The Electrical Section Codes and Standards Forum gives you an opportunity to observe and participate in discussions on the certified amending motions to the 2011 NEC Committee report. This report will be voted on by NFPA membership at the Technical Committee Reporting Session held at the end of the NFPA Conference. Using an open-forum approach, NEC code-making panel chairs will provide technical background supporting the position taken by their respective code-making panels on the proposals and comments that are the subject of the certified amending motions. At this session, the Electrical Section develops positions to be presented to the NFPA membership at the Association Technical Meeting.

Analysis: NEC Requirements for Critical Operations Power Systems in Industrial Facilities

Eddie Guidry and Wahab Mehmood, Fluor Enterprises, Inc.

Tuesday, June 8, 2:45–3:45 p.m

The 2008 NEC cycle introduced Article 708, Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS). This article provides the requirements for electrical installations that require a high degree of integrity due to natural or other threats. Oil and gas refineries and some petrochemical facilities are included in this scope. This discussion will cover risk assessments, power distribution requirements, and documentation of the emergency operations plan. It will be of interest to all engineers, designers, inspectors, plant managers, and electricians who deal with industrial installations.

Don’t Call Them Windmills

Redwood Kardon, Code Check Institute

Tuesday, June 8, 2:45–3:45 p.m

This session discusses the extreme hazards and lack of safety controls for the wind power industry. Typical wind farms being constructed today harbor some of the most extreme available fault currents that EE’s and inspectors are likely to encounter. Most are being constructed without the benefit of building permits or third-party inspections or NRTL listings.

Research Planning in Support of the National Electrical Code®

Kathleen Almand, Fire Protection Research Foundation; Donald Cook, Shelby County Development Services

Tuesday, June 8, 4:15­–5:45 p.m.

In 2008 the Fire Protection Research Foundation formed the Advisory Committee on Electrical Safety Research. Committee members consist of leaders from the NEC panels who meet annually to discuss research needs stemming from code development activities. This session will review current research and research needs in support of current and future NEC® code changes.

Spotlight Session:  Proposed Changes to NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

Paul Dobrowsky, Innovative Tech Services, and Palmer Hickman, National Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee                                                                                                                                 

Wednesday, June 9, 11 a.m.–noon

Spotlight Session: 2011 NEC Changes Around the Corner

Michael Johnston, NECA

Wednesday, June 9, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

This lively session provides the audience with a thorough review of the significant changes accepted for the 2011 NEC. The program covers revisions to current rules as well as new articles that have been included in this NEC edition. The presentation includes clear graphics and photos to illustrate the revisions. This important program provides essential information for electrical industry professionals including installers, maintainers, engineers, contractors, and inspectors. This session is a must for remaining current in the NEC.