Episodios

  • 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.


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    30 m
  • 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.


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    38 m
  • 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/electrify-electrician-podcast--4131858/support.
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    22 m
  • Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 185| Lots of Topics in This Episode

    Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 185| Lots of Topics in This Episode
    Jun 22 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 so many topics that it is just better to listen and enjoy. If you submitted a question to PaulAbernathy.com you might want to listen as I probably addressed your question.

    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/electrify-electrician-podcast--4131858/support.
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    39 m
  • Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 184 | My Opinion on Most Electricians Biggest Weakness

    Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 184 | My Opinion on Most Electricians Biggest Weakness
    Jun 16 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 the lack of true understanding of Grounding and Bonding. While the concepts seem simple enough, it seems that every time I read a social media post that has something to do with grounding or bonding it is wrong and misleading. So, today’s podcast is my opinion on the issues with understanding grounding and bonding.

    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/electrify-electrician-podcast--4131858/support.
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    29 m
  • Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 183| Expert Witness Services and NEC Consulting

    Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 183| Expert Witness Services and NEC Consulting
    Jun 16 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 new website https://necwitness.com and the expert witness services being promoted to the legal industry. With over 38 years of experience in electrical, such as Master Electrician, Electrical Inspector, Electrical Engineer II, Code Expert and Field Rep for NEMA, and Director of Technical Services to Encore Wire, as well as being the founder and educator at Electrical Code Academy, Inc. We bring a wide array of experiences to the table. This episode explains some of the history.

    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.


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    47 m
  • Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 182| Calculating Neutrals, FMC with Service Conductors, and Cheap Exam Prep

    Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 182| Calculating Neutrals, FMC with Service Conductors, and Cheap Exam Prep
    Jun 1 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 calculating the grounded (neutral) conductor on a service and for individual service disconnects as it applied to a grouped allowance in 230.40 Ex. 2. We also explain the use of FMC with service conductors and the need for a SSBJ and lastly tips on cheap exam prep study.

    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/electrify-electrician-podcast--4131858/support.
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    37 m
  • Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 181| Dryer Calculations, Two to Six Service Disconnects in Cali

    Let’s Ask Paul | Episode 181| Dryer Calculations, Two to Six Service Disconnects in Cali
    May 26 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 when to use the nameplate or 5KW for dryer calculations depending on the standard or optional method of calculating the load for a service. We also tackle the issue of the 2-6 disconnect rule in 230.71 in the 2020 National Electrical Code for an inspector in California.

    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/electrify-electrician-podcast--4131858/support.
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    30 m