This article was posted 10/06/2005 and is most likely outdated.

Interpreting the NEC
 

 
Subject - Interpreting the NEC

October 6, 2005 

| Ask a Question |  Code Graphic Code Quiz Free Stuff Instructors | Feedback
Online Training Products | Seminars | SubscribeUnsubscribe |
Change Email Address |
  Web Page Version [Printer-Friendly]    
Interpreting the NEC

It doesn't say what you think it says, nor what you remember it to have said, nor what you were told that it says, and certainly not what you want it to say. If by chance you are an instructor, it doesn't say what you have been saying, and if you’re an author, it doesn’t say what it’s intended to say.

Then what does it say? It says what it says. So if you want to know what it says, stop trying to remember what it says, don't ask anyone what is says and don’t think it says what you want it to say.

Go back and read it again and pay attention as though you were reading it for the first time. If you don’t like what it says, then get involved and try to change it. In the process, you might find out that what it says, it should be saying…

Mike Holt’s Comment: Most of the above was written by someone else, and I added my comments. If you think you have any suggestions to make this better, let me know. I would like to make a nice sticker to provide to the industry, naturally for free.

[ View More Newsletters ] [ Please Reply With Your Comments | View Comments ]

Understanding Volume 1, 2, and NEC Exam Practice Questions Book SAVINGS!
Save $18 when you purchase the Understanding the NEC, Volume 1, Volume 2, and the NEC Exam Practice Questions Textbook together.  

Product Code: 05UND3
Price:
$130.00 each

 
[ Please Reply With Your Comments | View Comments ] [ View More Newsletters ]

F o r w a r d   t h i s   N e w s l e t t e r   t o   a   F r i e n d !
Do you have a friend, relative, or colleague who you think would be interested in receiving this free newsletter? If so, we encourage you to forward this message along to them. If you received this email from someone else, and wish to receive your own free issues of our newsletter, sign up today!

C o n t a c t    I n f o r m a t i o n
   
 

Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Mike Holt Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by United States copyright and other intellectual property laws and may not be
displayed or published on the internet without the prior written permission of Mike Holt Enterprises, Inc.

http://www.MikeHolt.com     1-888-NEC-CODE (1-888-632-2633)

Comments
  • Read it, Understand it, Apply it, Change it to satisfy the inspector's perception

    Thomas Ritchings
    Reply to this comment

  • I got this from Charlie via the forum and use it in my classes on the NEC. It says it all. It's funny yet profound at the same time.

    larry levoir
    Reply to this comment

  • "The NEC - It says what it says, and that's all that it says."

    With apologies to E.C. Segar and his famous Sailor Man, Popeye.

    Bob Andrews
    Reply to this comment

  • Once again you have hit the bull's eye. I have to smile when you do these type of things.

    You make keeping up with you and absolute necessity for anyone serious about the electrical industry.

    Your competition must tire of eating your dust!

    Sincerely, Tom

    Tom Taylor
    Reply to this comment

  • Hi Mike -

    my 2 cents worth:

    "It says only what the AHJ says it says, regardless of what it says."

    Sincerely,

    donr

    Don Renbarger
    Reply to this comment

  • you might find out that what it says, is exactly what it should be saying…


    Reply to this comment

  • It could not be said better! I am going to hang it on my wall. I have gone down this road with contractors many times. I feel that a common problem is electricans mis define terminology. I, my self is guilty as charged. I personally have made an added effort to properly define the meanings. By doing so, it has opened my eyes to code interpretation. I guess I can say, I have been "enlighten" in code interpretation.


    Reply to this comment
  • Reply from: Mike Holt   
    Jerry, I to have found that it's the basics that we often overload, especially the definition of a term when trying to apply the NEC.
    Reply to Mike Holt


  • very well put Mike, sure enough that brings clarity to the issue of "code interpretation". gotta love it . . .

    jerry
    Reply to this comment

  • Mike a co-worker once told me "The quickest way to change a rule is to follow it to the letter". Dont try to interpret it or stretch the gray areas. If its wrong and you work around it to get good results, management will be slow to or won't believe you if you complain of its problems. They will only show you that the results prove otherwise. You can't admit you broke the rule to get it to work as it may get you fired or at least a demotion.

    gpedens
    Reply to this comment
  • Reply from: Mike Holt   
    What an excellent comment. I'll be sure to send this out as a short newsletter item. Thanks for sharing.
    Reply to Mike Holt


  • I beleve this may be from out code forum moderator, Charlie Eldridge. Its been posted as Charlies rule of code reading.

    Tom Baker
    Reply to this comment

  • OK two more, from me: The more I know the less I know (about the NEC) 4 answers to a code question 1. NEC Answer 2. AHJ Answer 3. Toms Answer 4. Truck answer

    Tom Baker
    Reply to this comment

  • It couldn't be stated more accurately. Its a bully. It only says what it says.

    steven lewis
    Reply to this comment

  • By whom ever, well said!

    But when all is said and done, it says what ever the AHJ wants it to say for what ever the situation is (what is the meaning of IS)?


    Reply to this comment

  • By whom ever, well said!

    But when all is said and done, it says what ever the AHJ wants it to say for what ever the situation is (what is the meaning of IS)?

    W. Ramage, PE
    Reply to this comment

  • very well said!!!!!!!!!!


    Reply to this comment

  • THE ELECTRICAL CODE is a learned tool that talks....LEARN HOW TO LISTEN..!

    M. S.
    Reply to this comment

  • All I have to say is it says what it is supose to say!

    Thanks Micky TSA Project Manager


    Reply to this comment

  • Interpreting the NEC: It says what it says. So, what about interchanging breakers from one panel brand and breaker to another. I recently replaced a service entrance feeder and meter but not the panel. To my surprise when power was restored, the main breaker would not "latch" back in the on position. So I relied on the supply houses( for CrouseHinds) to assist me with my dilemma. I found a supplier 30minutes one way from me that said he had the breaker. I got there and he sold me a Murray main breaker. I was slightly disgusted with this long distance inconvenience, but he assured me that this would work. What exactly is "CODE" when it comes to breakers and their ratings/compatability for other panel makers?


    Reply to this comment

  • Please discontinue daily "E" mail.


    Reply to this comment
  • Reply from: Mike Holt   
    Ray, if you want to discontinue the newsletter, simply click on the 'unsubscribe' link on each newsletter.
    Reply to Mike Holt


  • The same can be said of our Federal Constitution.

    Carl
    Reply to this comment

  • Hey Mike, I like this little statement, "Interpreting the NEC". I also like your idea of making a sticker to remind us often, to go back and read before we give an opinion. On behalf of the electrical industry, in my area, Thanks! Dan Prater, Jupiter,FL.

    Dan Prater
    Reply to this comment

  • The write up says, "don't ask anyone what is says" and that would mean I shouldn't buy your book which tells me what it says.

    However, I know that books like yours are needed. So, I would say, "don't ask your buddy what it says" instead of don't ask anyone.


    Reply to this comment

  • ...and If your inspector it doesn't tell you what they can't do.


    Reply to this comment

  • Amen to that, brother!!


    Reply to this comment

  • Second paragraph, third sentence: Change "is" to "it".

    Add sentence to first paragraph: "If you are an inspector, it doesn't say anything different in your town than it does in everybody else's town."

    Add fourth paragraph: "The NEC is a minimal standard that provides a reasonable degree of safety if followed. We can choose to install our wiring to a higher standard, but never to a lesser standard. Regardless, what the code says is the law when adopted by your town or state."

    Earl Dean
    Reply to this comment

  • I like Don Renbarger's comment. Your message needs to get across to the AHJ!

    Ken Cybart
    Reply to this comment

  • I WORK IN THE METERING DEPARTMENT IN COMISION FEDERAL DE ELECTRICIDAD AT MEXICO, COULD YOU SUGGEST A METHOD OR SHOW A PICTURE, DIAGRAM, ETC; TO CONNECT INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS (VT, CT) WITH A SOLID STATE METER INSERTED ON SOCKET BASE.

    THE TRANSFORMERS ARE CONNECTED IN 34.5 KV OR 13.8 KV.

    WE USE A "Y" CONNECTION

    WE HAD TROUBLE WITH SOME SS METERS, THEY HAVE MODEM CARD, AND THEY HAVE BEEN BURNNING.

    ENRIQUE REYES MUÑIZ
    Reply to this comment

  • I am fine with the way it is currently stated...


    Reply to this comment

  • Exactly! Why does the code say one thing, then turn around,and say the opposite as an exception in the next sentence. Can't wait to see the sticker. Ken

    Ken Teverbaugh
    Reply to this comment

  • I teach Electrical Classes at a local technical college. The ELT107 class is all codebook. I have taught it 20 times. My take on learning the code is to not memorize it since it may change. Learn to navigate the code and to understand what it is saying. Then you won't be bound to any version. Find what you're looking for fast and read it slow. Most electricians have it reversed. 10 of my students have taken the Georgia License Exam which as far as I know still only pass about 7%. All 10 have their license. 9 passed the first time.

    Bill Bamford
    Reply to this comment

  • Mike: Please look for an email message with my comments, and with a statement granting permission to use a modified version of my copyrighted "Charlie's Rule for Technical Reading." The modified version that you have permission to publish will be in the separate email message.

    Regards, Charlie

    Charlie Beck
    Reply to this comment

  • Mike, I like it and it is a perfect way to explain the code to everyone,especially my students.

    I would like some off those stickers if you get them made up

    Franc
    Reply to this comment

  • Very good Mike I like it just the way it is

    Scott Gibson
    Reply to this comment

  • Hi Mike,

    What about the guys (and gals) who want the "cliff notes" version so that they don't have to take the time to actually read and understand the code...

    News flash:

    There ain't none...

    ;)

    Mike Tribout
    Reply to this comment

  • Hey I've been guilty as the next guy for remembering what it says. The more complex the installation," more attention paid" must be our credo!!!!

    erick beck
    Reply to this comment

  • When in doubt, read the rules.NEC

    jim Schiebrel
    Reply to this comment

  • Interpreting the NEC

    It doesn't say what you think it says, nor what you remember it to have said, nor what you were told that it says, and certainly not what you want it to say. If by chance you are an instructor, it doesn't say what you have been saying, and if you’re an author, it doesn’t say what it’s intended to say, AND IF YOU ARE AN INSPECTOR IT DOESN'T SAY IT BECAUSE YOU SAY.

    Then what does it say? It says what it says. So if you want to know what it says, stop trying to remember what it says, don't ask anyone what is says and don’t think it says what you want it to say.

    Go back and read it again and pay attention as though you were reading it for the first time. If you don’t like what it says, then get involved and try to change it. In the process, you might find out that what it says, it should be saying…

    Ernie Fuchs
    Reply to this comment

  • THE HOLE POINT OF FOLLOWING THE NEC DIRECTION IS BECAUSE IT WORK IT WORKS RIGHT ITS RIGHT AND YOU MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE OR THE LIFE OF OTHERS STOP TRYING TO FIGURE HOW YOU CAN SAVE ON TIME OR MONEY IT WAS WRITTTEN WITH YEARS OF TESTING TRIAL/AIRERS IT WORKS. ITS STILL SOMETIMES MAKES ME HAVE TO LOOK DEEP IN THE BOOK AND SOMTIMES CAN BE CONFUSING TO ME AND SOMTIME I CAN GET LOST BY LOOKING INTOMANY PLACES WEEN ITS RIGHT INFRONT OF MY FACE IVE BEEN AND ELECTRIAN FOR 6 YEARS NOW AND STILL HAVE SO MUSH TO LEARN HAVENT EVEN SCRAPED THE SURFACE BUT AS LONG AS I FOLLOW THE BOOK IVE NEVER DONE IT WRONG EVER TROY

    TROY M BRIDGE
    Reply to this comment

  • [you might find out that what it says, it should be saying…]and supporting: "The purpose of this code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property form hazards arising from the use of electricity (90-1(a))

    Darren Eaton
    Reply to this comment

  • I think the Code says....! No, I remember it says.....! They told me it says......! I want it to say......! We heard it says.......!

    The Code says exactly what it says. Not more, not less.

    So if you need to know: don't remember, don't ask, don't suppose, don't think, don't wish.

    Read the code. Use fresh eyes. Pay attention.

    If you don't agree - get involved: Attend a class. Read some more. Submit a change. Support the code with your actions!

    Then you'll know.

    Scott Davis
    Reply to this comment

  • In practice, it really doesn't matter how you interpret the NEC. The AHJ's interpretation is the only one that matters on any electrical construction site.

    Dave Davis
    Reply to this comment

  • I have used this phrase in every class that I teach code. I do not believe it needs any adjustment.

    Pierre Belarge
    Reply to this comment

  • In the words of Nike' "Just do it"

    Mike Borneman
    Reply to this comment


Get notified when new comments are posted here
* Your Email:
 
        
 
Add Your Comments to this Newsletter
* Your Name:
   Your name will appear under your comments.

* Your Email:
   Your email address is not displayed.
* Comments:

Email Notification Options:
Notify me when a reply is posted to this comment
Notify me whenever a comment is posted to this newsletter