The National Electrical Code^® (NEC)

The NEC is a publication of the National Fire Protection Association, Inc. The NEC was first published in 1897 and is constantly changing to reflect changes in technology. The purpose of the Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.⁽¹⁾  The local county or city government authority having jurisdiction for enforcement of the Code has the responsibility for making interpretations of the rules, for deciding on the approval of equipment and materials, and for granting the special permission contemplated in a number of the rules.⁽²⁾  The NEC has become the most widely adopted code in the United States. It is the standard used in all 50 states and all United States territories.⁽³⁾

⁽¹⁾ NEC 2002 Handbook, Section 90.1, Purpose (A), Practical Safeguarding

⁽²⁾ NEC 2002 Handbook, Section 90.4, Enforcement

⁽³⁾ NEC 2002 Handbook, Preface

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