386.120 Surface Metal Raceways. Marking.
Code Change Summary: New marking requirements were added for Surface Metal Raceways.
The NEC® is used by electrician, inspectors, manufacturers, nationally recognized testing labs and many others. Some requirements in the NEC® have nothing to do with the field electrician but have everything to do with the manufacturer who creates the equipment. This is one of those cases.
In the 2014 NEC®, Surface Metal Raceways are now required to have specific markings by the manufacturer in compliance with NEC® Section 110.21(A) as follows:
110.21(A) Manufacturer’s Markings. The manufacturer’s name, trademark, or other descriptive marking by which the organization responsible for the product can be identified shall be placed on all electrical equipment. Other markings that indicate voltage, current, wattage, or other ratings shall be provided as specified elsewhere in this Code. The marking or label shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.
For an installer or inspector dealing with new surface metal raceway installations, be on the lookout for the required marking in order to ensure that counterfeit wiring methods aren’t being installed.
A similar change occurred in 388.120 for Surface Nonmetallic Raceways.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).
2014 Code Language:
386.120 Marking. Each length of surface metal raceway shall be clearly and durably identified as required in the first sentence of 110.21(A).