Test & Measurement

Tip of the Week: What can you learn from NEC Annex H? — Part 1

Oct. 3, 2016

Annex H contains supplemental information, but it can help you carry out a project more effectively.

The first thing you might notice about NEC Annex H is that it’s laid out just like the NEC Articles in Chapters One through Eight. That is also true of Art. 90, which you find before those Chapters (instead of after them, as is the case with Annex H).

Although Art. 90 bears that name and provides its scope and definitions in Sec. 90.1 and Sec. 90.2, Annex H isn’t called Art. 80 even though it provides its scope and definitions in Sec. 80.1 and Sec. 80.2.

Art. 90 is an introduction to the NEC; Annex H really is supplemental material. You must understand Art. 90 to correctly apply the NEC, but you can correctly apply the NEC without understanding Annex H. That doesn’t mean it lacks value, however.

Annex H details the administration and enforcement of the Code. In the course of a given job, you may have practical questions about dealing with the authorities. Annex H either provides the answers outright or gives you a basis for finding them.

So although you don’t need Annex H for you to correctly apply the NEC, you might need it to properly administer a project. Knowing what’s in here could save you a great deal of time and spare you much grief.

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.