Question About the Code Making Panels

[iwire]

There are at least a couple members here that are familiar with the code making process, I am hope that one or more can answer a question.

Here is a statement from a code consultant that was posted on another forum.

I don't mind taking the time for researching the facts when necessary. I have most of the reports associated with the code as far back as the 1950's, they help me to get to the reasons for some of the changes in the code.

There is a problem though, the new members of the panels are without this real information, and make changes to the code on interpretation's by someone who reads the rule another way.

Is this accurate?

It would surprise me greatly if the present CMPs do not have access to the past CMPs documentation.

Can anyone shed light on this?

Bob

 

[charlie]

Re: Question About the Code Making Panels

Bob, as a member of CMP-10, I think I can add some insight to this thread. Unfortunately, the poster is correct. The panel members are chosen by their organization to represent them. Most of the panel members are either in management or are engineers and are just defending their own turf. Let me hurry to say that I am not aware of a single panel member that is not concerned about electrical safety and that is foremost in their minds.

You have heard this before but I can use since it involves my own industry (I will not run anyone else down). Since I represent EEI (The Edison Electric Institute), I know that we are interested in protection our own turf and our customer's turf. EEI feels like 90.2(B)(5) should be protected and we do fight to protect that area of the NEC since we are covered in most locations by the NESC. Additional, we at EEI do not feel like anyone protects the consumer (our customers) from overly expensive construction. We attempt to keep the wiring costs as low as possible without sacrificing safety.

Getting back to your original question, most panel members are supported for just a few cycles and then they retire. For instance, I started with the 1993 cycle and am one of the "old timers" on our panel. I expect to serve for one more cycle and then I will retire. At that time I will be 65 (I am 62 now) and will take my experience with me unless I can continue as a consultant like John Troglia.

It is imperative for the EEI group to educate the "new" panel members with the items of importance as they return, that is the value of a directed vote. If I don't know what to do with a particular item, the collective knowledge of our group will help the newbie.

 

[roger]

Re: Question About the Code Making Panels

Charlie, you,ve aged gracefully, you don't look anywhere near 62.

Roger

 

[hurk27]

Re: Question About the Code Making Panels

and will take my experience with me unless I can continue as a consultant like John Troglia.

You can't take it all with you, as you have already left much on this forum that I have learned much from and hope to learn more
Thank you

 

[joe tedesco]

Re: Question About the Code Making Panels

I, Joe Tedesco, was the person who posted the quoted text in Bob's message above, and he advised me of his interest in my comments.

Just ask anyone who has been involved in the process for a few code cycles (I go back to 1965 to the present) and ask them the same question!

I will lay odds that George Flach would agree with me as one, maybe others too.

He has been through 5 decades of the code process. I would like to hear from anyone who may have another opinion.

PS: I have documents and transcripts of meetings at IAEI Section Meetings from the 1960's through this cycle, and historical text that would make you want to hide under a rock if you were involved in the code making process today, not trying to start anything, just the facts, as I always try to produce! [/b][/quote]

 

[iwire]

Re: Question About the Code Making Panels

Charlie thank you very much for your reply.

It looks like I owe the author of that quote I posted an apology, I did provide them a link to this thread to be up front with them. I assumed that while the CMP was contemplating a change to the code they would be looking into the original reasons behind the section in question.

How can this be?

This IMO makes little sense.

Bob

 

[iwire]

Re: Question About the Code Making Panels

Sorry Joe we where typing at the same time.

The cat is out of the bag now, I owe my apology to Joe T.

Bob

 

[joe tedesco]

Re: Question About the Code Making Panels

Originally posted by iwire:
Sorry Joe we where typing at the same time.

The cat is out of the bag now, I owe my apology to Joe T.

Bob

Not necessary, but appreciated. I will begin to support my comments, only by reference to some situations I am aware of.

 

[charlie]

Re: Question About the Code Making Panels

You guys are making me blush.

Joe, I really doubt that you will find anyone that will disagree with you if they are telling the truth. I attempt to do that as long as my rememberer works right. It is better to just keep your mouth shut than to tell an untruth, JMO.

Enough people are still on most of the CMPs that can bring in the relevant background when it is needed. George Ockley and Clive Kimblen are the ones on CMP-10. In addition to that, if the CMP makes a bad decision during the proposal stage, there will be lots of comments during the comment stage.

Putting all that together, we have the knowledge on the CMPs themselves, the collective knowledge of the supporting organizations, and the interested persons across the world who make comments. Overall, we still have a good system even in the face of Joe's comment and my support of it.