In the ever-evolving realm of electrical safety and regulation, change is often viewed as progress aiming to enhance the usability, efficacy, and enforceability of codes and standards. However, not all, change is universally beneficial, and it is important to critically examine potential shifts in the established framework. In this edition of Up to Code, we delve into any expected benefits as well as, anticipating the pitfalls surrounding the proposed reorganization of the National Electrical Code’s (NEC®) structure and how this change may impact NEC® stakeholders across industry.
The Backbone of the Industry
Since 1897, the NEC® has stood tall as the backbone of the electrical industry, and NECA has worked to support the NEC® almost from the very beginning. Think about what the world looked like back then. In the 1920s only 35% of homes even had electricity, and by the 1930s that increased to 90% of homes in urban areas. The 1940s through the 1950s brought on a wave of electric appliances that we still enjoy today. The NEC® as we know it, has existed in its current structure since 1937, and since that time the NEC® has endured the 3rd industrial revolution and countless technological advancements. The current arrangement has a logical flow that allows professionals to understand the relationship between different Sections and Articles, while seamlessly accommodating expansion and accepting new topics. The Code’s nimble structure has not been challenged or called into question once over 25+ revisions and it’s storied 87-year history.
Understanding the NEC’s Adaptive Nature
As technology leaps forward, our electrical systems must keep pace to guarantee safety and reliability. The NEC is uniquely equipped to handle these advancements due to its inclusive and iterative revision process. The Code-Making Panels, comprised of experts across various fields, analyze emerging technologies and assess their impact on electrical safety. This collaborative approach ensures no one agenda dominates the process, while ensuring the NEC remains responsive to innovations while maintaining its primary goal: safeguarding people and property from electrical hazards.
Electrical Contractors’ Perspective
Electrical contractors play a pivotal role implementing and adhering to the Code’s guidelines. Their hands-on experience in designing, installing, and maintaining electrical systems gives them unique insights into the practical implications of code regulations. As discussions around reorganizing the NEC® structure continue to progress, it behooves electrical contractors to examine the impact of such a massive NEC® transformation.
Complexity and Learning Curve
The NEC®, despite its extensive and sometimes intricate content, has become familiar to users accustomed to its current arrangement. When examining the proposed reorganization, one must ask what we are attempting to accomplish. The NEC® was never intended to be a design manual for untrained persons, meaning that a certain level of knowledge and skill is required to use and understand its contents. Learning to use the NEC® is a fundamental element of training to be a quailed electrical worker. If the goal is to reorganize the structure to make it “easy to use” are potentially missing the mark and need to refocus on training our future workers properly.
Interconnected Nature of Codes and Standards
One of the things that must be considered is the disruption of the interconnected nature of the various codes, standards, training content, and reference materials. Change often comes at a cost, and a complete reorganization of the NEC® could entail expenses for many of these stakeholders. This cost may be justified if the cause is worthy and necessary, so the question then becomes; is this cost justified? Is there so much to be gained, that restructuring the NEC® is worth the investment?
A Call for Collaboration
As discussions around the potential reorganization of the NEC® continue, it is imperative that the voices of the electrical industry are heard and considered. Afterall the NEC® is an ANSI™-accredited consensus standard. Changes impacting the technical content and application must be publicly scrutinized by all stakeholders’ interests. Electrical contractors’ perspective is especially important as their real-world experience and insights can help shape any changes in a way that minimizes negative impacts and maximizes benefits. The full white paper and proposed new NEC® structure can be reviewed below.
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