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The Code Question of the Day (CQD) is NECA and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine’s flagship National Electrical Code (NEC®) public forum for the industry, sponsored by EATON.

The daily distribution of Q&A generates a lively dialogue and shares relative Code-based practical responses.

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    Friday, January 12, 2024

    Question:

    Hello, I would like to know if the 2023 NEC® has any guidance or restrictions on attaching a small remote switch actuator (RSA) to the breaker panel via a permanent magnet. The actuator would not interfere with or come into contact with any breakers unless actuated remotely. Arthur B.
  • ?
    Thursday, January 11, 2024

    Question:

    Good morning, I read your forum every morning and look forward to it. We had some questions come up during a recent energy conservation meeting. We are running into a high use of spray foam insulation due to the new energy codes. Is it addressed in the NEC® as to encapsulating any wiring of any type due to the possibility of overheating. Thanks in advance, Richard P.
    A

    Answer:

    Hello Richard, glad to hear you are enjoying the CQD. In general, the NEC® does not prohibit the installation of NM Cable incapsulated in spray foam. There are rules pertaining to ampacity adjustment when cables are bundled in Section 310.15(C)(1). This becomes a manufacturer and product listing issue and the manufacturers of Type NM Cable do permit the cable to be encased in spray foam. This is a topic of concern that dates back to 1985, when testing was conducted by the University of Toronto on the potential overheating effects of Type NM-B Cable encased in spray foam. The findings were favorable showing maximum temperatures far below the 90º C rating of NM Cable insulation. This information can be reviewed in the NEMA Bulletin on the Thermal Effects of Residential-Installed Type NM-B Cable Encased in Spray Foam Insulation.  

ABOUT CQD: The Code Question of the Day (CQD) is NECA and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine’s flagship National Electrical Code (NEC®) public forum for the industry, sponsored by EATON. The daily distribution of Q&A generates a lively dialogue and shares relative Code-based practical responses.

SUBMIT YOUR CODE QUESTION: Click here to submit a question to for inclusion in an upcoming edition of the Code Question of the Day, or email codequestion@necanet.org. 

CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

NECA STANDARDS: NECA publishes the National Electrical Installation Standards™ (NEIS™), a series of ANSI-approved performance and quality standards for electrical construction. NEIS can be purchased in the NECA Store in three formats: a printed or  PDF download of a standard or, as an  annual subscription service.

NECA SAFETY PRODUCTS & PUBLICATIONS: NECA produces electrical safety publications and products for the industry including jobsite safety guides, handbooks and resource kits. View a full listing of available resources and products »

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

This correspondence is not a formal interpretation of the NEC® and any responses expressed to the questions are opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of NECA, NFPA, the NEC Correlating Committee any Code-making panel or other electrical technical committee. In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. 

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