SACRAMENTO VALLEY CHAPTER OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS


	Ground Rod Electrodes — What You Need to Know
	clarify some misconceptions and provide inspectors a reliable method of inspecting ground rods to assure that they are, in fact, approving code-compliant rods.
	More Here


	AFCI's and Heat Rise - Application Data
	New Information Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) breakers are listed to UL 489 and UL 1699. UL 489 covers overload, endurance and short circuit (including temperature). UL 1699 covers arc fault test requirements. Per UL standard 489 for molded case circuit breakers, the breaker is required to pass an overload test (50 operations at 600% rated current, not less than 150 amperes) followed by 100% rated current in open air with a temperature not to exceed 50°C rise over ambient at both line and load terminals. This temperature test may also be performed in an enclosure at 80% rated current and temperature not to exceed 65°C rise over ambient. (The handle shall not exceed 60°C.) What this means is that in a loadcenter with a 70°F ambient temperature, the temperature rise can be as high as 187°F and still meet UL operating parameters for the breaker. While the breaker functions properly to this temperature, it will normally be in the 80 – 120°F range due to the electronics in the breaker.
	More Here


	Sacramento County takes the solar pledge
	(Feb. 13, 2007) Sacramento County Supervisors voted today to adopt a SMUD-proposed ordinance waiving permit fees for the installation of residential solar systems, and other local governments are preparing to follow suit. SMUD has been working with all of the jurisdictions in its service area to standardize the permit process and reduce the cost to homeowners in an effort to encourage and speed the adoption of solar energy systems. Establishing partnerships with local governments was a key recommendation made by a group of SMUD employees who served on the Leadership in Energy Efficiency, Demand and Environmental Resource Solutions (LEEDERS) team. The four-part plan calls for waiving permit fees for three years; standardizing permit applications for photovoltaic installations; over-the-counter reviews of applications the day they are submitted, and conducting post-installation inspections within 24 hours. These “best practices” were recommended in a study conducted last year by Robert Waste & Associates. “Sacramento County is obviously an important player because 40 percent of our customers live in the unincorporated area,” said Lois Wright, who has been coordinating the effort for SMUD. Photovoltaic systems provide clean, renewable energy, reduce customers’ electric bills, and lower the peak demand on SMUD’s energy resources on hot summer days when electricity is most expensive. The city of Elk Grove was the first jurisdiction to become a “solar partner” with SMUD when it adopted the District’s solar ordinance last month. The Rancho Cordova City Council last week asked its staff to prepare a solar ordinance following a presentation by Wright, and the council is expected to vote on the ordinance in the next three or four weeks. The City of Sacramento will take up the issue soon. Building officials from all seven local jurisdictions have been receptive to the idea of standardizing permit applications, Wright said
	SMUD Website


	Connecticut Electric Recalls Counterfeit Square D Circuit Breakers Due To Fire Hazard
	WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Counterfeit "Square D" Circuit Breakers Units: About 64,000 Distributor: Connecticut Electric & Switch Mfg. Co. (Connecticut Electric), of Puyallup, Wash. Hazard: The recalled circuit breakers labeled “Square D” are counterfeit and could fail to trip when they are required to, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: Connecticut Electric has not received any report of incidents or injuries associated with these counterfeit circuit breakers. Description: The counterfeit circuit breakers are black and are marked as Square D products. Connecticut Electric has identified the following breakers as possibly being counterfeit: QO115, QO120, QO140, QO2125, QO215, QO220, QO230, QO240, QO250, QO260, QO1515, QO2020, QO3100, QO320, QO330, QO340, QO360, QOB120, QOB130, QOB220, QOB230, QOB250, QOB330, and QOB360. Actual Square D circuit breakers have (a) the amp rating written on the handle in white paint on the front of the breaker; (b) the Square D insignia molded onto the breaker side, and; (c) a yellow chromate mounting clip with half of the top of the clip visible. If your Square D breaker does not match this description, it could be counterfeit. Sold through: Electrical Distributors and hardware stores nationwide from February 2005 through August 2006 for between about $6.50 and $15.50. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should contact Connecticut Electric to determine if the breaker they have is counterfeit and if necessary, to arrange for a free inspection and replacement or refund. Consumer Contact: For more information, Call Connecticut Electric at (866) 264-3702 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the company’s Web site at www.connecticut-electric.com. Consumers also can obtain additional information by emailing Connecticut Electric at bdunham@connecticut-electric.com.
	U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Alert