I am a bit confused. If there is no power, how does anything in the NEC apply given the wording of 90.1(A)?
Let's face it, that's as much a statement of philosophy as anything. (Although I love, "
This Code is not intended as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons.")
Reading a bit further in Section 90.3 we find:
90.3 Code Arrangement. ... Chapters 5, 6, and 7 apply
to special occupancies, special equipment, or other special
conditions. These latter chapters supplement or modify the
general rules. Chapters 1 through 4 apply except as amended
by Chapters 5, 6, and 7 for the particular conditions.
Technically, area classification has nothing to do with electricity at all. A location's area classification is based on processes and geometry. It's Standards like NFPA 497 and API RP 500 that states area classification is for the purpose of selecting electrical installations. Technically, even Section 500.1 doesn't even come right out and say that - it simply says how the rules apply to electrical installations.
A key idea is "Unclassified Location" is defined as,"Locations
determined to be neither Class I, Division I; Class I, Division 2; Class 1, Zone 0; Class I, Zone 1; Class 1, Zone 2; Class II, Division I; Class II, Division 2; Class III, Division I; Class III, Division 2; Zone 20; Zone 21; Zone 22; or any combination thereof." "Determined" means it has actually been reviewed by someone qualified to make the judgement, since "[
T]his Code is not intended as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons."