MINUTES: JUNE 10,1999 IAEI SUNCOAST DIVISION, FLORIDA CHAPTER
GENERAL MEETING: CITY OF SAFETY HARBOR


INSPECTOR MEMBERS 12 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 7 GUEST 2


1.At 1:30 PM, Ralph Philbrook, the Division President commenced the General Meeting
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and round robin of introductions, a first time visitor was recognized: Robert Hugues, with R Hugues Enterprise from New Port Richey.

2.Our guest speakers were John O’Brien and Kevin Burke with Professional Technical Systems, Inc. They gave a presentation on surge protection principles, grounding and how their products are designed, as well as various applications of their products.
Two basic devices, a Metal Oxide Varistor and Gas Tube. John explained the use and applications for these types of devices.

A relatively impressive demonstration was performed showing how his products react and protect electronic components. John applied a high voltage to a demonstration only fire alarm panel. He demonstrated a surge suppression product that protected the electronics of this panel and the panel still functioned properly after the test demonstration.
John made reference to U.L. 1449 and some applications of Utility companies.

Grounding was described as difficult in Florida, especially where a lot of sand present. John commented that the best ground you see is from the neutral provided by the Utility. John says that the best grounding system you can have is a grounding field are electrolytic grounds, which are very expensive. He noted that ground rods are not always as good as the day they were installed. John described how lightning moves likes waves through the ground in Florida . John estimates that 95% of damage done by lightning in Florida is not from by direct hits, but from Ground hits. He recommends protecting on the grounding side in Florida. He noted that an aerial hit would drain down into a ground rod and into your neighbors ground rod.
John explained how ground fields with Cadweld connections to bond it together to provide multiple grounds that act like a paralleled circuit , thusly lowering resistance. He described an electrolytic ground ; a long copper tube , with small openings that allow atmospheric pressure to put moisture inside the tube and sep out over a period of 15 to 20 years.
UFUR grounds were brought up and discussed. Noted was that a 3 ohm reading has been measured. Concrete does conduct as noted. Joe Bolesina mentioned that Florida Power has taken readings of various ground measurements from the Skyway Bridge and farther north. Joe noted that various readings on houses were recorded from 30 to 3000 ohms, even infinity.
John conveyed that an average house could have 100 ohms. John conveyed that a block of salt will help your ground, but only lasts a short period of time.

John noted that air terminals are inviting trouble, unless you have a good grounding system. Code dictates that air terminal must tie into your grounding system.
Lightning arrestors and clamping time s were discussed. A unipolar device is useless in lighting or surge protection. A bipolar device is preferable because you cannot know how lightning will hit. Discussion on response times and comparisons were made.

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John’s demonstrations showed how his products functioned and he fielded various questions .
Discussion took place concerning grounding; lightning strikes; product applications and testing criteria. The Secretary asked if overcurrent protection is required for a surge arrestor or for a surge suppressor. A surge arrestor does not require overcurrent protection and a surge suppressor, under U.L. 1449, does require overcurrent protection. An arrestor can be installed before s Main Breaker. Further discussion took place concerning arrestors and suppressors.
John noted that the particular product in question is rated as a suppressor and has internal current limiting devices. It is reommended that U.L. 1449 be reviewed for additional information
The President thanked John and Kevin for the presentation.


3.The Chair recognized Mr. Robert Hugues who brought before the Body some questions concerning Article 525. Article 525 is concerned with carnivals, fairs and similar events.
Mr. Hugues had questions concerning an event in the area where romex is used. Discussion commeneced on the use of UF cable for exterior applications and NMC for interior application. Article 525 is enforceable and Article 305 is more for construction sites. The NEC Handbook is a source reference. Joe Bolesina read that the ’99 NEC might be enforceable as the minimum Code as of July ’99. Further discussion on the GFCI requirement for outlets and Article 525 took place. Some interpretation of this Article varied with Inspectors agreeing to some of the interpretations discussed. 90-4 was additionally referenced. Finally determined that UF cable must be used for exterior applications.

4.New Business: Joe Bolesina discussed an article from Volousa County where a building inspector did not have a State Inspector license at the time he made an inspection
on a house in 1995. In 1998, the homeowner sued and the Judge who ruled that the County was protected by lawsuits because the enforcement of building codes is a discretionary function of government threw out the case. Some discussion took place.
Joe brought up shirts . Discussion took place and Joe gave the Secretary information to prepare an order. The Secretary was volunteered to handle the order. Some Code discussion took place .
Bill Zannichi asked if a receptacle is required in a staircase. General consensus it is not required.
A second question about structured cable system was also brought to the body’ s attention. Grounding of structured cabling systems was discussed. Ultimately agreed, Article 110-3(B) was referenced.

Discussion on telephone booths commenced . Joe Bolesina discussed some of the various Code violations that have been found. Telephone Communication conductors are exempt under the Public Service Commission, and their own attorney’s have stated that the 120 volt lighting system in a phone booth is under the local jurisdiction ; requires permits; and requires inspections. Some of the aerial conductors have been found being used for the 120 volts power to the phone booth. Joe recommended checking the grounding and checking the aerial conductors . Another problem is the low voltage conductor being installed with the 120-volt conductors.


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The Chair recognized Larry Cox. He asked about the journeyman requirement. Hillsborough County requires journeyman card. Pasco County does not require a journeyman’s card. Pinellas County does not require a journeyman card. The President noted the law: an ER contractor must have a journeyman and an EC is not required to have a journeyman on the job.
City of Tampa requires a certified contractor on all jobs or a certified representative.
Reference should be made to Chapter 489, current edition. Mac McDonald commented on a 30 % increase in red tags.


4. Minutes of the May General meeting were motioned for approval by Nelson Montgomery and seconded by Bob Moore. All were in favor.
Noted as accepted by the Secretary and on file is a copy of 9B-3.049 State Minimum Electrical Code Adopted. A copy of a letter by Mark Ode, with U.L., explaining overcurrent protection for heating and air handler units .. Copies of the products presented by Professional Technical Systems are on file for review.


5.The treasure was out of town at the time of this meeting.

6.Joe Bolesina made a motion to submit a full page add for the October Southern Section Meeting was made and seconded. All were in favor. The Secretary will prepare an ad.
Joe asked if the donation to the IEC had been made. The Secretary said it is in the works and he had not been able to get with Ruben .

7. At 3:15pm Joe Bolesina motioned for adjournment and the Division seconded the motion.