Why do we need the National Electrical Code?

Safe Wiring Methods are Important

The National Electrical Code or NEC is a guide describing time-tested safe and reliable methods for use in electrical wiring. The NEC describes in detail such things as grounding and bonding, branch circuits, feeder circuits, branch circuit calculations, over-current protection, surge arrest circuits and equipment, wiring methods, wiring sizing, ampacity tables, switches, transformers, audio equipment, elevators, welding equipment, swimming pools, radio & TV equipment, broadband communication systems just to name a few of the subjects the NEC covers. The NEC, while it can intimidating to those who don't understand it, is a book that makes us safer if the wiring methods and information in the book are followed by any electrician doing any wiring in any dwelling. The NEC makes us all safer and allows us to enjoy the benefits of electricity safely and reliably.

A Safe & Reliable Electrical Installation

Electricity is a massive benefit to society as long it is safe and reliable. Electricity is invisible to people. It is something that cannot be seen unless an electrical arc is present) but it sure can be felt. This causes many people to fear electricity and therefore they do not touch anything to do with wiring. Generally, they call someone who is qualified to fix something with an electrical problem and hopefully this person is skilled and qualified to safely and reliably fix the problem with the electrical circuits. Let's say for example that the person has to replace some wire on a thirty amp branch circuit. If the person selected 12 AWG (American Wire Gage) for the job then they didn't use the NEC to properly size the wire and it could create a safety issue with a possible fire hazard. This is why it is important to call someone who has experience with electricity who can complete the electrical job using the basic NEC standards. This will ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Electricity can be very dangerous so it is important that all the NEC safety guidelines are followed. Many states require a person to have a certain amount of education, experience on the job working under a qualified electrician, and for these people to pass a written exam where many of the questions are derived from the NEC. These requirements vary from state to state but it is often critical for you to find a qualified person to do any electrical work so that it is done safely and reliably.

Local Electrical Regulations

Bad Wiring Methods are Unsafe

Typically when you are having major renovations done, new construction, adding branch circuits, or replacing equipment, the local municipality will require the electrical contractor to obtain an electrical permit of the work so it can be inspected for electrical safety and workmanship after the job is complete. Many of these municipalities use the NEC as a guideline for their inspection process. It is also, generally speaking depending on geographical location and various rules and regulations, a requirement that the person applying for the electrical permit be a licensed electrician. There are some people who attempt to circumvent all these procedures by doing the electrical work without obtaining a electrical permit. In some cases the work is done properly and nothing happens. In other cases the work is not done properly and a safety hazard exists. In such a case the person who did the electrical work will be held liable if something bad where to happen. Additionally, many insurance companies will not cover anything if they find out the electrical work was done without getting an electrical permit. This opens the building owner up to a huge liability which can cost far more than hiring a qualified electrician to do the electrical job right the first time.

An Electrical Job Well Done

It is important for us to understand that the National Electrical Code is book which outlines how to complete an electrical installation that will be safe and reliable for all the dwellings occupants for years to come. Electricity can be very dangerous and if you require any electrical work to be done it is of the utmost importance that you hire some who is experienced and will use the NEC as a guide to complete the job. Attempting to circumvent the rules and regulations can also cause more trouble than what it is worth so get the job done right and find a good safe electrician who will follow the National Electrical Code and any other local requirements as necessary.