National Electrical Code

An NEC Crash Course to Get You Started — Part 3

June 1, 2021

The importance of Annex H

Once you’ve taken the time to understand Art. 90 and read (a few times) the definitions in Art. 100, you have an overview of what the NEC is about, and you can “speak the language.”

A bit more preparation work will prove valuable. Turn to Informative Annex H. This is also referred to as Art. 80, but it is not part of the requirements of the NEC. Still, it will help you understand and correctly apply those requirements. You can think of it as illuminating some legal aspects of electrical work.

Annex H provides definitions of three key roles: authority having jurisdiction, chief electrical inspector, and electrical inspector. It tells you how the NEC applies to new or existing buildings, and it covers permits. It also tells you how to appeal a decision to the Electrical Board. You may need to take this avenue if you and the electrical inspector (and chief electrical inspector) cannot agree. You’ll learn about how the Board is structured and what some of its rules are, too. Annex H also covers other useful topics.

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.