I think its a good idea, but does it belong in the code? I don't know ... how does this differ from receptacles should be located every 6 (or whatever) feet along the wall?
Remember that NFPA in large part is tied to the insurance companies not wanting to pay out on fires. Commercial rates are more flexible than residential rates of insurance.
Having said that; It's time for the 800+ NEC to be divided up to avoid things like this in the future. Article 670 for example should be reduced to: Follow NFPA79. Things that skirt design issues should be moved into a separate document (National Electrical Design Code?). Move outlet locations, TR's, and other
people considerations into the NECD while leaving wiring practices in the NEC.
The NECD being smaller could then spend more ink being precise about location; maybe even using graphics. Ground side up? Outlets in a bath stall? TR's in homes? TR's in businesses? Floor outlets in meeting rooms?
An NECD would even be easier to follow for such things since the articles would be location based. Imagine
Chapter 3 Required Kitchen Circuits. The NECD would not tell you how to wire it, just where and how many are required.
Flexibility in state codes would be helped also. Instead of trying to rewrite the AFCI section or repeal it wholesale, a state could strike AFCI from specific rooms. It would allow them to phase in more gradually and clearly than modifying the NEC requirements.
Do we really need the NEC to tell us to wire outlets every six feet? Or should it be simplified to tell us how to wire outlets while an NECD tells us where to put them?
A poll for that might be nice:
A) Add the NECD C) I don't know E) Forget the NECD
B & D for half-hearted commitments. :grin: