Article 382 (Part 2 of 2)
Nonmetallic Extensions — Devices, Splices, the 5-Layer Flat Conductor Build & Marking!
SLIDE 1 — Boxes, Fittings & Devices (382.40, 382.42)
📦 BOXES & FITTINGS (382.40)
Every run must terminate in a fitting, connector, or box that covers the end of the assembly — all fittings/connectors/devices must be identified for the use.
🔌 DEVICES (382.42)
🔹 Receptacles, receptacle housings, and self-contained wiring devices used with concealable extensions must be identified for that use
🔹 Housings/devices (surface OR recessed mount) must include a means for entry/termination of the flat conductor extension and electrical connection — must comply with 406.26
🔹 Power and communications outlets CAN share a common housing per 722.133(A)(3) Exception No. 2
SLIDE 2 — Splices & Taps (382.56)
🔗 CONTINUOUS ASSEMBLY REQUIRED
Extensions must be a continuous, unbroken length — NO splices, and NO exposed conductors between fittings/connectors/devices.
✅ Taps ARE permitted — but only with approved fittings that completely cover the tap connections.
🔹 Aerial cable taps need an approved polarization means.
🔹 Receptacle-type tap connectors must be the LOCKING type.
SLIDE 3 — The 5-Layer Construction (382.100, 382.104)
🥪 HOW IT'S BUILT (382.100)
A multilayer FLAT design: a center ungrounded conductor, enclosed by a sectioned grounded conductor, enclosed by an overall sectioned equipment grounding conductor.
⚡ WHY IT'S SAFE
The EGC layers fully encase the grounded and ungrounded layers — so any penetration hits the EGC FIRST, then the grounded conductor, then the ungrounded conductor. That sequence creates an instant short that trips the OCPD and automatically disconnects the circuit.
📏 FLAT CONDUCTORS (382.104)
Built with flat copper conductors equivalent to 14 AWG or 12 AWG:
🔹 Center = ungrounded conductor(s), identified per 310.6
🔹 Inner sectioned layers = grounded conductor, identified per 200.7
🔹 Outer sectioned layers = EGC, complying with 250.4(A)(5) — identified via 250.119, a clear covering, green stripes/hash marks, or "Equipment Grounding Conductor" printed at intervals
SLIDE 4 — Insulation & Marking + Final Exam (382.112, 382.120)
🛡️ INSULATION (382.112)
Ungrounded and grounded layers must be individually insulated per 310.14(A)(3); the EGC must be covered or insulated.
🏷️ MARKING (382.120)
🔹 Cable must be clearly/durably marked on BOTH sides at intervals < 610 mm (24 in.) with 310.8(A) info PLUS: conductor material, max temp rating, and ampacity
🔹 Conductors must be clearly/durably identified on both sides throughout their length per 382.104
🧠 FINAL EXAM QUESTION FOR ARTICLE 382 (Part 2)
Q: Per 382.104(C), which layer of a concealable nonmetallic extension is the OUTERMOST and encloses everything else?
A) Ungrounded conductor
B) Grounded conductor
C) Equipment grounding conductor
D) Insulation jacket only
(Drop your final answer 👇)
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