History of the National Electrical Code

[joe tedesco]

Re: History of the National Electrical Code

Wayne:

Your comments are right on, and like Bennie said many feel the same way about the NEC.

I guess that since I have been studying, reading, and using the NEC since the 1962 edition, and then the NYC Code, that I have a slight edge on some people.

I am still learning from people who read the rules in a different way.

I am fortunate to have most of the reports as far back as 1950, and can research most of the rules, only one problem I don't have the time.

I wish that NFPA would develop a product to include the reports from say 1965 on -- on a CD or DVD. They are now selling some small pieces and parts as books from the NEC Handbook with parts of the rules such as wiring methods, etc.

Their Inspection manual is probably the closest to what you need, and would be a good investment.

They even have a 2002 One and Two Family Electrical Code out.

My experiences working as an NFPA Staff Liaison with the NEC committees, serving as a committee member, and being employed by both NFPA and IAEI were the high points in my career.

I too scratched my head when the committees responded to proposals, and with so little time if they don't see it the same way as the person with the problem, will find a way to reject it, or do something to develop their own proposal (those with a A)

It goes on this way in every code cycle, but it does get easier with the new electronic media.

If anyone has the opportunity to go to San Diego, California to sit in the Committee meetings from December 1 -13 it would be an education for sure.

Some committees will have the time to look over the comments and work on them to the end, and some will have little time because of the many comments -- I will bet that CMP 2, 5, 3, 8, and 9 have the most work.

Some are finished in two days, and others spend from 8 am till 10 pm working on their reports (mostly with small groups who bring back suggestions to the main committee), even with that and after the code is printed the issues start to crop up.

One good example is they say that a "sheet metal screw" cannot be used to secure a grounding conductor, so when asked this time in Orlando about this they said something but didn't offer a solution.

Pierre do you remember what they said"

250.8 Connection of Grounding and Bonding Equipment.

Grounding conductors and bonding jumpers shall be connected by exothermic welding, listed pressure connectors, listed clamps, or other listed means.

Connection devices or fittings that depend solely on solder shall not be used. Sheet metal screws shall not be used to connect grounding conductors to enclosures.

I sent in a Proposal in a previous cycle that they should state that the grounding conductor cannot be secured with anything other than a machine thread (I think?)

We all have fun with this one because many ask if they "can I use a self tapping screw?"

Please tell me where you want to start, and I will try to KISS as the saying goes! I only ask that the jokes and off topic remarks be avoided.

Glad to see that you have some keen interests in learning more about the code, and between the rest of the group here, and maybe even some new posters we'll get it straight!

PS: Would someone make some recommendations as to what Articles should be removed from the Code all together?

 

[Guest]

Re: History of the National Electrical Code

I started browsing the NEC in 1962. I started reading it and citing it mostly in 1974. I tried to master it in 1994. I put it down in 1995 and went back to being a browser. I am picking it up again as we speak. As stated before it has evolved, but nothing to knock my socks off yet.

My suggestion: '86 the whole setup and all current wiring methods and start over. Something's very wrong with the current picture. Make something revolutionary and simple-- from scratch.

../Wayne C.

[ September 23, 2003, 03:18 PM: Message edited by: awwt ]

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: History of the National Electrical Code

Bennie

The court decision to void the copyright protection of the NEC when it is adopted as law ...

The court decision did not invalidate the copyrights of the model code publishers. It held that online publication of model codes that have been adopted by governmental units is not a copyright violation. Note that this case was not heard in the Supreme Court, so the ruling only applies in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals which covers the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Six of the fifteen judge panel dissented with the majority opinion and there are conflicting rulings in at least two other circuits. Part of the dissension involved the fact that if the model code publishers cannot support the code making process by the sale of the codes, the process will disappear and result in a huge increase in costs to the governmental units who would then have to write their own codes or more likely not have a code because of the huge costs associated with code writing.
Don

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: History of the National Electrical Code

That would be fine and good if it were a stationary target. The NEC is a moving target.

How can the NEC not be a moving target? The electrical field changes too quickly and the code must keep up with these changes. Also many of the code changes are to close "loop holes" in the previous editions.
Don

 

[Guest]

Re: History of the National Electrical Code

Don,
Agreed. The NEC is a moving target. You have to read it continuously to assimilate it. Pierre implied/stated that more reading would lead to greater comprehension. Comprehension is the hard part-- for now. Too many factors oppose comprehension by the masses. No easy solution. Not as simple as just reading it more.

../Wayne C.

[ September 23, 2003, 03:42 PM: Message edited by: awwt ]

 

[iwire]

Re: History of the National Electrical Code

For at least a few code cycles Mass. and Rhode Island have required 15 hour update training courses (Mass just changed to 21 hours) each code cycle in order to renew my license.

It is no trouble to learn or at least find out about all the changes in each new code book at these classes.

To me this solves the "moving target" problem, the last thing we need IMO is the code to become stagnant.

Not all changes add to the code some actually reduce or clarify it.

 

[lady sparks lover]

Re: History of the National Electrical Code

Has anyone read the changes to the code, handbook for 2002?? It was astounding, and plus it's overwhelming.

Lady

[ September 24, 2003, 03:11 PM: Message edited by: lady sparks lover ]