NEC in the Facility, November 22, 2010

In our previous issue, we looked at the composition of the electrical board. We know this board determines who the AHJ is, but what else does it do? We can find the answer in Annex H, specifically 80.15(J).

The board has five duties:

1. Administer and enforce Art. 80 (which, per 80.1, means the entire NEC).
2. Establish the qualifications for electrical inspectors.
3. Revoke or suspend an electrical inspector's certification.
4. Establish and amend electrical regulations.
5. Establish procedures for recognition of electrical safety standards and equipment acceptance.

To sum up the list, this electrical board sets the rules for electrical safety in its jurisdiction and has the final say on how those rules are interpreted and implemented.

You can probably think of several reasons why it matters that you know this. Here are three that should be on your list:

• By explaining the five duties to your employer, you may get employer support to serve on the board yourself (the board provides compensation, but you will still need the time off). The experience is a great résumé point and will expand your skill set in new ways.
• What if you have a concern about the regulations in your jurisdiction? You now know where to present your case.
• The board is a "higher authority" to which you can appeal, if you have a major conflict with the AHJ and you can't work it out.

In our next issue, we'll look more closely at that third bullet point: how to appeal.