The trend for ever-increasing numbers of proposals for changes and adopted changes in successive editions of the NEC has not reversed itself. The 2008 NEC is based on 3688 public proposals and 2349 public comments that have resulted in literally hundreds of additions, deletions, and other modifications—both minor and major. There are completely new articles covering equipment and applications not previously covered by the Code. There are also new regulations and radical changes in old regulations that affect the widest possible range of everyday electrical design considerations and installation details.
Much of the analysis and discussion about the specifics related to the various additions, deletions, and modifications in the 2008 NEC are based on the information available in two familiar documents: the “Report on Proposals” (ROP) and the “Report on Comments” (ROC). These documents provide a wealth of information. Both the 2007 ROP and the 2007 ROC for the 2008 NEC are available from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269; by phoning (800) 344-3555; or through the NFPA Web site at www.nfpa.org. Those two documents are highly recommended references that will facilitate completion of the Herculean task that looms immediately ahead for every designer and installer.
Everyone involved in the layout, selection, estimation, specification, inspection, as well as installation, maintenance, replacement, etc., of electrical systems and equipment must make every effort to become as thoroughly versed in and completely familiar with the intimate details related to the individual change as is possible. And, this must be done as soon as possible.
Clearly, compliance with the NEC is more important than ever, as evidenced by the skyrocketing numbers of suits filed against electrical designers and installers. In addition, inspectors everywhere are more knowledgeable and competent and they are exercising more rigorous enforcement and generally tightening control over the performance of electrical work. Another factor is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Design Safety Standard for Electrical Installations. That standard, which borrowed heavily from the rules and regulations given in the NEC, is federal law and applies to all places of employment in general industry occupancies. Although the OSHA Design Safety Standard is based heavily on the NEC, due to the relatively dynamic nature of the NEC, there will eventually be discrepancies. But, for those instances where a more recent edition of the Code permits something that is prohibited by the OSHA standard, OSHA officials have indicated that such an infraction—although still an infraction—will be viewed as what OSHA refers to as a “de minimus violation,” which essentially boils down to no fine. Of course that is not always the case. “Listing” and “labeling” of products by third party testing facilities is always permitted but frequently not required by the NEC, but it is made mandatory in most places of employment by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Design Safety Standard for Electrical Systems. The OSHA requirement for certification may take precedence over the less stringent position of the NEC regarding listing of equipment. To be certain as to whether or not OSHA must be followed instead of a more recent edition of the NEC—which will be the minority of times—one can write to the OSHA Directorate of Enforcement Programs, Mr. Richard Fairfax, Director, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210. The impact of the NEC—even on OSHA regulations, which are federal law—is a great indicator of the Code’s far reaching effect.
The fact that the application of electrical energy for light, power, control, signaling, and voice/data communication, as well as for computer processing and computerized process-control continues to grow at a breakneck pace also demands greater attention to the Code. As the electrical percentage of the construction dollar continues upward, the high-profile and very visible nature of electrical usage demand closer, more penetrating concern for safety in electrical design and installation. In today’s sealed buildings, with the entire interior environment dependent on the electrical supply, reliability and continuity of operation has become critical. Those realties demand not only a concern for eliminating shock and fire hazards, but also a concern for continuity of supply, which is essential for the safety of people, and, in today’s business and industry, to protect data and processes, as well.
And, of course, one critical factor that, perhaps, emphasizes the importance of Code-expertise more than anything else, is the extremely competitive nature of construction and modernization projects, today. The restricted market and the overwhelming pressure to economize have caused some to employ extreme methods to achieve those ends without full attention to safety. The Code represents an effective, commendable, and, in many instances, legally binding standard that must be satisfied, which acts as a barrier to any compromises with basic electrical safety. It is a democratically developed consensus standard that the electrical industry has determined to be the essential foundation for safe electrical design and installation; and compliance with the NEC will dictate a minimum dollar value for any project.
In this Handbook, the discussion delves into the letter and intent of Code rules. Read and study the material carefully. Talk it over with your associates; engage in as much discussion as possible. In particular, check out any questions or problems with your local inspection authorities. It is true that only time and discussion provide final answers on how some of the rules are to be interpreted. But now is the time to start. Do not delay. Use this Handbook to begin a regular, continuous, and enthusiastic program of updating yourself on this big new Code.
This Handbook’s illustrated analysis of the 2008 NEC is most effectively used by having your copy of the new Code book at hand and referring to each section as it is discussed. The commentary given here is intended to supplement and clarify the actual wording of the Code rules as given in the Code book itself.