All electricians are subjected to rules beyond the NEC.

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iqelectric

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We all work in a complicated system of building codes. The NEC is only a small portion of this. There are many areas of our trade that is governed by the "other" codes. A lot of electricians do not know these rules, or where to find the information. Examples are: requirements for smoke alarms, CO alarms, full fire alarm system, emergency or legal power, exit signage, egress lighting, individual metering for apartments, house meters, energy usage. The list goes on. In addition there are utility rules for services and metering. And do not forget OSHA. Anyone interested?
 
iqelectric said:
We all work in a complicated system of building codes. The NEC is only a small portion of this. There are many areas of our trade that is governed by the "other" codes. A lot of electricians do not know these rules, or where to find the information. Examples are: requirements for smoke alarms, CO alarms, full fire alarm system, emergency or legal power, exit signage, egress lighting, individual metering for apartments, house meters, energy usage. The list goes on. In addition there are utility rules for services and metering. And do not forget OSHA. Anyone interested?
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If you'd like to start a discussion about any of the topics mentioned, I think you'll find a weath of information on any topic from the many professionals that frequent this forum.
 
Each jurisdiction (local or state) adopts the model codes and the year of these codes. Then they make changes to the more objectional rules of the model code. But, the vast majority of the model codes are adopted verbatim across all the jurisdiction. Most adopt a recent year of the ICC (International Code Council) building codes plus a recent year of the NEC. Included In the ICC codes are the International Building Code, the International Energy Conservation Code, the International Plumbing Code, the International Mechanical Code and the International Residential Code. The International Residential Code (IRC) includes sections on all of the trades including electrical. Herein lies the issue. Nowhere that I am aware of is there a school that teaches electrical code using the electrical section of the IRC. Yet, most building departments will inspect residential one and two family homes plus townhouses using only the IRC.
 
The state page for Connecticut states that they've adopted the 2020 NEC with amendments, my home state NJ does the same. The ICC codes are adopted for the other subcodes. The IAEI has a publication that covers both if you're looking.
 
Every trade needs to know some of the codes/rules of other trades.

For example plumbers need to know about working space and dedicated space and how much wood you can notch out.

Electricians who do generators need to know gas line layout rules and lots of NFPA 37 stuff.

I had this discussion with a general on a job some weeks ago: "Well the inspector did not say anything." I don't care if the inspector caught it or not, we as contractors need to know what the codes are and follow them, not what we can sneak by the inspector.
 
iqelectric said:
We all work in a complicated system of building codes. The NEC is only a small portion of this. There are many areas of our trade that is governed by the "other" codes. A lot of electricians do not know these rules, or where to find the information. Examples are: requirements for smoke alarms, CO alarms, full fire alarm system, emergency or legal power, exit signage, egress lighting, individual metering for apartments, house meters, energy usage. The list goes on. In addition there are utility rules for services and metering. And do not forget OSHA. Anyone interested?
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The electricians that I know in NC all know the code examples you gave.
 
iqelectric said:
Each jurisdiction (local or state) adopts the model codes and the year of these codes. Then they make changes to the more objectional rules of the model code. But, the vast majority of the model codes are adopted verbatim across all the jurisdiction. Most adopt a recent year of the ICC (International Code Council) building codes plus a recent year of the NEC. Included In the ICC codes are the International Building Code, the International Energy Conservation Code, the International Plumbing Code, the International Mechanical Code and the International Residential Code. The International Residential Code (IRC) includes sections on all of the trades including electrical. Herein lies the issue. Nowhere that I am aware of is there a school that teaches electrical code using the electrical section of the IRC. Yet, most building departments will inspect residential one and two family homes plus townhouses using only the IRC.
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As you likely know, the IRC electrical requirements are taken directly from the NEC, just expressed in a different way. This is a complicating issue in some states where the current edition of the NEC is adopted as the law of the land but the NEC and the IRC are on different cycles.
 
texie said:
As you likely know, the IRC electrical requirements are taken directly from the NEC,
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The NEC and other-trade language is also seen in the White book listing requirements.

Attending IAEI meetings make it apparent the audience of building officials are focused on listing requirements, rather than chasing NEC cross references for task requirements.
iqelectric said:
building departments will inspect residential one and two family homes plus townhouses using only the IRC.
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If the IRC is arranged with code of multiple trades together, it would explain why my State Combo inspectors don't bother with the NEC.
 
Here in CT, for this code cycle, the Codes and Standards Committee has deleted the IRC electrical chapters and we use, for this cycle anyway, only the 2020 NEC! Yay! Wish this would happen every code cycle. BTW, the currently adopted building code is the law of the land, and the local BO is required by law to enforce the currently adopted building code. It would be good for all electrical contractors to be aware of the codes adopted in your area. This link will send you to a website that will allow you to stay abreast of all 50 states' current codes as amended by each state.

up.codes

UpCodes: Searchable platform for building codes

Explore a searchable database of US construction and building code. Code regulations are consolidated by state and city for easier navigation.
up.codes up.codes

I recommend you at least read and understand the administrative section of the building and residential code for your jurisdiction. It covers things like permitting, permits and inspections. Includes exemptions. Knowledge is power!
 
As with anything, there is a need for experience. Many here have many areas of experience, others more narrow and focused. Start working in healthcare and you get a complete new set of rules than multifamily residential, than nuclear power plants, than chemical plants, than gas stations, etc. I know something about each of these, but someone who has focused their career on gas stations, for example, will be laser focused on all the issues and will very likely see things in an instant that I may miss or overlook.
 
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