Critical power: NFPA 70: National Electrical Code for renewable energy systems                 

Thursday, April 25, 2024

NFPA 70: National Electrical Code touches many aspects of electrical and power systems in buildings. Several key changes to the 2023 NEC focus on ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). Additional requirements point to newer technologies that reflect emerging electrical issues include:

• Cybersecurity for network-connected life safety equipment.
• Electrical installations for cannabis oil facilities.
• Wireless power transfer of electric vehicles.
• Installation of photovoltaic (PV) arrays on bodies of water.
• Installation of wiring systems and equipment, including utilization equipment, of Class 4 fault-managed power.

This overview will look at the most recent version and focus on its relevance to renewable energy systems and electric vehicle charging stations.

Learning objectives:

• Review NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (2023 edition) and its relevance to electrical engineers working in commercial buildings.
• Understand how NFPA 70 guides renewable energy system design.
• Learn about the basics of electric vehicle charging stations, and what the code requires for them.
• Gain a basic understanding of what to look for in the code by reviewing design examples.