National Electrical Code - NEC

National Electrical Code (NEC)

National Electrical Code is the United States standard for the installation of electric wiring safely; it is the most approved American national standard. Actually it is a series of codes issued by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This NEC consists of 19 code making panels and technical correlating committee. NEC work is sponsored by NFPA. It is formally identified as ANSI/NFPA 70.

This code was published in 1897 and is getting updated every three years. The 2008 code is the most recent version. Most states adopt the most recent edition within a couple of years of its publication. As with all national codes some of the portions or sections are omitted usually, but NEC is the least amended model code

NEC can be accessed to the public as a book in early periods but now available in the electronic version. NEC is composed of introduction, nine chapters. The introduction contains purpose, scope, enforcement and rules or information. These chapters deal with voltages, connections, markings, wiring devices, conductors, cables, cords, switches, heaters etc. In general all the chapters enclose numbered articles, parts, sections (or lists or tables) italicized exceptions, and fine print notes (FPN) -- explanations that are not part of the rules. Each code article is numbered based on the chapter which is in.

For eg; Article 210 addresses branch circuits and receptacles. This says about the minimum number of branches, placement of receptacles etc. NEC also has laws about how many circuits and receptacles are to be placed in a residential dwelling. It has separate law enforcement sections on conduit and cable protection, temperature rating etc

NEC consists of codes covering all the sections in electrical field. So in general NEC is the most accepted and least amended electrical code.