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NEC RULING AFFECTS THE SAFETY & GROWTH OF THE HOME AUTOMATION INDUSTRY

A recent change to the National Electrical Code was requested by several automation industry leaders that asked for the NEC panel to require that the neutral conductor be included in all switch boxes. This request was recently voted down by a very close margin.

Without this change many new homes can be wired without the ability to safely install modern X-10 light switches and will certainly negatively affect the future of CeBus, Lonworks and similar technologies.

Currently the decision on where to run and connect the neutral is left up to the Electrician. They have the choice of placing the neutral in the switch box or in the light fixture. If the light fixture is chosen, then safely installing modern X-10 or CeBus switches is impossible since the automated type switches require powered circuits to operate and no return path (neutral) for the power is available.

Brooke Stauffer who is the Director of Codes and Standards National Electrical Contractors association stated in a letter to HA PRO Magazine that the NEC panel responsible for this change has taken the stand that the NEC book is not a book of wiring rules. It is a book of safety rules. In response to his comments I have included the actual petitions to his NEC panel written by two automation industry leaders and both describe safety concerns very clearly!

Since the ground wire is provided in the switch boxes, home automation installers may incorrectly & often routinely use this wire in place of the insulated neutral. This places current flow on an un-insulated wire! The NEC panel must realize that placing electrical current on the ground wire is dangerous! A simple safety suggestion by Mr. Stauffers panel could completely eliminate this possibility.

Next I would like to charge the NEC panel with their responsibility as a national leader and influencer. Instead of looking for a reason not to act they should understand that they are counted on for leadership. When technology changes require old ways to change we count on them to take the lead. Even when there is no past precedence.

Currently our automation industry finds ourselves using all available resources to influence the influencers. Our industries needs are new to the NEC and as a result I understand the reluctance to change. However changes are often necessary when dealing with evolving technology. In this mission I feel that if enough members of our industry make our needs known that the NEC will reconsider their vote.

Since the vote almost passed in our favor, we know that the issue is not dead and that better communication of our needs combined with a rally of the troops to call for another vote may be enough to bring about change.

I suggest that all concerned persons make it known to Mr. Stauffer and his panel at the NEC that their leadership is needed and that without it SAFETY and the growth of our industry ARE BOTH AFFECTED! Our industry needs your voice to be heard by the NEC if we are to bring about long overdue changes!

When contacting the NEC always mention this reference:

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO SECTION/PARAGRAPH 380-2 (A) EXCEPTION

Make your comments as short as possible. Call for another vote and address the safety of using the ground wire instead of the neutral and the impact on our industry if the NEC does not vote in our favor! Keep your letters to the point but do make a point! Feel free to sign your name and include contact information on one of the petitions included with this letter. Our industry needs your voice now since the NEC does not have another vote scheduled for two years. If enough members of our industry make our concerns known now, we could see another vote or an addendum issued.

Sincerely

Tony Stewart
Director - Home Automation Association
President - Automation University by SeT-NeT

DIRECT YOUR CONTACTS TO:

Jean O’connor
NFPA - Electrical Group
1 Batterymarch Park
PO Box 9101
Quincy Mass 02269-9101
NFPA
Phone - 1-617-770-3000
Fax - 1-617-770-0700
WWW.NFPA.ORG E-mail - NEC@NFPA.org

REFERENCE LETTERS INLUDED HERE:

• From Home Automation Association to NFPA
• From Gary Bridwell to NFPA