Episodes

  • Let’s Ask Paul Podcast | Episode 192 | Is adding a service disconnect outside a service upgrade?

    Let’s Ask Paul Podcast | Episode 192 | Is adding a service disconnect outside a service upgrade?
    Oct 15 2024
    Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical business-related topics to help electricians maximize their knowledge and industry investment.

    In this episode, Paul is asked if adding a service disconnect, included with a transfer switch, and changing a 3 wire set of service conductors to now a 4 wire feeder to the existing inside panel which is now a remote distribution panel (Sub-Panel) considered a service upgrade or change?

    If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC then visit https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.
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    22 mins
  • Ask Paul | National Electrical Code (Podcast)

    Ask Paul | National Electrical Code (Podcast)
    Sep 23 2024
    Is GFCI Required for EVSE in Garages, Outdoors, or Anywhere. Let's rant about it on today's mobile podcast

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.
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    21 mins
  • Ask Paul | Lexi EV Video

    Ask Paul | Lexi EV Video
    Sep 16 2024
    Calculating the existing service is critical to adding new loads. Taking amp meter readings is only a snap shot in time. Now, following 220.87 is an option and other than an actual load calculation is the only option.

    So, you need demand data for 1 year. Now, their is an exception for 30 day, 15 minute peak data to be used.

    So, you take the max demand load provided and multiply it by 125% plus the new loads and it is not to exceed the existing service or feeder rating. In Lexi's case it did so it means that 220.87 was ONLY to be used to determine if the existing service can be used....

    Since it can't a NEW load calculation on the entire building is required and you DO NOT use the values given by the utility.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.
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    11 mins
  • Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 191| Facebook Follies on HVAC’s

    Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 191| Facebook Follies on HVAC’s
    Aug 4 2024
    Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, as he answers more questions from the Let’s Ask Paul Portal over at www.PaulAbernathy.com. In this episode, Paul will tackle the questions submitted by a listener. The topic covered in this episode is about all the comments on Facebook for a post about HVAC Protection and circuit conductors sizing. The original poster got 100% correct but the following commentors just made me cringe. The fact that some people will openly post comments that are so wrong simply amazes me. In fact, here is link to the original post on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/8KW62wwtTuJRRuT5/?mibextid=oFDknk If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC then visits https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.
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    21 mins
  • Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 190| Dealing with Electrical Inspectors

    Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 190| Dealing with Electrical Inspectors
    Jul 20 2024
    Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, as he answers more questions from the Let’s Ask Paul Portal over at www.PaulAbernathy.com.

    In this episode, Paul will tackle the questions submitted by a listener. The topic covered in this episode is how to handle electrical inspectors and other issues around electrical inspections.

    If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC then visit https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 188 | Our Newest NEC Course

    Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 188 | Our Newest NEC Course
    Jul 7 2024
    Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, as he answers more questions from the Let’s Ask Paul Portal over at www.PaulAbernathy.com.

    In this episode, Paul will tackle the questions submitted by a listener. The topic covered in this episode is our Mastering the NEC Course for those not studying for an electrical exam. This is our basic course for anyone wanting advanced knowledge of the National Electrical Code. This course never expires and works great on your mobile device. The course goes into extreme detail about the NEC and is great for those who simply desire to continue learning the NEC for their career advancement.

    If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC then visit https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.
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    30 mins
  • Understanding How Electricity Flows at a 240-Volt Receptacle | Episode 187

    Understanding How Electricity Flows at a 240-Volt Receptacle | Episode 187
    Jul 7 2024
    Understanding the 240-Volt Split-Phase System: A Simple Explanation

    Electricity can be a complex subject, but we can make it easier to understand with some
    simple analogies and explanations. One common question is how a 240-volt split-phase
    system works. Let's break it down step by step, using a seesaw analogy to make it
    clear.

    The Basics of a Split-Phase System

    A split-phase system is often used in homes. It involves two hot wires and a neutral
    wire, delivering power to houses. Each hot wire carries 120 volts, and together, they
    provide 240 volts to certain appliances.

    1. Two Hot Wires (L1 and L2):
    • Each wire carries 120 volts of electricity.
    • These wires are 180° out of phase with each other.

    2. Neutral Wire:
    • This wire is connected to the center of the transformer and serves as a return path for current.

    The Seesaw Analogy

    To simplify understanding, imagine a seesaw in a playground with two kids on either
    end. The seesaw moves up and down, with one kid going up while the other goes down.
    This seesaw represents the two 120-volt wires in a split-phase system.

    Center of the Seesaw (Center Tap)

    The center pivot of the seesaw is like the neutral point in a split-phase electrical system.
    It is grounded and divides the transformer's secondary winding into two equal halves.

    The Two Kids on the Seesaw
    • Kid 1 (L1): Represents the first hot wire carrying 120 volts.
    • Kid 2 (L2): Represents the second hot wire carrying 120 volts.

    How They Move
    • When Kid 1 goes up, Kid 2 goes down. This means they move in opposite directions.
    • This movement is always opposite – when one kid is at the top (positive peak),the other is at the bottom (negative peak).

    Phase Difference and Voltage Calculation

    In an AC system, the voltage changes over time following a wave pattern. When two
    waves are 180° out of phase, it means that when one wave is at its maximum positive
    value, the other is at its maximum negative value, and vice versa.

    Visualizing the Concept

    Imagine the wave patterns for L1 and L2:
    • L1: Starts at zero, goes up to +120 volts, back to zero, down to -120 volts, and returns to zero in one complete cycle.

    • L2: Starts at zero, goes down to -120 volts (when L1 is at +120 volts), back to zero, up to +120 volts (when L1 is at -120 volts), and returns to zero.

    This means when L1 is at its highest positive voltage (+120 volts), L2 is at its lowest
    negative voltage (-120 volts). This opposite behavior continues throughout the cycle,
    creating a 180° phase difference.

    Why This Matters

    1. Balanced Loads:
    This 180° phase difference helps balance the electrical load and reduce the current in
    the neutral wire.

    2. Combined Voltage:
    The total voltage across a load connected between L1 and L2 is the sum of the two
    voltages, resulting in 240 volts.

    Simplified Summary
    • Two Kids on a Seesaw: Represent the two 120-volt wires.
    • Up and Down Movement: Represents the alternating current going in opposite phases.

    • Height Difference: Represents the voltage difference, which adds up to 240 volts.

    Conclusion

    By understanding the seesaw analogy and the concept of a center-tap transformer, it
    becomes clear why the two 120-volt lines are considered 180° out of phase in a split-
    phase system. This phase difference allows the system to provide a total of 240 volts to
    certain appliances, ensuring efficient and balanced electrical power distribution in
    homes.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.
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    38 mins
  • Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 186| New World Order of Electrician

    Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 186| New World Order of Electrician
    Jun 25 2024
    Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, as he answers more questions from the Let’s Ask Paul Portal over at www.PaulAbernathy.com.

    In this episode, Paul will tackle the questions submitted by a listener. The topic covered in this episode is the Certified Master Electrical Code Professional® program and the use of the CMECP® trademark. The CMECP® Program is the next level in electrical code education for Master Electricians who wish to rise above the crowd and soak with the eagles. There is no other certification on the planet for Master Electricians and our CMECP® Program is protected by the USPTO section 8 and 15 approvals. You can find out more about the CMECP® Program at CMECP.org

    If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC then visit https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.
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    22 mins