The National Electrical Code is revised approximately every three years and the NEC Code is the latest word on safety and acceptable procedures. It is a consensus standard and has therefore been adopted by OSHA.
The National Electrical Code is not a safety manual, nor a design manual; it is not law in and of itself. It is an accumulation of rules which if followed should produce a safe and reliable installation. It becomes law if adopted by individual authorities over specific jurisditions (i.e., state, city federal construction agencies, etc.).
The NFPA Electrical Committee is organized to contain representatives from each national organization which have a legitimate interest in the NEC, to adopt orderly procedures for change.
Information contained herein is reprinted with permission from NFPA 70-2002, National Electrical CodeŽ, Copyright 2001, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.