240.87(C) Performance Testing.
Code Change Summary: New code section requires a performance test for arc energy reduction.
In the 2020 NEC®, a performance test is now required for the arc energy reduction protection system when first installed on site. It’s one thing to install the arc energy reduction system and hope that it works but it’s another thing altogether to test it and verify that it functions as intended.
The system must be tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions by a qualified person using primary current injection or another approved method when first installed on site and a written record of the test must be available to the authority having jurisdiction.
The new informational note raises awareness of other energy reduction protection systems which cannot be tested using primary current injection for fear of damaging the protection system. In all cases, follow the manufacturers recommended test procedures.
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 2020 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2017 Code Language:
This code section did not exist.
2020 Code Language:
N 240.87(C) Performance Testing. The arc energy reduction protection system shall be performance tested by primary current injection testing or another approved method when first installed on site. This testing shall be conducted by a qualified person(s) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
A written record of this testing shall be made and shall be available to the authority having jurisdiction.
Informational Note: Some energy reduction protection systems cannot be tested using a test process of primary current injection due to either the protection method being damaged such as with the use of fuse technology or because current is not the primary method of arc detection.