The True Role of the National Electrical Code -- From Controversy to Clarity

	Mike Miller

Submitted by Mike Miller, Curriculum and Training Manager

I was speaking at a code class a while ago in a Minnesota community. Our discussion was focused on 2023 code changes and one of the participants in the class expressed a clearly negative outlook on the change I had featured on the screen. As the discussion continued, the individual voiced unhappiness with the code in general and an opinion that the NEC was out of touch with the real world of electrical work. In this person’s mind, the NEC was more interested in selling new products for Fortune 500 manufacturing concerns, and yet still wants to uphold its position as a "minimum standard”.

It is a fair statement that most of us have certain code articles that we do not necessarily agree with yet follow them because that’s "the rule.” At that point in the conversation, I pointed out the position of the National Electrical Code as a "standard for the installation of equipment and wiring.” And it is important to remember that code articles are not just created at the whim of an overzealous sales engineer for electrical products.

If you look in the front of the Code Book at the Committee Personnel found after the Index, you will see a complete listing of all those who " … have primary responsibility for documents on minimizing the risk of electricity as a source of electric shock and as a potential ignition source of fires and explosions.” As you page through this list of the different code making panels, it recognizes both members and alternates. Each of these people are identified as to who they represent. I am not surprised to see that most are NOT manufacturer’s representatives. They come from all occupations including electricians, electrical inspectors, educators, power suppliers, IBEW, IEC, governmental agencies, telecommunication workers, field evaluation representatives, electrical engineers, electrical contractors, and many varied professions with a personal stake in electrical installation standards. 

If you have ever tracked changes to the NEC, you realize that most of the changes are the result of Public Input. This is a process that allows anyone to suggest ideas for removing, adding, modifying, clarifying, relocating, adding exceptions, or informational notes, and other alterations. 

The public input is reviewed and judged on its merit and if found worthy to be considered for a change, is moved to the Code Making Panel (CMP) who handles that Article suggested for change. During considerations for change, public comments are taken for consideration of worthiness as well. Another point we should consider is the NFPA publishes a substantiation for most every code change that occurs to assist users in understanding the rationale for the change. At times, I have not agreed with the substantiation, but recognize that the professionals who wrote it are more qualified to render such an opinion than me.

Few people take advantage of yet another option available to them if there is a reason they believe a code article should not be enforced. That is the process of appealing to the enforcement agency to not accept a certain article or change. Typically, this is a state agency but, in some cases, may be a county or municipal authority. 

In closing, I believe the NEC has proven itself over the years to be the best choice we have as a standard to follow for safety of our electrical installations. It embraces a form of democracy like our government which too, has been the focus of discontent, and will continue to be.

This segment was written solely by me without the assistance of any automated tools, including AI. All content and ideas are original and my own.