Aspiring apprentices and journeymen/women should become adept in the technical terms trade professionals use in our industry — this is a pathway to becoming an effective communicator. Article 100 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides a basic understanding of the unique terms you should become familiar with as you move throughout the Code. The terms found in Art. 100 are also used in the communication channels between people (e.g., architects, engineers, project managers, electricians, inspectors, etc.) and organizations (e.g., inspection agencies, electrical equipment distributors, electrical equipment manufacturers, etc.).
As you start to learn how to properly reference materials, installation methods, and electrical equipment, it may feel like you are learning a foreign language. To many of us, these terms are unfamiliar because we use so much slang in our daily routine. However, we must use proper technical terms in our daily tasks as we progress toward professionalism.
Slang can cause errors
It's no surprise that apprentices and electricians use slang terms throughout their daily routines. We use it on the job site and at the supply house. Many times, we address materials by their manufacturer name or by something catchy we learned early on in our training. As you move up in the ranks, this practice could cause confusion when you're going over blueprints and job details with other trade professionals and laypersons.
Save yourself the headache, and get a head start on learning the proper usage of technical terms and definitions found in Art. 100. I have selected a few terms I think are of importance for your own edification and for testing purposes. Some of these terms may appear different in your NEC based on your reading edition. Some areas of the definition may have shading; this means there was a change from the last Code book edition. Usually, the terms are expanded for clarity.
Terms used on exams
Exam creators will test your proficiency in identifying specific terms used throughout the NEC. Several Articles may have minor to large definitions right after the "Scope" in the .2 Section. A firm understanding of these technical terms can also help you successfully navigate through chapters of the NEC if you can begin associating terms with specific Code Articles. In the future, when you take a licensing or journeyman exam, test creators will test your proficiency in identifying and locating these technical terms in Chapter 1, so get ready.
Let’s look at some key definitions in the Code. I’ve added some commentary after each definition.
• Accessible (as applied to equipment). Capable of being reached for operation, renewal, and inspection.
This means you can get to it, but you need assistance to reach it (such as a ladder or a stool), or maybe you need to move a ceiling tile to access it. The NEC Handbook has illustrations and expanded explanations to help you understand some of these meanings. If you haven’t already, you should consider buying one soon.
• Accessible (as applied to wiring methods). Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the construction or finish of the building.
This means you can get to it by removing a cover or a lid; it was installed with provisions for future electricians who may have to repair or modify this wiring or equipment. Junction boxes, fittings with openings, electrical connections (splices or taps), or electrical equipment cannot be installed behind drywall, plastered walls, or within cinder blocks and then wholly covered — unless it was listed, approved, and designed for that purpose.
• Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as to use tools other than keys to climb over or under, remove obstacles, resort to portable ladders, and so forth.
This means we can get right to it. We don't need a ladder or any assistance such as a lift — it's right there in front of us. For example, residential air-condensing units, along with their disconnecting means, are typically installed on the lawn/ground in the rear or on the side of homes across the country. They are readily accessible to the technician who may have to service it in the future.
• Appliance. Utilization equipment, generally other than industrial, is normally built in standardized sizes or types and is installed or connected as a unit to perform one or more functions such as clothes washing, air-conditioning, food mixing, deep-frying, and so forth.
As you can see, this is a very general term; it covers many different appliances. If you are unfamiliar with the term "utilization equipment," look it up, and don't allow yourself to be confused when digesting these technical terms. Art. 100 is organized similar to a standard dictionary; it's alphabetized from A to Z. Don't be intimidated.
• Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
This means the equipment, installation methods, or materials are adequate to the township, the third-party underwriter, the building inspector, or whoever has authority over that jurisdiction and has been granted the right to inspect electrical installations. Please read the definition of "Authority Having Jurisdiction [AHJ]" in its entirety. You will see how broad that definition really is and how the role can change based on the environment, area, and type of project. Reading the AHJ definition will prepare you for the future as you move through this broad industry.
• Attachment Plug (Plug Cap) (Plug). A device that, by insertion in a receptacle, establishes a connection between the conductors of the attached flexible cord and the conductors connected permanently to the receptacle.
You may see specific terms like this used in licensing examinations.
• Continuous Load. A load with maximum current is expected to continue for three hours or more.
Familiarize yourself with loads and duty cycles. Some of these terms sound the same, but they're not. There are subtle differences between these time-related terms. Be careful not to mix them up. This is another technique you may see used in licensing examinations. Remember, they check your comprehension of identifying these terms and how to find them.
Build on the basics
Obviously, these are just a handful of definitions you’ll need to master as you move up in the electrical profession. But by taking a methodical approach to learning them, you’ll establish a solid foundation from which to build on, creating a knowledge base for current and future skills.
Follow my column for more practical how-to articles and tips on electric basics and applying those concepts in the field, such as The Apprentice’s Guide to NEC Chapter 4, Everyday Instructions for Electricians, Introduction to Commercial Service Calculations, Introduction to Residential Service Calculations, The Apprentice’s Guide to Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable, and Introduction to the NEC. For more in-depth information on why a structured approach is so important to navigating the NEC and how to put its requirements into practice in real-world settings, read “The NEC for Newbies.”
Harold De Loach, a master electrician and electrical trainer/instructor, is the founder of The Academy of Industrial Arts (www.taia-school.com) in Philadelphia. With more than 30 years of experience in the field, he writes regular exclusive content for the E-Train and can be reached at [email protected].
