---
id:
aliases:
  - nec-100
tags:
  - authorship/other
  - destiny/uncertain
  - status/incomplete
  - topic/construction/electrical
  - type/media
  - exclude-from-word-count
title: "NEC Article 100: Definitions"
---
# NEC Article 100: Definitions

**Scope.**
This article contains only those definitions essential to the application of this _Code_.
It is not intended to include commonly defined general terms
or commonly defined technical terms from related codes and standards.
In general, only those terms that are used in two or more articles are defined in Article 100.
Definitions are also found in XXX.2 sections of other articles.

Part I of this article contains definitions intended to apply wherever the terms are used throughout this Code.
Part II contains definitions applicable to installations and equipment operating at over 1000 volts, nominal.
Part III contains definitions applicable to Hazardous (Classified) Locations.

## Part I. General

### Accessible (as applied to equipment).

Capable of being reached for operation, renewal, and inspection.
(CMP-1)

### Accessible (as applied to wiring methods).

Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish
or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building.
(CMP-1)

### Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible).

Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections
without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions
such as to use tools (other than keys), to climb over or under,
to remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
Use of keys is a common practice under controlled or supervised conditions
and a common alternative to the ready access requirements
under such supervised conditions as provided elsewhere in the NEC.

### Adjustable Speed Drive.

Power conversion equipment that provides a means of adjusting the speed of an electric motor.
(CMP-11)

Informational Note:
A variable frequency drive is one type of electronic adjustable speed drive that controls the rotational speed of an ac electric motor by controlling the frequency and voltage of the electrical power supplied to the motor.

### Adjustable Speed Drive System.

A combination of an adjustable speed drive,
its associated motor(s), and auxiliary equipment.
(CMP-11)

### Ampacity.

The maximum current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.
(CMP-6)

### Appliance.

Utilization equipment, generally other than industrial, that is normally built in standardized sizes or types and is installed or connected as a unit to perform one or more functions such as clothes washing, air-conditioning, food mixing, deep frying, and so forth.
(CMP-17)

### Approved.

Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
(CMP-1)

### Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI).

A device intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected.
(CMP-2)

### Askarel.

A generic term for a group of nonflammable synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbons
used as electrical insulating media.
(CMP-9)

Informational Note:
Askarels of various compositional types are used.
Under arcing conditions, the gases produced,
while consisting predominantly of noncombustible hydrogen chloride,
can include varying amounts of combustible gases, depending on the askarel type.

### Attachment Fitting.

A device that, by insertion into a locking support and mounting receptacle,
establishes a connection between the conductors of the attached utilization equipment
and the branch-circuit conductors connected to the locking support and mounting receptacle.
(CMP-18)

Informational Note:
An attachment fitting is different from an attachment plug
because no cord is associated with the fitting.
An attachment fitting in combination with a locking support and mounting receptacle
secures the associated utilization equipment in place and supports its weight.

### Attachment Plug (Plug Cap) (Plug).

A device that, by insertion in a receptacle,
establishes a connection between the conductors of the attached flexible cord
and the conductors connected permanently to the receptacle.
(CMP-18)

### Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard,
or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
The phrase "authority having jurisdiction," or its acronym AHJ,
is used in NFPA documents in a broad manner,
since jurisdictions and approval agencies vary, as do their responsibilities.
Where public safety is primary,
the authority having jurisdiction may be a federal, state, local,
or other regional department or individual
such as a fire chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire prevention bureau,
labor department, or health department; building official; electrical inspector;
or others having statutory authority.
For insurance purposes, an insurance inspection department,
rating bureau, or other insurance company representative
may be the authority having jurisdiction.
In many circumstances, the property owner or his or her designated agent assumes the role of the authority having jurisdiction;
at government installations, the commanding officer or departmental official may be the authority having jurisdiction.

### Automatic.

Performing a function without the necessity of human intervention.
(CMP-1)

### Bathroom.

An area including a sink (basin)
with one or more of the following:
a toilet, a urinal, a tub, a shower, a bidet,
or similar plumbing fixtures.
(CMP-2)

### Battery System.

Interconnected battery subsystems consisting of one or more storage batteries and battery chargers, and can include inverters, converters, and associated electrical equipment.
(CMP-13)

### Bonded (Bonding).

Connected to establish electrical continuity and conductivity.
(CMP-5)

### Bonding Conductor or Jumper.

A reliable conductor to ensure the required electrical conductivity between metal parts required to be electrically connected.
(CMP-5)

### Bonding Jumper, Equipment.

The connection between two or more portions of the equipment grounding conductor.
(CMP-5)

### Bonding Jumper, Main.

The connection between the grounded circuit conductor and the equipment grounding conductor, or the supply-side bonding jumper, or both, at the service.
(CMP-5)

### Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side.

A conductor installed on the supply side of a service or within a service equipment enclosure(s), or for a separately derived system, that ensures the required electrical conductivity between metal parts required to be electrically connected.
(CMP-5)

### Bonding Jumper, System.

The connection between the grounded circuit conductor and the supply-side bonding jumper, or the equipment grounding conductor, or both, at a separately derived system.
(CMP-5)

### Branch Circuit.

The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s).
(CMP-2)

### Branch Circuit, Appliance.

A branch circuit that supplies energy to one or more outlets to which appliances are to be connected and that has no permanently connected luminaires that are not a part of an appliance.
(CMP-2)

### Branch Circuit, General-Purpose.

A branch circuit that supplies two or more receptacles or outlets for lighting and appliances.
(CMP-2)

### Branch Circuit, Individual.

A branch circuit that supplies only one utilization equipment.
(CMP-2)

### Branch Circuit, Multiwire.

A branch circuit that consists of two or more ungrounded conductors that have a voltage between them, and a grounded conductor that has equal voltage between it and each ungrounded conductor of the circuit and that is connected to the neutral or grounded conductor of the system.
(CMP-2)

### Building.

A structure that stands alone or that is separated from adjoining structures by fire walls.
(CMP-1)

### Cabinet.

An enclosure that is designed for either surface mounting or flush mounting and is provided with a frame, mat, or trim in which a swinging door or doors are or can be hung.
(CMP-9)

### Cable, Coaxial.

A cylindrical assembly composed of a conductor centered inside a metallic tube or shield, separated by a dielectric material, and usually covered by an insulating jacket.
(CMP-16)

### Cable, Optical Fiber.

A factory assembly or field assembly of one or more optical fibers having an overall covering.
(CMP-16)

Informational Note:
A field-assembled optical fiber cable is an assembly of one or more optical fibers within a jacket.
The jacket, without optical fibers, is installed in a manner similar to conduit or raceway.
Once the jacket is installed, the optical fibers are inserted into the jacket, completing the cable assembly.

### Cable, Optical Fiber, Composite.

A cable containing optical fibers and current-carrying electrical conductors.
(CMP-16)

### Cable, Optical Fiber, Conductive.

A factory assembly of one or more optical fibers having an overall covering and containing non–current-carrying conductive member(s) such as metallic strength member(s), metallic vapor barrier(s), metallic armor, or metallic sheath.
(CMP-16)

### Cable, Optical Fiber, Nonconductive.

A factory assembly of one or more optical fibers having an overall covering and containing no electrically conductive materials.
(CMP-16)

### Cable Routing Assembly.

A single channel or connected multiple channels, as well as associated fittings, forming a structural system that is used to support and route communications wires and cables, optical fiber cables, data cables associated with information technology and communications equipment, Class 2, Class 3, and Type PLTC cables, and power-limited fire alarm cables in plenum, riser, and general-purpose applications.
(CMP-16)

### Charge Controller.

Equipment that controls dc voltage or dc current, or both, and that is used to charge a battery or other energy storage device.
(CMP-13)

### Circuit Breaker.

A device designed to open and close a circuit by nonautomatic means
and to open the circuit automatically on a predetermined overcurrent
without damage to itself when properly applied within its rating.
(CMP-10)

Informational Note:
The automatic opening means can be integral,
direct acting with the circuit breaker,
or remote from the circuit breaker.

### Adjustable (as applied to circuit breakers).

A qualifying term indicating that the circuit breaker can be set to trip at various values of current, time, or both, within a predetermined range.

### Instantaneous Trip (as applied to circuit breakers).

A qualifying term indicating that no delay is purposely introduced in the tripping action of the circuit breaker.

### Inverse Time (as applied to circuit breakers).

A qualifying term indicating that there is purposely introduced a delay in the tripping action of the circuit breaker, which delay decreases as the magnitude of the current increases.

### Nonadjustable (as applied to circuit breakers).

A qualifying term indicating that the circuit breaker does not have any adjustment to alter the value of the current at which it will trip or the time required for its operation.

### Setting (of circuit breakers).

The value of current, time, or both, at which an adjustable circuit breaker is set to trip.

### Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable.

Cable(s) used for remote-control, signaling, or power-limited systems that supply critical circuits to ensure survivability for continued circuit operation for a specified time under fire conditions.
(CMP-3)

### Class 1 Circuit.

The portion of the wiring system between the load side of the overcurrent device or power-limited supply and the connected equipment.
(CMP-3)

Informational Note:
See 725.41 for voltage and power limitations of Class 1 circuits.

### Class 2 Circuit.

The portion of the wiring system between the load side of a Class 2 power source and the connected equipment.
Due to its power limitations, a Class 2 circuit considers safety from a fire initiation standpoint and provides acceptable protection from electric shock.
(CMP-3)

### Class 3 Circuit.

The portion of the wiring system between the load side of a Class 3 power source and the connected equipment.
Due to its power limitations, a Class 3 circuit considers safety from a fire initiation standpoint.
Since higher levels of voltage and current than for Class 2 are permitted, additional safeguards are specified to provide protection from an electric shock hazard that could be encountered. (CMP-

### Clothes Closet.

A nonhabitable room or space intended primarily for storage of garments and apparel.
(CMP-1)

### Communications Equipment.

The electronic equipment that performs the telecommunications operations for the transmission of audio, video, and data, and includes power equipment (e.g., dc converters, inverters, and batteries), technical support equipment (e.g., computers), and conductors dedicated solely to the operation of the equipment.
(CMP-16)

Informational Note:
As the telecommunications network transitions to a more data-centric network, computers, routers, servers, and their powering equipment, are becoming essential to the transmission of audio, video, and data and are finding increasing application in communications equipment installations.

### Concealed.

Rendered inaccessible by the structure or finish of the building.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
Wires in concealed raceways are considered concealed, even though they may become accessible by withdrawing them.

### Conductor, Bare.

A conductor having no covering or electrical insulation whatsoever.
(CMP-6)

### Conductor, Covered.

A conductor encased within material of composition or thickness that is not recognized by this _Code_ as electrical insulation.
(CMP-6)

### Conductor, Insulated.

A conductor encased within material of composition and thickness that is recognized by this _Code_ as electrical insulation.
(CMP-6)

### Conduit Body.

A separate portion of a conduit or tubing system that provides access through a removable cover(s) to the interior of the system at a junction of two or more sections of the system or at a terminal point of the system.

Boxes such as FS and FD or larger cast or sheet metal boxes are not classified as conduit bodies.
(CMP-9)

### Connector, Pressure (Solderless).

A device that establishes a connection between two or more conductors or between one or more conductors and a terminal by means of mechanical pressure and without the use of solder.
(CMP-1)

### Continuous Load.

A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more.
(CMP-2)

### Control Circuit.

The circuit of a control apparatus or system that carries the electric signals directing the performance of the controller but does not carry the main power current.
(CMP-11)

### Controller.

A device or group of devices that serves to govern, in some predetermined manner, the electric power delivered to the apparatus to which it is connected.
(CMP-1)

### Cooking Unit, Counter-Mounted.

A cooking appliance designed for mounting in or on a counter and consisting of one or more heating elements, internal wiring, and builtin or mountable controls.
(CMP-2)

### Coordination, Selective (Selective Coordination).

Localization of an overcurrent condition to restrict outages to the circuit or equipment affected, accomplished by the selection and installation of overcurrent protective devices and their ratings or settings for the full range of available overcurrents, from overload to the available fault current, and for the full range of overcurrent protective device opening times associated with those overcurrents.
(CMP-10)

### Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors.

Conductors drawn from a copper-clad aluminum rod, with the copper metallurgically bonded to an aluminum core, where the copper forms a minimum of 10 percent of the cross-sectional area of a solid conductor or each strand of a stranded conductor.
(CMP-6)

### Cutout Box.

An enclosure designed for surface mounting that has swinging doors or covers secured directly to and telescoping with the walls of the enclosure.
(CMP-9)

### DC-to-DC Converter.

A device that can provide an output dc voltage and current at a higher or lower value than the input dc voltage and current.
(CMP-4)

### Dead Front.

Without live parts exposed to a person on the operating side of the equipment.
(CMP-9)

### Demand Factor.

The ratio of the maximum demand of a system, or part of a system, to the total connected load of a system or the part of the system under consideration.
(CMP-2)

### Device.

A unit of an electrical system, other than a conductor, that carries or controls electric energy as its principal function.
(CMP-1)

### Disconnecting Means.

A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.
(CMP-1)

### Dormitory Unit.

A building or a space in a building
in which group sleeping accommodations are provided for more than 16 persons who are not members of the same family in one room, or a series of closely associated rooms, under joint occupancy and single management, with or without meals, but without individual cooking facilities. (CMP 2)

### Duty, Continuous.

Operation at a substantially constant load for an indefinitely long time.
(CMP-1)

### Duty, Intermittent.

Operation for alternate intervals of (1) load and no load; or (2) load and rest; or (3) load, no load, and rest.
(CMP-1)

### Duty, Periodic.

Intermittent operation in which the load conditions are regularly recurrent.
(CMP-1)

### Duty, Short-Time.

Operation at a substantially constant load for a short and definite, specified time.
(CMP-1)

### Duty, Varying.

Operation at loads, and for intervals of time, both of which may be subject to wide variation.
(CMP-1)

### Dwelling, One-Family.

A building that consists solely of one dwelling unit.
(CMP-1)

### Dwelling, Two-Family.

A building that consists solely of two dwelling units.
(CMP-1)

### Dwelling, Multifamily.

A building that contains three or more dwelling units.
(CMP-1)

### Dwelling Unit.

A single unit, providing complete and independent living facilities for one or more persons,
including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation.
(CMP-2)

### Effective Ground-Fault Current Path.

An intentionally constructed, low-impedance electrically conductive path designed and intended to carry current under ground-fault conditions from the point of a ground fault on a wiring system to the electrical supply source and that facilitates the operation of the overcurrent protective device or ground-fault detectors.
(CMP-5)

### Electric Power Production and Distribution Network.

Power production, distribution, and utilization equipment and facilities, such as electric utility systems that are connected to premises wiring and are external to and not controlled by an interactive system.
(CMP-13)

### Electric Sign.

A fixed, stationary, or portable self-contained, electrically operated and/or electrically illuminated utilization equipment with words or symbols designed to convey information or attract attention.
(CMP-18)

### Electric Vehicle (EV).

An automotive-type vehicle for on-road use, such as passenger automobiles, buses, trucks, vans, neighborhood electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, and the like, primarily powered by an electric motor that draws current from a rechargeable storage battery, fuel cell, photovoltaic array, or other source of electric current.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are electric vehicles having a second source of motive power.
Off-road, self-propelled electric mobile equipment, such as industrial trucks, hoists, lifts, transports, golf carts, airline ground support equipment, tractors, boats, and the like, are not considered electric vehicles.
(CMP-12)

### Electrical Circuit Protective System

A system consisting of components and materials intended for installation as protection for specific electrical wiring systems with respect to the disruption of electrical circuit integrity upon exterior fire exposure.
(CMP-16)

### Electrical Datum Plane.

A specified distance above a water level above which electrical equipment can be installed and electrical connections can be made.
(CMP-7)

### Electric-Discharge Lighting.

Systems of illumination utilizing fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, or neon tubing.
(CMP-18)

### Electronically Actuated Fuse.

An overcurrent protective device that generally consists of a control module that provides current-sensing, electronically derived time– current characteristics, energy to initiate tripping, and an interrupting module that interrupts current when an overcurrent occurs.
Such fuses may or may not operate in a current-limiting fashion, depending on the type of control selected.
(CMP-10)

### Enclosed.

Surrounded by a case, housing, fence, or wall(s) that prevents persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.
(CMP-1)

### Enclosure.

The case or housing of apparatus, or the fence or walls surrounding an installation to prevent personnel from accidentally contacting energized parts or to protect the equipment from physical damage.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
See Table 110.28 for examples of enclosure types.

### Energized.

Electrically connected to, or is, a source of voltage.
(CMP-1)

### Equipment.

A general term, including fittings, devices, appliances, luminaires, apparatus, machinery, and the like used as a part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.
(CMP-1)

### Equipotential Plane.

Accessible conductive parts bonded together to reduce voltage gradients in a designated area.
(CMP-17)

### Exposed (as applied to live parts).

Capable of being inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
This term applies to parts that are not suitably guarded, isolated, or insulated.

### Exposed (as applied to wiring methods).

On or attached to the surface or behind panels designed to allow access.
(CMP-1)

### Externally Operable.

Capable of being operated without exposing the operator to contact with live parts.
(CMP-1)

### Fault Current.

The current delivered at a point on the system during a short-circuit condition.
(CMP-10)

### Fault Current, Available (Available Fault Current).

The largest amount of current capable of being delivered at a point on the system during a short-circuit condition.
(CMP-10)

Informational Note:
A short-circuit can occur during abnormal conditions such as a fault between circuit conductors or a ground fault.
See Informational Note Figure 100.1.

### Informational Note Figure 100.1 Available Fault Current.

### Feeder.

All circuit conductors between the service equipment, the source of a separately derived system, or other power supply source and the final branch-circuit overcurrent device.
(CMP-10)

### Festoon Lighting.

A string of outdoor lights that is suspended between two points.
(CMP-18)

### Field Evaluation Body (FEB).

An organization or part of an organization that performs field evaluations of electrical or other equipment. \[**790,** 2018]
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
NFPA 790-2018, _Standard for Competency of Third-Party Field Evaluation Bodies_, provides guidelines for establishing the qualification and competency of a body performing field evaluations of electrical products and assembles with electrical components.

### Field Labeled (as applied to evaluated products).

Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an FEB indicating the equipment or materials were evaluated and found to comply with requirements as described in an accompanying field evaluation report. \[**790,** 2018]
(CMP-1)

### Fitting.

An accessory such as a locknut, bushing, or other part of a wiring system that is intended primarily to perform a mechanical rather than an electrical function.
(CMP-1)

### Free Air (as applied to conductors).

Open or ventilated environment that allows for heat dissipation and air flow around an installed conductor.
(CMP-6)

### Fuel Cell.

An electrochemical system that consumes fuel to produce an electric current.
In such cells, the main chemical reaction used for producing electric power is not combustion.
However, there may be sources of combustion used within the overall cell system, such as reformers/fuel processors.
(CMP-4)

### Fuel Cell System.

The complete aggregate of equipment used to convert chemical fuel into usable electricity and typically consisting of a reformer, stack, power inverter, and auxiliary equipment.
(CMP-4)

### Garage.

A building or portion of a building in which one or more self-propelled vehicles can be kept for use, sale, storage, rental, repair, exhibition, or demonstration purposes.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
For commercial garages, repair and storage, see Article 511.

### Generating Capacity, Inverter.

The sum of parallel-connected inverter maximum continuous output power at 40°C in watts or kilowatts.
(CMP-4)

### Ground.

The earth.
(CMP-5)

### Ground Fault.

An unintentional, electrically conductive connection between an ungrounded conductor of an electrical circuit and the normally non– current-carrying conductors, metallic enclosures, metallic raceways, metallic equipment, or earth.
(CMP-5)

### Grounded (Grounding).

Connected (connecting) to ground or to a conductive body that extends the ground connection.
(CMP-5)

### Grounded, Solidly.

Connected to ground without inserting any resistor or impedance device.
(CMP-5)

### Grounded Conductor.

A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.
(CMP-5)

Informational Note:
Although an equipment grounding conductor is grounded, it is not considered a grounded conductor.

### Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).

A device intended for the protection of personnel that functions to de-energize a circuit or portion thereof within an established period of time when a ground-fault current exceeds the values established for a Class A device.
(CMP-2)

Informational Note:
Class A ground-fault circuit interrupters trip when the ground-fault current is 6 mA or higher and do not trip when the ground-fault current is less than 4 mA. For further information, see UL 943, _Standard for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters._

### Ground-Fault Current Path.

An electrically conductive path from the point of a ground fault on a wiring system through normally non–current-carrying conductors, grounded conductors, equipment, or the earth to the electrical supply source.
(CMP-5)

Informational Note:
Examples of ground-fault current paths are any combination of equipment grounding conductors, metallic raceways, metallic cable sheaths, electrical equipment, and any other electrically conductive material such as metal, water, and gas piping; steel framing members; stucco mesh; metal ducting; reinforcing steel; shields of communications cables; grounded conductors; and the earth itself.

### Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment.

A system intended to provide protection of equipment from damaging line-to-ground fault currents by operating to cause a disconnecting means to open all ungrounded conductors of the faulted circuit.
This protection is provided at current levels less than those required to protect conductors from damage through the operation of a supply circuit overcurrent device.
(CMP-5)

### Grounding Conductor, Equipment (EGC).

A conductive path(s) that is part of an effective ground-fault current path and connects normally non–current-carrying metal parts of equipment together and to the system grounded conductor or to the grounding electrode conductor, or both.
(CMP-5)

Informational Note No. 1:
It is recognized that the equipment grounding conductor also performs bonding.

Informational Note No. 2:
See 250.118 for a list of acceptable equipment grounding conductors.

### Grounding Electrode.

A conducting object through which a direct connection to earth is established.
(CMP-5)

### Grounding Electrode Conductor.

A conductor used to connect the system grounded conductor or the equipment to a grounding electrode or to a point on the grounding electrode system.
(CMP-5)

### Guarded.

Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by means of suitable covers, casings, barriers, rails, screens, mats, or platforms to remove the likelihood of approach or contact by persons or objects to a point of danger.
(CMP-1)

### Guest Room.

An accommodation combining living, sleeping, sanitary,
and storage facilities within a compartment.
(CMP-2)

### Guest Suite.

An accommodation with two or more contiguous rooms comprising a compartment,
with or without doors between such rooms,
that provides living, sleeping, sanitary, and storage facilities.
(CMP-2)

### Habitable Room.

A room in a building for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking,
but excluding bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, hallways,
storage or utility spaces, and similar areas.
(CMP-2)

### Handhole Enclosure.

An enclosure for use in underground systems, provided with an open or closed bottom, and sized to allow personnel to reach into, but not enter, for the purpose of installing, operating, or maintaining equipment or wiring or both.
(CMP-9)

### Hermetic Refrigerant Motor-Compressor.

A combination consisting of a compressor and motor, both of which are enclosed in the same housing, with no external shaft or shaft seals, with the motor operating in the refrigerant.
(CMP-11)

### Hoistway.

Any shaftway, hatchway, well hole, or other vertical opening or space in which an elevator or dumbwaiter is designed to operate.
(CMP-12)

### Hybrid System.

A system comprised of multiple power sources.
These power sources could include photovoltaic, wind, micro-hydro generators, enginedriven generators, and others, but do not include electric power production and distribution network systems.
Energy storage systems such as batteries, flywheels, or superconducting magnetic storage equipment do not constitute a power source for the purpose of this definition.
The energy regenerated by an overhauling (descending) elevator does not constitute a power source for the purpose of this definition.
(CMP-4)

### Identified (as applied to equipment).

Recognizable as suitable for the specific purpose, function, use, environment, application, and so forth, where described in a particular _Code_ requirement.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
Some examples of ways to determine suitability of equipment for a specific purpose, environment, or application include investigations by a qualified testing laboratory (listing and labeling), an inspection agency, or other organizations concerned with product evaluation.

### In Sight From (Within Sight From, Within Sight).

Where this _Code_ specifies that one equipment shall be "in sight from," "within sight from," or "within sight of," and so forth, another equipment, the specified equipment is to be visible and not more than 15 m (50 ft) distant from the other.
(CMP-1)

### Industrial Control Panel.

An assembly of two or more components consisting of one of the following: (1) power circuit components only, such as motor controllers, overload relays, fused disconnect switches, and circuit breakers; (2) control circuit components only, such as push buttons, pilot lights, selector switches, timers, switches, and control relays; (3) a combination of power and control circuit components.
These components, with associated wiring and terminals, are mounted on, or contained within, an enclosure or mounted on a subpanel.

The industrial control panel does not include the controlled equipment.
(CMP-11)

### Information Technology Equipment (ITE).

Equipment and systems rated 1000 volts or less, normally found in offices or other business establishments and similar environments classified as ordinary locations, that are used for creation and manipulation of data, voice, video, and similar signals that are not communications equipment as defined in Part I of Article 100 and do not process communications circuits as defined in 805.2.
(CMP-12)

Informational Note:
For information on listing requirements for both information technology equipment and communications equipment, see UL 60950-1-2014, _Information Technology Equipment — Safety — Part 1: General Requirements_ or UL 62368-1-2014, _Audio/Video Information and Communication Technology Equipment Part 1: Safety Requirements_.

### Information Technology Equipment Room.

A room within the information technology equipment area that contains the information technology equipment. \[\*\*75:\*\*3.3.14]
(CMP-12)

### Innerduct.

A nonmetallic raceway placed within a larger raceway.
(CMP-16)

### Interactive Inverter.

An inverter intended for use in parallel with power source(s) such as an electric utility to supply common loads and capable of delivering power to the utility.
(CMP-13)

### Interactive System.

An electric power production system that is operating in parallel with and capable of delivering energy to an electric primary source supply system.
(CMP-4)

### Interrupting Rating.

The highest current at rated voltage that a device is identified to interrupt under standard test conditions.
(CMP-10)

Informational Note:
Equipment intended to interrupt current at other than fault levels may have its interrupting rating implied in other ratings, such as horsepower or locked rotor current.

### Intersystem Bonding Termination.

A device that provides a means for connecting intersystem bonding conductors for communications systems to the grounding electrode system.
(CMP-16)

### Inverter.

Equipment that changes dc to ac.
(CMP-4)

### Inverter Input Circuit.

Conductors connected to the dc input of an inverter.
(CMP-13)

### Inverter Output Circuit.

Conductors connected to the ac output of an inverter.
(CMP-13)

### Inverter, Multimode.

Equipment having the capabilities of both the interactive inverter and the stand-alone inverter.
(CMP-4)

### Island Mode.

The operational mode for stand-alone power production equipment or an isolated microgrid, or for a multimode inverter or an interconnected microgrid that is disconnected from an electric power production and distribution network or other primary power source.
(CMP-4)

Informational Note:
Isolated microgrids are distinguished from interconnected microgrids, which are addressed in Article 705.

### Isolated (as applied to location).

Not readily accessible to persons unless special means for access are used.
(CMP-1)

### Kitchen.

An area with a sink and permanent provisions for food preparation and cooking.
(CMP-2)

### Labeled.

Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an organization that is acceptable to
the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of production of labeled
equipment or materials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a
specified manner.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
If a listed product is of such a size, shape, material, or surface texture that it is not possible to apply legibly the
complete label to the product, the complete label may appear on the smallest unit container in which the product is packaged.

### Laundry Area.

An area containing or designed to contain a laundry tray, clothes washer, or clothes dryer.
(CMP-2)

### Lighting Outlet.

An outlet intended for the direct connection of a lampholder or luminaire.
(CMP-18)

### Lighting Track (Track Lighting).

A manufactured assembly designed to support and energize luminaires that are capable of being readily repositioned on the track.
Its length can be altered by the addition or subtraction of sections of track.
(CMP-18)

### Listed.

Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
The means for identifying listed equipment may vary for each organization concerned with product evaluation, some of which do not recognize equipment as listed unless it is also labeled.
Use of the system employed by the listing organization allows the authority having jurisdiction to identify a listed product.

### Live Parts.

Energized conductive components.
(CMP-1)

### Location, Damp.

Locations protected from weather and not subject to saturation with water or other liquids but subject to moderate degrees of moisture.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
Examples of such locations include partially protected locations under canopies, marquees, roofed open porches, and like locations, and interior locations subject to moderate degrees of moisture, such as some basements, some barns, and some cold-storage warehouses.

### Location, Dry.

A location not normally subject to dampness or wetness.
A location classified as dry may be temporarily subject to dampness or wetness, as in the case of a building under construction.
(CMP-1)

### Location, Wet.

Installations underground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct contact with the earth; in locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas; and in unprotected locations exposed to weather.
(CMP-1)

### Luminaire.

A complete lighting unit consisting of a light source such as a lamp or lamps, together with the parts designed to position the light source and connect it to the power supply.
It may also include parts to protect the light source or the ballast or to distribute the light.
A lampholder itself is not a luminaire.
(CMP-18)

### Messenger or Messenger Wire.

A wire that is run along with or integral with a cable or conductor to provide mechanical support for the cable or conductor.
(CMP-6)

### Motor Control Center.

An assembly of one or more enclosed sections having a common power bus and principally containing motor control units.
(CMP-11)

### Multioutlet Assembly.

A type of surface, flush, or freestanding raceway designed to hold conductors and receptacles, assembled in the field or at the factory.
(CMP-18)

### Neutral Conductor.

The conductor connected to the neutral point of a system that is intended to carry current under normal conditions.
(CMP-5)

### Neutral Point.

The common point on a wye-connection in a polyphase system or midpoint on a single-phase, 3-wire system, or midpoint of a singlephase portion of a 3-phase delta system, or a midpoint of a 3-wire, direct-current system.
(CMP-5)

Informational Note:
At the neutral point of the system, the vectorial sum of the nominal voltages from all other phases within the system that utilize the neutral, with respect to the neutral point, is zero potential.

### Nonautomatic.

Requiring human intervention to perform a function.
(CMP-1)

### Nonlinear Load.

A load where the wave shape of the steady-state current does not follow the wave shape of the applied voltage.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
Electronic equipment, electronic/electric-discharge lighting, adjustable-speed drive systems, and similar equipment may be nonlinear loads.

### Outlet.

A point on the wiring system
at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.
(CMP-1)

### Outline Lighting.

An arrangement of incandescent lamps, electric-discharge lighting,
or other electrically powered light sources to outline or call attention
to certain features such as the shape of a building or the decoration of a window.
(CMP-18)

### Outline Lighting.

An arrangement of incandescent lamps, electric-discharge lighting, or other electrically powered light sources to outline or call attention to certain features such as the shape of a building or the decoration of a window.
(CMP-18)

### Overcurrent.

Any current in excess of the rated current of equipment or the ampacity of a conductor.
It may result from overload, short circuit, or ground fault.
(CMP-10)

Informational Note:
A current in excess of rating may be accommodated by certain equipment and conductors for a given set of conditions.
Therefore, the rules for overcurrent protection are specific for particular situations.

### Overcurrent Protective Device, Branch-Circuit.

A device capable of providing protection for service, feeder, and branch circuits and equipment over the full range of overcurrents between its rated current and its interrupting rating.
Such devices are provided with interrupting ratings appropriate for the intended use but no less than 5000 amperes.
(CMP-10)

### Overcurrent Protective Device, Supplementary.

A device intended to provide limited overcurrent protection for specific applications and utilization equipment such as luminaires and appliances.
This limited protection is in addition to the protection provided in the required branch circuit by the branch-circuit overcurrent protective device.
(CMP-10)

### Overload.

Operation of equipment in excess of normal, full-load rating, or of a conductor in excess of its ampacity that, when it persists for a sufficient length of time, would cause damage or dangerous overheating.
A fault, such as a short circuit or ground fault, is not an overload.
(CMP-10)

### Panelboard.

A single panel or group of panel units designed for assembly in the form of a single panel, including buses and automatic overcurrent devices, and equipped with or without switches for the control of light, heat, or power circuits; designed to be placed in a cabinet or cutout box placed in or against a wall, partition, or other support; and accessible only from the front.
(CMP-9)

### Photovoltaic (PV) System.

The total components, circuits, and equipment up to and including the PV system disconnecting means that, in combination, convert solar energy into electric energy.
(CMP-4)

### Pier.

A structure extending over the water and supported on a fixed foundation (fixed pier), or on flotation (floating pier), that provides access to the water. \[**303:**3.3.17]
(CMP-7)

### Pier, Fixed.

Pier constructed on a permanent, fixed foundation, such as on piles, that permanently establishes the elevation of the structure deck with respect to land. \[**303:**3.3.17.2]
(CMP-7)

### Pier, Floating.

Pier designed with inherent flotation capability that allows the structure to float on the water surface and rise and fall with water level changes. \[**303:**3.3.17.3]
(CMP-7)

### Plenum.

A compartment or chamber to which one or more air ducts are connected and that forms part of the air distribution system.
(CMP-3)

### Power Outlet.

An enclosed assembly that may include receptacles, circuit breakers, fuseholders, fused switches, buses, and watt-hour meter
mounting means; intended to supply and control power to mobile homes, recreational vehicles, park trailers, or boats or to serve as a
means for distributing power required to operate mobile or temporarily installed equipment.
(CMP-7)

### Power Production Equipment.

Electrical generating equipment
supplied by any source other than a utility service,
up to the source system disconnecting means.
(CMP-4)

Informational Note:
Examples of power production equipment
include such items as generators, solar photovoltaic systems, and fuel cell systems.

### Power-Limited Tray Cable (PLTC).

A factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors rated at 300 volts, with or without associated bare or insulated equipment
grounding conductors, under a nonmetallic jacket.
(CMP-3)

### Premises Wiring (System).

Interior and exterior wiring,
including power, lighting, control, and signal circuit wiring
together with all their associated hardware, fittings, and wiring devices,
both permanently and temporarily installed.
This includes
(a) wiring from the service point or power source to the outlets or
(b) wiring from and including the power source to the outlets where there is no service point.

Such wiring does not include wiring internal to appliances,
luminaires, motors, controllers,
motor control centers, and similar equipment.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
Power sources include, but are not limited to,
interconnected or stand-alone batteries,
solar photovoltaic systems,
other distributed generation systems, or generators.

### Prime Mover.

The machine that supplies the mechanical horsepower to a generator.
(CMP-13)

### Qualified Person.

One who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation
of the electrical equipment and installations
and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
Refer to NFPA 70E-2018, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace,
for electrical safety training requirements.

### Raceway.

An enclosed channel
designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars,
with additional functions as permitted in this _Code_.
(CMP-8)

### Raceway, Communications.

An enclosed channel of nonmetallic materials
designed expressly for holding communications wires and cables;
optical fiber cables;
data cables associated with information technology and communications equipment;
Class 2, Class 3, and Type PLTC cables;
and power-limited fire alarm cables in plenum,
riser, and general-purpose applications.
(CMP-16)

### Rainproof.

Constructed, protected, or treated so as to prevent rain from interfering with the successful operation of the apparatus under specified test conditions.
(CMP-1)

### Raintight.

Constructed or protected so that exposure to a beating rain will not result in the entrance of water under specified test conditions.
(CMP-1)

### Receptacle.

A contact device installed at the [[#Outlet.|outlet]]
for the connection of an [[#Attachment Plug (Plug Cap) (Plug).|attachment plug]],
or for the direct connection of electrical utilization equipment
designed to mate with the corresponding contact device.
A single receptacle is a single contact device
with no other contact device on the same yoke or strap.
A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke or strap.
(CMP-18)

Informational Note:
A duplex receptacle is an example of a multiple receptacle
that has two receptacles on the same yoke or strap.

### Receptacle Outlet.

An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.
(CMP-18)

### Reconditioned.

Electromechanical systems, equipment, apparatus, or components that are restored to operating conditions.
This process differs from normal servicing of equipment that remains within a facility, or replacement of listed equipment on a one-to-one basis.
(CMP-10)

Informational Note:
The term _reconditioned_ is frequently referred to as _rebuilt_, _refurbished_, or _remanufactured_.

### Remote-Control Circuit.

Any electrical circuit that controls any other circuit through a relay or an equivalent device.
(CMP-3)

### Retrofit Kit.

A general term for a complete subassembly of parts and devices for field conversion of utilization equipment.
(CMP-18)

### Sealable Equipment.

Equipment enclosed in a case or cabinet that is provided with a means of sealing or locking so that live parts cannot be made accessible without opening the enclosure.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
The equipment may or may not be operable without opening the enclosure.

### Separately Derived System.

An electrical source, other than a service, having no direct connection(s) to circuit conductors of any other electrical source other than those established by grounding and bonding connections.
(CMP-5)

### Service.

The conductors and equipment connecting the serving utility to the wiring system of the premises served.
(CMP-10)

### Service Cable.

Service conductors made up in the form of a cable.
(CMP-10)

### Service Conductors.

The conductors from the service point to the service disconnecting means.
(CMP-10)

### Service Conductors, Overhead.

The overhead conductors between the service point and the first point of connection to the service-entrance conductors at the building or other structure.
(CMP-10)

### Service Conductors, Underground.

The underground conductors between the service point and the first point of connection to the service-entrance conductors in a terminal box, meter, or other enclosure, inside or outside the building wall.
(CMP-10)

Informational Note:
Where there is no terminal box, meter, or other enclosure, the point of connection is considered to be the point of entrance of the service conductors into the building.

### Service Drop.

The overhead conductors between the serving utility and the service point.
(CMP-10)

### Service-Entrance Conductors, Overhead System.

The service conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and a point usually outside the building, clear of building walls, where joined by tap or splice to the service drop or overhead service conductors.
(CMP-10)

### Service-Entrance Conductors, Underground System.

The service conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and the point of connection to the service lateral or underground service conductors.
(CMP-10)

Informational Note:
Where service equipment is located outside the building walls, there may be no service-entrance conductors or they may be entirely outside the building.

### Service Equipment.

The necessary equipment, consisting of a circuit breaker(s) or switch(es) and fuse(s) and their accessories, connected to the serving utility and intended to constitute the main control and disconnect of the serving utility.
(CMP-10)

### Service Lateral.

The underground conductors between the utility electric supply system and the service point.
(CMP-10)

### Service Point.

The point of connection between the facilities of the serving utility and the premises wiring.
(CMP-10)

Informational Note:
The service point can be described as the point of demarcation between where the serving utility ends and the premises wiring begins.
The serving utility generally specifies the location of the service point based on the conditions of service.

### Short-Circuit Current Rating.

The prospective symmetrical fault current at a nominal voltage to which an apparatus or system is able to be connected without sustaining damage exceeding defined acceptance criteria.
(CMP-10)

### Show Window.

Any window, including windows above doors, used or designed to be used for the display of goods or advertising material, whether it is fully or partly enclosed or entirely open at the rear and whether or not it has a platform raised higher than the street floor level.
(CMP-2)

### Signaling Circuit.

Any electrical circuit that energizes signaling equipment.
(CMP-3)

### Single-Pole Separable Connector.

A device that is installed at the ends of portable, flexible, single-conductor cable that is used to establish connection or disconnection between two cables or one cable and a single-pole, panel-mounted separable connector.
(CMP-18)

### Special Permission.

The written consent of the authority having jurisdiction.
(CMP-1)

### Stand-Alone System.

A system that is capable of supplying power independent of an electric power production and distribution network.
(CMP-4)

### Structure.

That which is built or constructed, other than equipment.
(CMP-1)

### Surge Arrester.

A protective device for limiting surge voltages by discharging or bypassing surge current;
it also prevents continued flow of follow current
while remaining capable of repeating these functions.
(CMP-10)

### Surge-Protective Device (SPD).

A protective device for limiting transient voltages by diverting or limiting surge current; it also prevents continued flow of follow current while remaining capable of repeating these functions and is designated as follows:

Type 1: Permanently connected SPDs intended for installation between the secondary of the service transformer and the line side of the service disconnect overcurrent device.

Type 2: Permanently connected SPDs intended for installation on the load side of the service disconnect overcurrent device, including SPDs located at the branch panel.

Type 3: Point of utilization SPDs.

Type 4: Component SPDs, including discrete components, as well as assemblies.
(CMP-10)

Informational Note:
For further information on Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4 SPDs, see UL 1449, _Standard for Surge Protective Devices_.

### Switch, Bypass Isolation.

A manual, nonautomatic, or automatic operated device used in conjunction with a transfer switch to provide a means of directly connecting load conductors to a power source and of disconnecting the transfer switch.
(CMP-13)

### Switch, General-Use.

A switch intended for use in general distribution and branch circuits.
It is rated in amperes, and it is capable of interrupting its rated current at its rated voltage.
(CMP-9)

### Switch, General-Use Snap.

A form of general-use switch constructed so that it can be installed in device boxes or on box covers, or otherwise used in conjunction with wiring systems recognized by this _Code_.
(CMP-9)

### Switch, Isolating.

A switch intended for isolating an electrical circuit from the source of power.
It has no interrupting rating, and it is intended to be operated only after the circuit has been opened by some other means.
(CMP-9)

### Switch, Motor-Circuit.

A switch rated in horsepower that is capable of interrupting the maximum operating overload current of a motor of the same horsepower rating as the switch at the rated voltage.
(CMP-11)

### Switch, Transfer.

An automatic or nonautomatic device for transferring one or more load conductor connections from one power source to another.
(CMP-13)

### Switchboard.

A large single panel, frame, or assembly of panels on which are mounted on the face, back, or both, switches, overcurrent and other protective devices, buses, and usually instruments.
These assemblies are generally accessible from the rear as well as from the front and are not intended to be instal led in cabinets.
(CMP-9)

### Switchgear.

An assembly completely enclosed on all sides and top with sheet metal (except for ventilating openings and inspection windows) and containing primary power circuit switching, interrupting devices, or both, with buses and connections.
The assembly may include control and auxiliary devices.
Access to the interior of the enclosure is provided by doors, removable covers, or both.
(CMP-9)

Informational Note:
All switchgear subject to _NEC_ requirements is metal enclosed.
Switchgear rated below 1000 V or less may be identified as "low-voltage power circuit breaker switchgear." Switchgear rated over 1000 V may be identified as "metal-enclosed switchgear" or "metal-clad switchgear." Switchgear is available in non–arc-resistant or arc-resistant constructions.

### Thermal Protector (as applied to motors).

A protective device for assembly as an integral part of a motor or motor-compressor that, when properly applied, protects the motor against dangerous overheating due to overload and failure to start.
(CMP-11)

Informational Note:
The thermal protector may consist of one or more sensing elements integral with the motor or motor-compressor and an external control device.

### Thermally Protected (as applied to motors).

A motor or motor-compressor that is provided with a thermal protector.
(CMP-11)

### Ungrounded.

Not connected to ground or to a conductive body that extends the ground connection.
(CMP-5)

### Uninterruptible Power Supply.

A power supply used to provide alternating current power to a load for some period of time in the event of a power failure.
(CMP-13)

Informational Note:
In addition, it may provide a more constant voltage and frequency supply to the load, reducing the effects of voltage and frequency variations.

### Utilization Equipment.

Equipment that utilizes electric energy for electronic, electromechanical, chemical, heating, lighting, or similar purposes.
(CMP-1)

### Voltage (of a circuit).

The greatest root-mean-square (rms) (effective) difference of potential between any two conductors of the circuit concerned.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
Some systems, such as 3-phase 4-wire, single-phase 3-wire, and 3-wire direct current, may have various circuits of various voltages.

### Voltage, Nominal.

A nominal value assigned to a circuit or system for the purpose of conveniently designating its voltage class (e.g., 120/240 volts, 480Y/277 volts, 600 volts).
(CMP-1)

Informational Note No. 1:
The actual voltage at which a circuit operates can vary from the nominal within a range that permits satisfactory operation of equipment.

Informational Note No. 2:
See ANSI C84.1-2011, _Voltage Ratings for Electric Power Systems and Equipment (60 Hz)._

Informational Note No. 3:
Certain battery units may be considered to be rated at nominal 48 volts dc, but may have a charging float voltage up to 58 volts.
In dc applications, 60 volts is used to cover the entire range of float voltages.

### Voltage to Ground.

For grounded circuits, the voltage between the given conductor and that point or conductor of the circuit that is grounded; for ungrounded circuits, the greatest voltage between the given conductor and any other conductor of the circuit.
(CMP-1)

### Watertight.

Constructed so that moisture will not enter the enclosure under specified test conditions.
(CMP-1)

### Weatherproof.

Constructed or protected so that exposure to the weather will not interfere with successful operation.
(CMP-1)

Informational Note:
Rainproof, raintight, or watertight equipment can fulfill the requirements for weatherproof where varying weather conditions other than wetness, such as snow, ice, dust, or temperature extremes, are not a factor.

### Part II. Over 1000 Volts, Nominal

### Electronically Actuated Fuse.

An overcurrent protective device that generally consists of a control module that provides current sensing, electronically derived time– current characteristics, energy to initiate tripping, and an interrupting module that interrupts current when an overcurrent occurs.
Electronically actuated fuses may or may not operate in a current-limiting fashion, depending on the type of control selected.
(CMP-10)

### Fuse.

An overcurrent protective device with a circuit-opening fusible part that is heated and severed by the passage of overcurrent through it.
(CMP-10)

Informational Note:
A fuse comprises all the parts that form a unit capable of performing the prescribed functions.
It may or may not be the complete device necessary to connect it into an electrical circuit.

### Controlled Vented Power Fuse.

A fuse with provision for controlling discharge circuit interruption such that no solid material may be exhausted into the surrounding atmosphere.

Informational Note:
The fuse is designed so that discharged gases will not ignite or damage insulation in the path of the discharge
or propagate a flashover to or between grounded members or conduction members in the path of the discharge where the distance between the vent and such insulation or conduction members conforms to manufacturer's recommendations.

### Expulsion Fuse Unit (Expulsion Fuse).

A vented fuse unit in which the expulsion effect of gases produced by the arc and lining of the fuseholder, either alone or aided by a spring, extinguishes the arc.

### Nonvented Power Fuse.

A fuse without intentional provision for the escape of arc gases, liquids, or solid particles to the atmosphere during circuit interruption.

### Power Fuse Unit.

A vented, nonvented, or controlled vented fuse unit in which the arc is extinguished by being drawn through solid material, granular material, or liquid, either alone or aided by a spring.

### Vented Power Fuse.

A fuse with provision for the escape of arc gases, liquids, or solid particles to the surrounding atmosphere during circuit interruption.

### Multiple Fuse.

An assembly of two or more single-pole fuses.
(CMP-10)

### Substation.

An assemblage of equipment (e.g., switches, interrupting devices, circuit breakers, buses, and transformers) through which electric energy is passed for the purpose of distribution, switching, or modifying its characteristics.
(CMP-9)

### Switching Device.

A device designed to close, open, or both, one or more electrical circuits.
(CMP-1)

### Circuit Breaker.

A switching device capable of making, carrying, and interrupting currents under normal circuit conditions, and also of making, carrying for a specified time, and interrupting currents under specified abnormal circuit conditions, such as those of short circuit.

### Cutout.

An assembly of a fuse support with either a fuseholder, fuse carrier, or disconnecting blade.
The fuseholder or fuse carrier may include a conducting element (fuse link) or may act as the disconnecting blade by the inclusion of a nonfusible member.

### Disconnecting Means.

A device, group of devices, or other means whereby the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.

### Disconnecting (or Isolating) Switch (Disconnector, Isolator).

A mechanical switching device used for isolating a circuit or equipment from a source of power.

### Interrupter Switch.

A switch capable of making, carrying, and interrupting specified currents.

### Oil Cutout (Oil-Filled Cutout).

A cutout in which all or part of the fuse support and its fuse link or disconnecting blade is mounted in oil with complete immersion of the contacts and the fusible portion of the conducting element (fuse link) so that arc interruption by severing of the fuse link or by opening of the contacts will occur under oil.

### Oil Switch.

A switch having contacts that operate under oil (or askarel or other suitable liquid).

### Regulator Bypass Switch.

A specific device or combination of devices designed to bypass a regulator.

### Part III. Hazardous (Classified) Locations (CMP-14).

### Aircraft Painting Hangar.

An aircraft hangar constructed for the express purpose of spray/coating/dipping applications and provided with dedicated ventilation supply and exhaust.

### Associated Apparatus.

Apparatus in which the circuits are not necessarily intrinsically safe themselves but that affects the energy in the intrinsically safe circuits and is relied on to maintain intrinsic safety.
Such apparatus is one of the following:

1. Electrical apparatus that has an alternative type of protection for use in the appropriate hazardous (classified) location
2. Electrical apparatus not so protected that shall not be used within a hazardous (classified) location

Informational Note No. 1:
Associated apparatus has identified intrinsically safe connections for intrinsically safe apparatus and also may have connections for nonintrinsically safe apparatus.

Informational Note No. 2:
An example of associated apparatus is an intrinsic safety barrier, which is a network designed to limit the energy (voltage and current) available to the protected circuit in the hazardous (classified) location, under specified fault conditions.

### Associated Nonincendive Field Wiring Apparatus.

Apparatus in which the circuits are not necessarily nonincendive themselves but that affect the energy in nonincendive field wiring circuits and are relied upon to maintain nonincendive energy levels.
Such apparatus are one of the following:

1. Electrical apparatus that has an alternative type of protection for use in the appropriate hazardous (classified) location
2. Electrical apparatus not so protected that shall not be used in a hazardous (classified) location

Informational Note:
Associated nonincendive field wiring apparatus has designated associated nonincendive field wiring apparatus connections for nonincendive field wiring apparatus and may also have connections for other electrical apparatus.

### Combustible Dust.

Dust particles that are 500 microns or smaller (i.e., material passing a U.S. No. 35 Standard Sieve as defined in ASTM E11-2015, _Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves_), and present a fire or explosion hazard when dispersed and ignited in air.

Informational Note:
See ASTM E1226-2012a, _Standard Test Method for Explosibility of Dust Clouds_, or ISO 6184-1, _Explosion protection systems — Part 1: Determination of explosion indices of combustible dusts in air_, for procedures for determining the explosibility of dusts.

### Combustible Gas Detection System.

A protection technique utilizing stationary gas detectors in industrial establishments.

### Control Drawing.

A drawing or other document provided by the manufacturer of the intrinsically safe or associated apparatus, or of the nonincendive field wiring apparatus or associated nonincendive field wiring apparatus, that details the allowed interconnections between the intrinsically safe and associated apparatus or between the nonincendive field wiring apparatus or associated nonincendive field wiring apparatus.

### Cord Connector.

A fitting intended to terminate a cord to a box or similar device and reduce the strain at points of termination and may include an explosionproof, a dust-ignitionproof, or a flameproof seal.

### Different Intrinsically Safe Circuits.

Intrinsically safe circuits in which the possible interconnections have not been evaluated and identified as intrinsically safe.

### Dust-Ignitionproof.

Equipment enclosed in a manner that excludes dusts and does not permit arcs, sparks, or heat otherwise generated or liberated inside of the enclosure to cause ignition of exterior accumulations or atmospheric suspensions of a specified dust on or in the vicinity of the enclosure.

Informational Note No. 1:
For further information on dust-ignitionproof enclosures, see ANSI/UL 1203-2015, _Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof Electrical Equipment for Hazardous (Classified) Locations_.

Informational Note No. 2:
Dust-ignitionproof enclosures are sometimes additionally marked Type 9 per NEMA 250-2014, _Enclosures for Electrical Equipment_.

### Dusttight.

Enclosures constructed so that dust will not enter under specified test conditions.

Informational Note No. 1:
For further information, see ANSI/UL 121201-2017, _Nonincendive Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and II, Division 2 and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations_.

Informational Note No. 2:
Enclosure Types 3, 3X, 3S, 3SX, 4, 4X, 5, 6, 6P, 12, 12K, and 13, per NEMA 250-2014, _Enclosures for Electrical Equipment_ and ANSI/UL 50E-2015, _Enclosures for Electrical Equipment, Environmental Considerations_, are considered dusttight.

### Electrical Resistance Trace Heating "60079-30-1".

Type of protection for the purpose of producing heat on the principle of electrical resistance and typically composed of one or more metallic conductors and/or an electrically conductive material, suitably electrically insulated and protected.

Informational Note:
See ANSI/UL 60079-30-1-2017, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 30-1: Electrical Resistance Trace Heating — General and Testing Requirements_.

### Encapsulation "m".

Type of protection where electrical parts that could ignite an explosive atmosphere by either sparking or heating are enclosed in a compound in such a way that this explosive atmosphere cannot be ignited.

Informational Note:
See ANSI/UL 60079-18-2015, _Explosive atmospheres — Part 18: Equipment protection by encapsulation "m"._

### Explosionproof Equipment.

Equipment enclosed in a case that is capable of withstanding an explosion of a specified gas or vapor that may occur within it and of preventing the ignition of a specified gas or vapor surrounding the enclosure by sparks, flashes, or explosion of the gas or vapor within, and that operates at such an external temperature that a surrounding flammable atmosphere will not be ignited thereby.
(CMP-14)

Informational Note No. 1:
For further information, see ANSI/UL 1203-2015, _Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof Electrical Equipment for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations._

Informational Note No. 2:
Explosionproof enclosures are sometimes additionally marked Type 7 per NEMA 250-2014, _Enclosures for Electrical Equipment_.

### Flameproof "d".

Type of protection where the enclosure will withstand an internal explosion of a flammable mixture that has penetrated into the interior,
without suffering damage and without causing ignition, through any joints or structural openings in the enclosure of an external explosive gas atmosphere consisting of one or more of the gases or vapors for which it is designed.

Informational Note:
See ANSI/UL 60079-1-2015, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 1: Equipment Protection by Flameproof Enclosures "d"._

### Hermetically Sealed.

Equipment sealed against the entrance of an external atmosphere where the seal is made by fusion, for example, soldering, brazing, welding, or the fusion of glass to metal.

Informational Note:
For further information, see ANSI/ISA-12.12.01-2013, _Nonincendive Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and II, Division 2, and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations_.

### Increased Safety "e".

Type of protection applied to electrical equipment that does not produce arcs or sparks in normal service and under specified abnormal conditions, in which additional measures are applied so as to give increased security against the possibility of excessive temperatures and of the occurrence of arcs and sparks.

Informational Note:
See ANSI/UL 60079-7–2017, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 7: Equipment Protection by Increased Safety "e"._

### Inherently Safe Optical Radiation "op is".

Type of protection to minimize the risk of ignition in explosive atmospheres from optical radiation where visible or infrared radiation is incapable of producing sufficient energy under normal or specified fault conditions to ignite a specific explosive atmosphere.

Informational Note:
See ANSI/UL 60079-28-2017, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 28: Protection of Equipment and Transmission Systems Using Optical Radiation_.

### Intrinsic Safety "i".

Type of protection where any spark or thermal effect is incapable of causing ignition of a mixture of flammable or combustible material in air under prescribed test conditions.

Informational Note:
See UL 913-2015, _Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated Apparatus for Use in Class I, II, and III, Division 1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations_; and ANSI/UL 60079-11-2013, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 11: Equipment protection by intrinsic safety "i"._

### Intrinsically Safe Apparatus.

Apparatus in which all the circuits are intrinsically safe.

### Intrinsically Safe Circuit.

A circuit in which any spark or thermal effect is incapable of causing ignition of a mixture of flammable or combustible material in air under prescribed test conditions.

Informational Note:
Test conditions are described in ANSI/UL 913-2013, _Standard for Safety, Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated Apparatus for Use in Class I, II, and III, Division 1, Hazardous (Classified) Locations_.

### Intrinsically Safe System.

An assembly of interconnected intrinsically safe apparatus, associated apparatus, and interconnecting cables, in that those parts of the system that may be used in hazardous (classified) locations are intrinsically safe circuits.

Informational Note:
An intrinsically safe system may include more than one intrinsically safe circuit.

### Limited Finishing Workstation.

An apparatus that is capable of confining the vapors, mists, residues, dusts, or deposits that are generated by a spray application process but does not meet the requirements of a spray booth or spray room, as herein defined. \[**33:**3.3.18.1]

Informational Note:
See Section 14.3 of NFPA 33, _Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials_, for limited finishing workstations.

### Liquid Immersion "o".

Type of protection where electrical equipment is immersed in a protective liquid in such a way that an explosive atmosphere that may be above the liquid or outside the enclosure cannot be ignited.

Informational Note:
See ANSI/UL 60079-6-2016, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 6: Equipment protection by liquid immersion "o"._

### Major Repair Garage.

A building or portions of a building where major repairs, such as engine overhauls, painting, body and fender work, and repairs that require draining of the motor vehicle fuel tank are performed on motor vehicles, including associated floor space used for offices, parking, or showrooms. \[**30A:**3.3.12.1]

### Membrane Enclosure.

A temporary enclosure used for the spraying of workpieces that cannot be moved into a spray booth where open spraying is not practical due to the proximity to other operations, finish quality, or concerns such as the collection of overspray.

Informational Note:
See Chapter 18 of NFPA 33-2016, _Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials_, for information on the construction and use of membrane enclosures.

### Minor Repair Garage.

A building or portions of a building used for lubrication, inspection, and minor automotive maintenance work, such as engine tune-ups, replacement of parts, fluid changes (e.g., oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, air-conditioning refrigerants), brake system repairs, tire rotation, and similar routine maintenance work, including associated floor space used for offices, parking, or showrooms. \[**30A:**3.3.12.2]

### Mobile Equipment.

Equipment with electrical components suitable to be moved only with mechanical aids or is provided with wheels for movement by person(s) or powered devices.

### Motor Fuel Dispensing Facility.

That portion of a property where motor fuels are stored and dispensed from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles or marine craft or into approved containers, including all equipment used in connection therewith. \[**30A:**3.3.11]

Informational Note:
Refer to Articles 510 and 511 with respect to electrical wiring and equipment for other areas used as lubritoriums, service rooms, repair rooms, offices, salesrooms, compressor rooms, and similar locations.

### Nonincendive Circuit.

A circuit, other than field wiring, in which any arc or thermal effect produced under intended operating conditions of the equipment, is not capable, under specified test conditions, of igniting the flammable gas–air, vapor–air, or dust–air mixture.

Informational Note:
Conditions are described in ANSI/ISA-12.12.01-2013, _Nonincendive Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and II, Division 2, and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations_.

### Nonincendive Component.

A component having contacts for making or breaking an incendive circuit and the contacting mechanism is constructed so that the component is incapable of igniting the specified flammable gas–air or vapor–air mixture.
The housing of a nonincendive component is not intended to exclude the flammable atmosphere or contain an explosion.

Informational Note:
For further information, see ANSI/ISA-12.12.01-2013, _Nonincendive Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and II, Division 2, and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations._

### Nonincendive Equipment.

Equipment having electrical/electronic circuitry that is incapable, under normal operating conditions, of causing ignition of a specified flammable gas–air, vapor–air, or dust–air mixture due to arcing or thermal means.

Informational Note:
For further information, see ANSI/ISA-12.12.01-2013, _Nonincendive Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and II, Division 2, and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations_.

### Nonincendive Field Wiring.

Wiring that enters or leaves an equipment enclosure and, under normal operating conditions of the equipment, is not capable, due to arcing or thermal effects, of igniting the flammable gas–air, vapor–air, or dust–air mixture.
Normal operation includes opening, shorting, or grounding the field wiring.

### Nonincendive Field Wiring Apparatus.

Apparatus intended to be connected to nonincendive field wiring.

Informational Note:
For further information, see ANSI/ISA-12.12.01-2013, _Nonincendive Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and II, Division 2, and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations_.

### Oil Immersion.

Electrical equipment immersed in a protective liquid in such a way that an explosive atmosphere that may be above the liquid or outside the enclosure cannot be ignited.

### Optical Radiation.

Electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths in vacuum between the region of transition to X-rays and the region of transition to radio waves, that is approximately between 1 nm and 1000 μm.

Informational Note:
For additional information on types of protection that can be applied to minimize the risk of ignition in explosive atmospheres from optical radiation in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 10 μm, see ANSI/UL 60079-28-2017, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 28: Protection of Equipment and Transmission Systems Using Optical Radiation_.

### Optical System With Interlock "op sh".

Type of protection to minimize the risk of ignition in explosive atmospheres from optical radiation where visible or infrared radiation is confined inside optical fiber or other transmission medium with interlock cut-off provided to reliably reduce the unconfined beam strength to safe levels within a specified time in case the confinement fails and the radiation becomes unconfined.

Informational Note:
See ANSI/UL 60079-28-2017, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 28: Protection of Equipment and Transmission Systems Using Optical Radiation_.

### Outdoor Spray Area.

A spray area that is outside the confines of a building or that has a canopy or roof that does not limit the dissipation of the heat of a fire or dispersion of flammable vapors and does not restrict fire-fighting access and control.
For the purpose of this standard, an outdoor spray area can be treated as an unenclosed spray area. \[**33:**3.3.2.3.1]

### Portable Equipment.

Equipment with electrical components suitable to be moved by a single person without mechanical aids.

### Powder Filling "q".

Type of protection where electrical parts capable of igniting an explosive atmosphere are fixed in position and completely surrounded by filling material (glass or quartz powder) to prevent the ignition of an external explosive atmosphere.

Informational Note:
See ANSI/UL 60079-5-2016, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 5: Equipment protection by powder filling "q"._

### Pressurized.

The process of supplying an enclosure with a protective gas with or without continuous flow, at sufficient pressure to prevent the entrance of combustible dust or ignitible fibers/flyings.

### Pressurized Enclosure "p".

Type of protection for electrical equipment that uses the technique of guarding against the ingress of the external atmosphere, which may be explosive, into an enclosure by maintaining a protective gas therein at a pressure above that of the external atmosphere.

Informational Note:
See ANSI/UL-60079-2-2017, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 2: Equipment protection by pressurized enclosures "p"._

### Process Seal.

A seal between electrical systems and flammable or combustible process fluids where a failure could allow the migration of process fluids into the premises' wiring system.

### Protected Optical Fiber Cable.

Optical fiber cable protected from releasing optical radiation into the atmosphere during normal operating conditions and foreseeable malfunctions by additional armoring, conduit, cable tray, or raceway.

Informational Note:
See ANSI/UL 60079-28-2017, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 28: Protection of Equipment and Transmission Systems Using Optical Radiation_.

### Protected Optical Radiation "op pr".

Type of protection to minimize the risk of ignition in explosive atmospheres from optical radiation where visible or infrared radiation is confined inside optical fiber or other transmission medium under normal constructions or constructions with additional mechanical protection based on the assumption that there is no escape of radiation from the confinement.

Informational Note:
See ANSI/UL 60079-28-2017, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 28: Protection of Equipment and Transmission Systems Using Optical Radiation_.

### Protection by Enclosure "t".

Type of protection for explosive dust atmospheres where electrical equipment is provided with an enclosure providing dust ingress protection and a means to limit surface temperatures.

Informational Note:
For additional information, see ANSI/UL 60079-31-2015, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 31: Equipment Dust Ignition Protection by Enclosure "t"._

### Purged and Pressurized.

The process of (1) purging, supplying an enclosure with a protective gas at a sufficient flow and positive pressure to reduce the concentration of any flammable gas or vapor initially present to an acceptable level; and (2) pressurization, supplying an enclosure with a protective gas with or without continuous flow at sufficient pressure to prevent the entrance of a flammable gas or vapor, a combustible dust, or an ignitible fiber.

Informational Note:
For further information, see ANSI/NFPA 496-2013, _Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment_.

### Simple Apparatus.

An electrical component or combination of components of simple construction with well-defined electrical parameters that does not generate more than 1.5 volts, 100 mA, and 25 mW, or a passive component that does not dissipate more than 1.3 watts and is compatible with the intrinsic safety of the circuit in which it is used.

Informational Note No. 1:
The following apparatus are examples of simple apparatus:

1. Passive components; for example, switches, instrument connectors, plugs and sockets, junction boxes, resistance temperature devices, and simple semiconductor devices such as LEDs
2. Sources of stored energy consisting of single components in simple circuits with well-defined parameters; for example, capacitors or inductors, whose values are considered when determining the overall safety of the system
3. Sources of generated energy; for example, thermocouples and photocells, that do not generate more than 1.5 volts, 100 mA, and 25 mW

Informational Note No. 2:
For further information, refer to ANSI/UL 913-2013, _Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated Apparatus for Use in Class I, II, III, Division 1, Hazardous (Classified) Locations_; and ANSI/UL 60079-11-2013, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 11: Equipment Protection by Intrinsic Safety "i."_

### Spray Area.

Any fully enclosed, partly enclosed, or unenclosed area in which dangerous quantities of flammable or combustible vapors, mists, residues, dusts, or deposits are present due to the operation of spray processes, including
(1) any area in the direct path of a spray application process;
(2) the interior of a spray booth, spray room, or limited finishing workstation, as herein defined;
(3) the interior of any exhaust plenum, eliminator section, or scrubber section;
(4) the interior of any exhaust duct or exhaust stack leading from a spray application process;
(5) the interior of any air recirculation path up to and including recirculation particulate filters;
(6) any solvent concentrator (pollution abatement) unit or solvent recovery (distillation) unit; and
(7) the inside of a membrane enclosure.
The following are not part of the spray area:
(1) fresh air make-up units;
(2) air supply ducts and air supply plenums;
(3) recirculation air supply ducts downstream of recirculation particulate filters; and
(4) exhaust ducts from solvent concentrator (pollution abatement) units. \[**33:**3.3.2.3]

Informational Note:
Unenclosed spray areas are locations outside of buildings or are localized operations within a larger room or space.
Such are normally provided with some local vapor extraction/ventilation system.
In automated operations, the area limits are the maximum area in the direct path of spray operations.
In manual operations, the area limits are the maximum area of spray when aimed at 90 degrees to the application surface.

### Spray Booth.

A power-ventilated enclosure for a spray application operation or process that confines and limits the escape of the material being sprayed, including vapors, mists, dusts, and residues that are produced by the spraying operation and conducts or directs these materials to an exhaust system. \[**33:**3.3.15]

Informational Note:
A spray booth is an enclosure or insert within a larger room used for spray/coating/dipping applications.
A spray booth can be fully enclosed or have open front or face and can include separate conveyor entrance and exit.
The spray booth is provided with a dedicated ventilation exhaust with supply air from the larger room or from a dedicated air supply.

### Spray Room.

A power-ventilated fully enclosed room used exclusively for open spraying of flammable or combustible materials. \[**33:**3.3.16]

### Type of Protection "n".

Type of protection where electrical equipment, in normal operation, is not capable of igniting a surrounding explosive gas atmosphere and a fault capable of causing ignition is not likely to occur.

Informational Note:
See ANSI/UL 60079-15-2013, _Explosive Atmospheres — Part 15: Equipment Protection by Type of Protection "n"._

### Unclassified Locations.

Locations determined to be neither Class I, Division 1; Class I, Division 2; Zone 0; Zone 1; Zone 2; Class II, Division 1; Class II, Division 2; Class III, Division 1; Class III, Division 2; Zone 20; Zone 21; Zone 22; nor any combination thereof.

### Unenclosed Spray Area.

Any spray area that is not confined by a limited finishing workstation, spray booth, or spray room, as herein defined. \[**33:**3.3.2.3.2]

### Ventilated.

Provided with a means to permit circulation of air sufficient to remove an excess of heat, fumes, or vapors.

### Volatile Flammable Liquid.

A flammable liquid having a flash point below 38°C (100°F),
or a flammable liquid whose temperature is above its flash point,
or a Class II combustible liquid that has a vapor pressure not exceeding 276 kPa (40 psia) at 38°C (100°F)
and whose temperature is above its flash point.
