NFPA Journal - Summer 2022 - 67

The concept of installing photovoltaic (PV) arrays on bodies of water,
such as this array in the Netherlands, is becoming increasingly popular
worldwide. The 2023 NEC includes a proposed new section, Article
690 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, that provides initial guidance for
PV equipment installed on water.
individual information, but also to the
operation of systems.
There are two sections of the 2023
NEC where cybersecurity has been
introduced. Section 110.3(A) has proposed
language that would allow for
examination of equipment as it relates
to meeting cybersecurity needs while
also maintaining its safety functionality.
In section 240.6(D), proposed
language addresses cybersecurity
around circuit breakers that have the
ability to be remotely adjusted, listing
the ways remote access is permitted
to be achieved. Additional suggested
language would also provide information
through modified and new
Informational Notes. While these two
proposed section changes would be
the first-ever mention of cybersecurity
in the NEC, such a critical and continuing
need is likely to expand in the
NEC in future cycles.
A final proposed addition to the
2023 NEC is new Article 726 Class 4
(CL4) Power Systems. The addition of
this article will provide NEC requirements
covering the installation and
wiring of fault-managed power (FMP),
including utilization equipment incorporated
in the systems. FMP, which
is classified by Article 726 as a newly
introduced CL4 power system, is a
developing technology that transmits
power in small pulses that collect
and use the combined power at the
receiving point. The amount of energy
transferred alone is not sufficient to
deliver a shock, become a fire hazard,
or power equipment, which would
require the combined power to operate.
The FMP system is constantly
monitored for any type of fault,
breaks, or contact that, if detected,
would in turn shut the system down.
Although these CL4 systems are new
to the NEC, their continued development
and implementation suggests
that they have the ability to significantly
prevent fire and shock when
incorporated into electrical power
distribution systems.
Approaching Boston:
Eyeing the finish line
We've covered a lot of miles in the
development of the 2023 NEC, but we
still have a few miles to go before we
reach the finish line. The next step is
the annual Technical Meeting, which
takes place June 8-9 as part of the
NFPA Conference & Expo in Boston.
At the Technical Meeting, further
recommendations for amendments to
the 2023 NEC will be debated on the
floor through previously submitted and
Certified Amending Motions (CAMs),
then voted on by the eligible membership.
Any unsuccessful motions may
be appealed to the Standards Council,
which will convene August 10-12
at NFPA's headquarters in Quincy,
Massachusetts. As part of the August
meeting, the Standards Council hears
appeals on CAMs; once those decisions
are rendered, the Standards Council
will consider and make final determination
of issuance of the 2023 edition
of the NEC.
The race toward electrical safety may
never end, but the development of the
2023 NEC is inching us ever closer. The
finish line is in sight. It's almost time
to break the tape.
COREY HANNAHS is senior electrical content
specialist at NFPA.
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NFPA Journal - Summer 2022

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