Introduction to the NEC

$ 29.00

Continuing Education Units (CEU): 0.10

Expected Duration: 1 Hour

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This self-paced online course provides a basic introduction to the National Electrical Code, including its purpose, scope, arrangement of chapters, language conventions, measurements and definitions.

Upon completion you should be able to:

  • Explain the purpose of the NEC.
  • Describe the scope of the NEC.
  • Outline the arrangement of the NEC, including:
    • General Requirements. (Chapters 1-4)
    • Specific Requirements. (Chapters 5-7)
    • Communications Installations. (Chapter 8)
    • Tables. (Chapter 9)
  • Describe Enforcement of the NEC.
  • Explain Language Conventions.
  • Explain the Role of Listed Equipment.
  • Outline Units of Measurement.
  • Describe the Importance and Sources of Definitions.

Who Will Benefit

Anyone whose job involves designing, reviewing, evaluating or installing fire protection systems, including: designers, installers, engineers, electrical contractors, technicians, project managers, fire marshals, and architects.

Course Summary

  • The purpose of the National Electrical Code is to safeguard people and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. Its requirements address safety, but not necessarily whether an electrical installation meets the need it was designed to address.
  • The NEC is intended to cover places where the general public or people who are not trained in electrical installations would be working.
  • It is generally intended to cover buildings but not vehicles, like railroad cars, ships, and mobile homes or specialized installations, like mines or electric utility installations that are not publicly accessible
  • The NEC is intended to cover places where the general public or people who are not trained in electrical installations would be working. It is generally intended to cover buildings but not vehicles or specialized installations.
  • The NEC is organized into seven chapters of general and specific requirements that cover a variety of occupancies and equipment types, an eighth chapter primarily about communications installations, which have separate requirements, and a ninth chapter devoted to tables.
  • In addition to requirements, the NEC includes definitions of key terms.Terms that are used in more than one article are defined in Article 100, while terms used in only one article are defined in that article. In some cases, terms may have more than one meaning.
  • NEC requirements are worded in very specific ways to indicate whether they are mandatory or require a judgment by the person enforcing the Code.
  • NEC requirements are enforced by the "authority having jurisdiction" (AHJ), which is the representative of any entity that adopts the Code. This entity is commonly the state or local government. However, it is important to keep in mind others may also have jurisdiction.