
Hey does low voltage tech, transfer to electrician apprentice?
Code says no portable ladder. I have an attic mezzanine. Can I use a permanent, fixed OSHA compliant ladder? Will be on the outside of the building.
Hello Dustin, I work in the aviation industry and our AC power is standardized in 400Hz instead of 60Hz because of the weight issue always restricting aircraft design. All cleaning and maintenance appliances are of course rated for 400Hz, however, in this digital world many of my colleagues plug in their phone charger or other electronic power adapters into the AC outlet with 400Hz frequency. Will higher frequency damage electronics or adapters eventually? I have not witnessed any smoke or fire happening yet, but I always wondered what kind of risk we are having using 60Hz rated electronics with 110V/400Hz AC power. Thanks for reading.
I would say it would be better and more efficient for sensitive electronics due to less voltage spikes.
Avionics and power engineer here…you should check the frequency input rating to your devices before plugging in. Most commercial electronic devices are not rated for use on 400Hz aircraft power. Although many of them do function because the circuitry is not sensitive to the higher frequency, it is not recommended to just assume a failure wont occur. You should do your homework on anything you plan to plug in first.
@@-justin-4077 I agree about the listing rating however from an electrical theory standpoint higher frequency does not mean BOOM!
@@williamsnyder6514 true, it’s not a simple yes or no. Most likely it won’t be a problem but there could be some devices that won’t be compatible
That was exactly the reason I asked first place because when I look at those chargers they are just consumer level devices rated for typical 50-60hz range. I would never do it especially in an moving aircraft but always wondered what it would mean to electricians with in-depth knowledge.
If I only have 3 wire coming into my main panel and sub panels, I can have the panels bonded correct? And if current flows through the neutral, why don’t we break the neutral when using a generator?
The panels have to be bonded, always. The issue is with grounding the panels. Your main panel is grounded to either ground rods or a GEC. If your sub panel is attached to the same building as your main panel then you can just bond the panels together with whatever ground wire is Feeding the sub panel. If the sub panel is not attached to the same building as your main panel then you have to ground the sub panel using ground rods
My external service panel, the one right next to the meter, wont open.
I'm guessing cramming a crowbar in there is a bad idea, but what are my non-destructive and non-deadly options for opening it?
Or should I even try?
The panel has a big switch on the side of the panel, is it supposed to be user serviceable or is that for the power company? The outside of the box says it has fuses and stuff in it.
I want to add a circuit for an EV charger and if there's room in that panel it would be perfect. My only other option is a sub-panel that would be a 25ft run through the crawlspace and then through the wall.
use a beefy flat head
you have to come off main panel for tesla charger its code here in ca
@@markgarcia3514 Turns out it wasn't a main panel. The door only opens when the big switch is in the off position.
Do i have to do the apprenticeship for 5 years even if i've completed 2 years electrical engineering technology in college ? Please let me know , thank you so much
I know here in Ct you can get exceptions for field experience, based on an interview with someone from the state licensing division. A friend went through this a few years ago and what he did was pass the apprentice test (post schooling) and wait 30 days, then apply to test at the next level. The interview was mostly about the safety aspect of code and being able to express yourself in words. They allowed him to get a G-1 (gas license) by applying several years of intermittent plumbing experience plus the state safety courses on OSHA and NFPA regulations. Of course it helps that he was around 30 years old and also had some life experience. Took him about 6 months to jump through those hoops.
Probably, yes. Electrical engineering is not quite the same especially the field experience differences. The apprenticeship is meant to be part of your education. That's why there's only between 200 and 400 hours per year of school.
@@IceBergGeo ... understood. I went for a plumbing / HVAC license (a few decades ago) and classes were just over 200 hours each, done in the evening. They wanted 4,000 hours of field experience before the test. (that's' roughly 2 years) Since I had taken college courses in electromechanical engineering and dabbled in other fields, they allowed me to test in about a year. The process is mostly about weeding out the dead wood, so to speak. Make some calls and see if you can find out the exceptions to the rules.
Where can I get a code book?
Amazon sells them. make sure you get a current one if you are going to actually use it. they update it every three years.
i guess readily accessible as applied to a wiring method means conductors in conduits being able to pull out and replaced, not needing to break the walls, not the ones in outlet boxes.
for wiring, the raceway could be concealed, but the junction boxes / pull points must be accessible. IOW, not blocked by drywall or other finishes or equipment. "Readily accessible" basically means you can walk up to it and remove the factory approved cover, but there are exceptions. One that comes to mind is a wall mounted mini-split on a second floor needs a disconnect. Since you need a ladder to reach the equipment, it would be acceptable to put the disconnect within arm's reach of the unit, instead of at ground level. There's a drop down under the video that spells this out in more detail.
Accessible means you can unfasten an access panel and get to it. readily accessible means you can unfasten an access panel and get to it without tools.
to illustrate: when dealing with a breaker panel, the breaker terminals must be accessible. the breaker handles must be readily accessible.
@@kenbrown2808 we are talking about the wiring methods, not about equipment.
@@rupe53 yes, there is an exception, if disconnecting means is adjacent to equipment and clearly visible that disconnecting mean controls adjacent equipment it can discard requirement to be readily accessible.
@@kenbrown2808 ... excellent example. Will have to remember that detail.
I love the graphics. Little Susie with the eyepatch. Give that man a sandwich.
Customer: I thought I paid for a Tesla charger in my garage!!!
Me: yes you did and it's there, just buried by sheetrockers. Gimme a sec to break out my toner, rock saw, drop cloth and vacuum so you don't cry about your newly epoxied garage floor.
Hi Dustin Stelzer