Ecmweb 8759 Nec Logo 2013
Ecmweb 8759 Nec Logo 2013
Ecmweb 8759 Nec Logo 2013
Ecmweb 8759 Nec Logo 2013
Ecmweb 8759 Nec Logo 2013

Tip of the Week: What can you learn from the NEC’s Annex H? — Part 4

Jan. 17, 2017
What is a state's Electrical Board and what you should know about it?

In a given state, the Electrical Board consists of members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate [80.15(B)]. Some cities also have a city Electrical Board; it consists of members appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the Council (or equivalent).

The NEC prescribes:

• Who can and should be on this board [80.15(B)].

• What terms they serve [80.15(C)].

• The compensation (exact pay for board meetings determined by the particular jurisdiction) [80.15(D)].

• That a quorum is required to conduct board business [80.15(E)].

The NEC also lists the five duties of the board [80.15(F)]. These include, for example, establishing the qualifications of electrical inspectors.

One reason the Electrical Board matters to Code users is that any person, firm, or corporation can register an appeal with the board for a review of any decision of any electrical inspector. But it lays out conditions. For example, you must submit a written appeal within 15 days of being notified of the decision.

You may file an appeal based on one or more of three conditions:

1. The intent of the Code has been misinterpreted.

2. The provisions do not fully apply.

3. A decision is unreasonable or arbitrary as it applies to alternatives or new materials.

When you file the appeal, you also must recommend the remedy.

Of course, the ability to appeal isn’t a license to ignore the NEC or pretend the laws of physics behind it don’t exist. It is, however, a way to get past an impasse with a particular inspector.

The best attitude to take when filing an appeal is to think of an inspector as your colleague, albeit one you disagree with. Explain why you disagree, and keep it courteous and factual.

If you are at an impasse with an inspector, hold off on going straight to an appeal. Make sure you have heard and understood the inspector’s position. Ask questions, and show a desire to comply with the intention of the Code. If you handle things right at this stage, you should be able to avoid an appeal. But if things don’t go well, the appeal is an option.

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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