Ecmweb 7345 Nec Logo 2013promo
Ecmweb 7345 Nec Logo 2013promo
Ecmweb 7345 Nec Logo 2013promo
Ecmweb 7345 Nec Logo 2013promo
Ecmweb 7345 Nec Logo 2013promo

Tip of the Week: NFPA 70

Feb. 9, 2015
Meet the minimum requirements of this standard

NFPA 70, commonly known as the National Electrical Code (NEC) is the number one selling standard produced by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It’s the basis for the electrical journeyman’s license exam and the master electrician’s license exam.

Contrary to a common misperception (especially outside the electrical world), it doesn’t provide guidance on what an electrical installation should be. It provides the bare minimums for what an electrical installation must be. This isn’t a fine point of distinction.

There are often compelling reasons to exceed NEC requirements. There’s almost never a good reason to fall below them. Sometimes there is such a reason (usually based on practicality). The Authority Having Jurisdiction can make an exception, based on sound engineering and finding some other way to satisfy the intent of the NEC rule.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

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