The National Electrical Code (NEC) is an important electrical code created to protect industrial personnel and property from any danger related to electrical installations. The primary motive of NEC is to set a strong basis for electrical safety. This code becomes more important when it is adopted as law in local jurisdictions. This article gives an overview of the National Electrical Code, what NEC is, its purpose, its structure, and its importance.
What is the National Electrical Code (NEC)?
NEC or NFPA 70 is a United States standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. NEC use is mandated in many jurisdictions outside the United States. NEC is applicable in residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. Every three years, experts from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) update NEC, which reflects the latest safety research. It specifies the size and type of wires to be used by electricians, installation method, clearances around electrical equipment, and electrical safety protections.
The main motive behind implementing NEC in electrical work is to reduce the risk of fire, shock, and other electrical hazards. It ensures a safe work environment for electricians and safe usage by residents.
Purpose of NEC
The purposes of the National Electrical Code (NEC) are many, which are listed below:
Protection From Danger
The main motive behind implementing NEC is to safeguard industrial and residential property from risks related to electrical installations and secure power installation. It also serves as the foundation for electrical safety. NEC becomes more important when it is adopted as a law by local jurisdictions.
Safe Installation
National electrical code ensures safe and hazard-free installation of electrical equipment. It also covers the safe removal of electrical conductors, equipment and raceways, signaling and communications conductors, and optical fiber cables for public and private premises, yards, parking lots, and industrial substations. It also safeguards installations used to export electric power from vehicles to premises wiring.
Grant Specific Permissions
The authority that has jurisdiction to enforce NEC can grant exceptions to install conductors and equipment that don’t fall under the exclusive control of the electric utilities. These electric utilities are used for electric utility supply systems to the service conductors of the premises served. There’s a condition that these installations are outside the building.
How Does NEC Ensure Safety at Workplaces?
Enforcement of NEC at the workplace ensures a risk-free work environment for the personnel by avoiding electrical hazards causing physical damage and loss of life. Many workers are ignorant of the potential threat to their lives by not adhering to NEC regulations. The key to safety at the workplace is education, awareness about the problems, and compliance.
Under many jurisdictions, non-compliance with NEC rules amounts to a violation of federal law. The organization found responsible for non-compliance faces criminal indictments.
Scope of the NEC
NEC is applicable to a variety of electrical installations in residential, commercial, and industrial setups. Here is the list of the technical applications covered by the NEC:
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Installation of electrical conductors, raceways, and equipment.
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Installing optical fiber cables and raceways.
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Signaling and communications raceways, equipment, and conductors.
Is NEC a Law?
NEC is not a law but rather a set of rules to guide electricians to do their work in a risk-free way, even if it’s not enforced by law.
Two Basic Rule Types in the NEC
The two basic rule types in the NEC are mandatory and permissive rules, which are indicated by specific wordings.
Mandatory Rules
These rules use terms like "shall" or "shall not”. Mandatory rules describe prohibited actions. For example, electrical panels “shall” have a clear working space, or electricians must follow the rules.
Permissive Rules
Permissive rules use terms like “shall be permitted,” which indicates options that are allowed but not mandatory. For example, electricians can choose to adhere to rules, but it’s not mandatory.
Conclusion
National Electrical Code is an electrical code, and adhering to the NEC rules ensures safety from electrical hazards. We have covered all the aspects of the regulations, such as the purpose of NEC, its scope, and how it ensures safety at workplaces, to give you an overview. An electrician adhering to the NEC rules can keep themselves safe on duty, ensure the safety of others, and keep everyone away from the potential risk of fire.