Frequently Asked Questions about the NEC®
Questions:
What changes have been made to the 2008 NEC?
What is in the NEC?
What is the NFPA?
What is the difference between the NEC and ANSI NFPA 70?
What is the difference between the NEC softcover book and the NEC Handbook?
What is the most current edition of the code and what edition do I need?
- Q: What changes have been made to the 2008 NEC?
-
A: Read the following articles to get a better explanation of the 2008 National Electrical Code changes:
- Q: What is in the NEC?
-
A: The NEC is developed and edited by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). It is composed of an introduction, nine chapters, annexes A through G, and the index. The Introduction sets forth the purpose, scope, enforcement and rules or information that are general in nature. The first four chapters cover definitions and rules for installations (e.g., voltages, connections, markings), circuits and circuit protection, methods and materials for wiring (e.g., wiring devices, conductors, cables), and general-purpose equipment (e.g., cords, receptacles, switches, heaters). The next three chapters deal with special occupancies (high risk to multiple persons), specific equipment (e.g., signs, machinery) and special conditions (e.g., emergency systems, alarms). Chapter 8 is specific to additional requirements for communications systems (e.g., telephone, radio/TV) and Chapter 9 is composed of ten tables regarding conductor, cable and conduit properties, among other things. Annexes A-G relate to referenced standards, calculations, examples, additional tables for proper implementation of various articles (e.g., how many wires fit in a conduit) and a model adoption ordinance.
The introduction and the first eight chapters contain numbered Articles, Parts, Sections (or Lists or Tables) italicized Exceptions, and Fine Print Notes (FPN) -- explanations that are not part of the rules. Articles are organized with numerals and letters, as ###.###(A)(#)(a) e.g., 804.22(C)(3)(b) could be read as "Section 804 point 22(C)(3)(b)." and would be found in Chapter 8. For internal references, some lengthy articles are further broken into "parts" with Roman-numerals (Parts I, II, III, etc.).
The NFPA also publishes a 1,100-page Handbook (for each new NEC edition) that contains the entire code, plus additional illustrations and explanations, and helpful cross-references within the code and to earlier versions of the code.
Wikipedia contributors, "National Electrical Code (US)," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=National_Electrical_Code_%28US%29&oldid=104851520 (accessed February 8, 2007).
- Q: What is the NFPA?
-
A: The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) serves as a leading advocate of fire prevention and is an authoritative source on public safety. It is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1896 with the mission to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. (www.nfpa.org accessed February 8, 2007)
- Q: What is the difference between the NEC and ANSI NFPA 70?
-
A: None, they are identical. The NEC is formally identified as the ANSI NFPA 70 by the American National Standard by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
- Q: What is the difference between the NEC softcover book and NEC Handbook?
-
A: The softcover book is the full text of the NEC. The Handbook (also referred to as the Illustrated Handbook) is the full text plus commentary from Code experts, coverage of new articles, explanations of rules, and examples of use. The Handbook includes over 500 diagrams, charts, tables, photos. The 2008 softcover will be available in November 2007, and the 2008 Handbook will be available in January 2008. Both the softcover and the Handbook are available of CD-ROM as well.
- Q: What is the most current edition of the code and what edition do I need?
-
A: The NEC is updated and published every three years. The 2005 NEC is the most current edition. MEA is currently taking pre-publication orders for the 2008 code book which will be printed in October of 2007.
States generally adopt the most recent edition within a couple years of its publication. Be sure to check with your state and local electrical boards to see what edition is being enforced.
