Article 100 Definitions. Likely to Become Energized.
Code Change Summary: A new definition of “Likely to Become Energized” has been added to Article 100.
There are 27 locations in the NEC® where requirements for an electrical installation are based on whether something is “likely to become energized” or “not likely to become energized”. How is this determined without an Article 100 definition of the term? How will it be determined now that there is a definition?
In the 2023 NEC®, something is likely to become energized if it is a conductive material and could become energized because of the failure of electrical insulation or electrical spacing.
This new definition is a step closer to helping determine how likely something is to become energized but still could use additional clarification. The next questions are:
- How likely is it that there could be an electrical insulation failure? An electrical insulation failure of what exactly? Is it only applicable to the installed conductors? How about an extension cord used temporarily for servicing that comes in contact with a conductive surface as someone is pulling it?
- How does one determine if there “could” be a failure due to electrical spacing?
- Will this new definition prompt inspection authorities to require bonding of metal surfaces or parts that have very little likelihood of becoming energized simply because it "could" happen?
A good practice is to think on the side of caution when applying the new definition to any electrical installation.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2020 Code Language:
This definition did not exist.
2023 Code Language:
N Energized, Likely to Become. (Likely to Become Energized). Conductive material that could become energized because of the failure of electrical insulation or electrical spacing.