527 CMR 12.00 amendments to the NEC: Massachusetts Journeyman Electrician Practice Questions

Under the Massachusetts amendment, when does a dwelling receptacle near a sink need GFCI protection?

527 CMR 12.00 revises 210.8(A)(9): receptacles within 6 ft of the top inside edge of the sink bowl, or located within a cabinet that supports a sink, need GFCI protection.

How does Massachusetts measure the distance from a receptacle for the GFCI rules of 210.8?

The amended second paragraph of 210.8 uses the shortest cord path that does not pierce a floor, wall, ceiling or fixed barrier, or pass through a cabinet door opening, doorway or window.

Which dwelling unit branch circuits does the Massachusetts amendment to 210.12(B) require to have AFCI protection?

527 CMR 12.00 replaces the room list in 210.12(B): all 120-volt, single-phase, 10-, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in dwelling units need AFCI protection by one of the methods in 210.12(A).

A required individual branch circuit serves one appliance with a single cord. What receptacle does Massachusetts require at that outlet?

New 210.21(B)(5) requires a single receptacle at an outlet installed to meet an individual branch circuit rule; a multiple receptacle is allowed only to the extent the equipment has multiple cords.

In Massachusetts, how high above a kitchen countertop may a required countertop receptacle outlet be mounted?

The amended 210.52(C)(3) allows countertop receptacle outlets on or above, but not more than 20 in. above, the countertop or work surface (other listed locations are in or below the surface).

A flat island countertop has no way to mount a receptacle above it. Under the Massachusetts amendment, where may the outlet go?

The amended 210.52(C)(3)(3) allows outlets not more than 12 in. below a flat island or peninsula top with no means to mount above, but not where the top extends more than 6 in. beyond the receptacle face. 210.52(C)(2) requires at least one outlet per island.

A new house has its service disconnect inside, fed by an underground lateral. What does the Massachusetts exception allow?

Exception No. 2 to 230.70(A)(1) allows an indoor disconnect supplied by a service lateral or underground conductors if it can be opened by remote control from a readily accessible outdoor location, marked EMERGENCY ELECTRICAL DISCONNECT and NOT SERVICE EQUIPMENT, with the control wiring in raceway.

An electrician replaces only the meter socket and service-entrance conductors on an existing house. Does Massachusetts require an outdoor disconnect?

The exception added to 230.70(E) says that if only meter sockets, service-entrance conductors, main breakers or related raceways and fittings are replaced, 230.70(A)(1) and 230.70(B)(2) do not apply.

Under the Massachusetts version of Table 310.15(C)(1), what adjustment applies to 12 current-carrying conductors in one raceway?

Massachusetts revises the table so that 7 through 24 conductors take 70%. It also deletes the AC and MC cable provision in item (d).

NM cable runs parallel to a stud where nails are likely. How far from the stud edge must it be kept under the Massachusetts amendment?

The revised 334.17 keeps the nearest outside surface of parallel NM cable at least 19 mm (¾ in.) from the framing edge, or protects it with a steel plate or sleeve at least 1/16 in. thick.

Under the Massachusetts version of 334.30, how far may NM cable run from where it enters a box to the nearest support?

The amended 334.30 limits the cable length between the cable entry and the closest support to 450 mm (18 in.), in addition to securing within 12 in. of the box and every 4½ ft.

When may rigid PVC conduit be used in a Massachusetts building more than 70 ft above grade?

New 352.12(F) bars PVC in buildings more than 21 m (70 ft) above mean grade unless the building is fully sprinklered, the conduit is behind a thermal barrier, or it is encased in at least 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete.

Under the Massachusetts amendment to 406.9(C)(1), where in a bathroom may a receptacle never be installed?

527 CMR 12.00 replaces 406.9(C)(1) with one rule: receptacles may not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall.

A 2 ft by 2 ft lay-in luminaire goes in a suspended ceiling in Massachusetts. How must it be supported?

The added paragraph in 410.36(B) requires luminaires 4 lb or more to be supported directly to the structure, and luminaires 2 ft or more on a side to be supported at each end of a diagonal axis regardless of weight.

Massachusetts limits the metal conduit used for a wet-niche pool luminaire. Which is allowed?

The amended 680.23(B)(2)(a) requires metal conduit for wet-niche luminaires to be listed stainless steel or approved red brass.