ARTICLE

INTRODUCTION TO THE
90 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
Introduction to Article 90—Introduction to the National Electrical Code
Many NEC violations and misunderstandings wouldn’t occur if people doing the work simply understood Article 90. For example,
many people see Code requirements as performance standards. In fact, the NEC requirements are bare minimums for safety.
This is exactly the stance electrical inspectors, insurance companies, and courts take when making a decision regarding elec-
trical design or installation.
Article 90 opens by saying the NEC isn’t intended as a design specification or instruction manual. The National Electrical Code
has one purpose only, and that’s the “practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of elec-
tricity.” The necessity of carefully studying the NEC rules can’t be overemphasized, and the role of textbooks such as this one
are to help in that undertaking. Understanding where to find the rules in the Code that apply to the installation is invaluable.
Rules in several different articles often apply to even a simple installation.
Article 90 then describes the scope and arrangement of the NEC. The balance of this article provides the reader with informa-
tion essential to understanding the Code rules.
Typically, electrical work requires you to understand the first four chapters of the NEC which apply generally, plus have a working
knowledge of the Chapter 9 tables. That understanding begins with Article 90. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 make up a large portion
of the Code, but they apply to special occupancies, special equipment, or other special conditions. They build on, modify, or
amend the rules in the first four chapters. Chapter 8 contains the requirements for communications systems, such as twisted
pair conductors for telephone and data systems, satellite receivers, antenna systems, and coaxial cable wiring. Communications
systems (twisted wire, antennas, and coaxial cable) aren’t subject to the general requirements of Chapters 1 through 4, or the
special requirements of Chapters 5 through 7, unless there’s a specific reference in Chapter 8 to a rule in Chapters 1 through 7.

Author’s Comment:
90.1 Purpose of the NEC
 The Code is intended to be used by those skilled and knowl-
(A) Practical Safeguarding. The purpose of the NEC is to ensure that
edgeable in electrical theory, electrical systems, construction,
electrical systems are installed in a manner that protects people and
and the installation and operation of electrical equipment.
property by minimizing the risks associated with the use of electricity.
It isn’t a design specification standard or instruction manual for the
(B) Adequacy. The Code contains requirements considered neces-
untrained and unqualified. }Figure 90–1
sary for a safe electrical installation. If an electrical system is installed
in compliance with the NEC, it will be essentially free from electrical
hazards. The Code is a safety standard, not a design guide.

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 90.1 | Introduction to the National Electrical Code

}Figure 90–1 }Figure 90–3

NEC requirements aren’t intended to ensure the electrical installation

Author’s Comment:
will be efficient, convenient, adequate for good service, or suitable for
future expansion. Specific items of concern, such as electrical energy  See the definition of “Overload” in Article 100.
management, maintenance, and power quality issues aren’t within the  The NEC doesn’t require electrical systems to be designed or
scope of the Code. }Figure 90–2
installed to accommodate future loads. However, the electrical
designer (typically an electrical engineer) is concerned with
not only ensuring electrical safety (Code compliance), but also
with ensuring the system meets the customers’ needs, both
of today and in the near future. To satisfy customers’ needs,
electrical systems are often designed and installed above the
minimum requirements contained in the NEC. But just remember,
if you’re taking an exam, licensing exams are based on your
understanding of the minimum Code requirements.

(C) Relation to International Standards. The requirements of the NEC

address the fundamental safety principles contained in the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard, including protection against
electric shock, adverse thermal effects, overcurrent, fault currents, and
overvoltage. }Figure 90–4

}Figure 90–2 Author’s Comment:

 The NEC is used in Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and the Philippines.

Note: Hazards in electrical systems often occur because circuits are overloaded
It’s also the Electrical Code for Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico,
or not properly installed in accordance with the NEC. These often occur if the initial
Panama, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Because of these adop-
wiring didn’t provide reasonable provisions for system changes or for the increase
tions, it’s available in Spanish from the National Fire Protection
in the use of electricity. }Figure 90–3
Association, 617.770.3000, or www.NFPA.org.

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 Introduction to the National Electrical Code |  90.2

Author’s Comment:

 The NEC contains the following requirements on the removal

of equipment and cables; temporary wiring 590.3 and aban-
doned cables for Audio [640.6(B)], Signaling [725.25], Fire
Alarm [760.25], Optical Fiber [770.25], Twisted Pair [800.25],
and Coaxial [820.25].

(1) Public and private premises, including buildings, mobile homes,

recreational vehicles, and floating buildings. }Figure 90–6

}Figure 90–4

90.2 Scope of the NEC

(A) What Is Covered by the NEC. The NEC contains requirements
necessary for the proper installation and removal of electrical conduc-
tors, equipment, cables, and raceways for power, signaling, fire alarm,
optical cable, and communications systems (twisted wire, antennas,
and coaxial cable) for: }Figure 90–5

}Figure 90–6

(2) Yards, lots, parking lots, carnivals, and industrial substations.

(3) Conductors and equipment connected to the electric utility supply.

(4) Installations used by an electric utility, such as office buildings,

warehouses, garages, machine shops, recreational buildings, and
other electric utility buildings that aren’t an integral part of a utili-
ty’s generating plant, substation, or control center. }Figure 90–7

(B) What Isn’t Covered by the NEC. The NEC doesn’t apply to the instal-
lation of electrical or communications systems (twisted wire, antennas,
and coaxial cable) for:

}Figure 90–5 (1) Transportation Vehicles. The NEC doesn’t apply to installations
in cars, trucks, boats, ships and watercraft, planes, or electric trains.

(2) Mining Equipment. The NEC doesn’t apply to installations under-

ground in mines and self‑propelled mobile surface mining machinery
and its attendant electrical trailing cables.

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 90.2 | Introduction to the National Electrical Code

}Figure 90–7 }Figure 90–9

(3) Railways. The NEC doesn’t apply to railway power, signaling, energy (5) Electric Utilities. The NEC doesn’t apply to electrical installations
storage, and communications wiring. under the exclusive control of an electric utility, where such installations:

(4) Communications Utilities. If the installation is under the exclusive a. Consist of electric utility installed service drops or service laterals
control of the communications utility, the installation requirements of under their exclusive control. }Figure 90–10
the NEC don’t apply to the communications (telephone) or network‑pow-
ered broadband utility equipment located in building spaces used
exclusively for these purposes, or located outdoors if the installation is
under the exclusive control of the communications utility. }Figure 90–8
and }Figure 90–9

}Figure 90–10

b. Are on property owned or leased by the electric utility for the

purpose of generation, transformation, transmission, energy
storage, distribution, or metering of electric energy. }Figure 90–11
}Figure 90–8

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 Introduction to the National Electrical Code |  90.3

d. Are located by other written agreements either designated by

or recognized by public service commissions, electric utility
commissions, or other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction
for such installations; limited to installations for the purpose of
communications, metering, generation, control, transformation,
transmission, energy storage, or distribution of electric energy
where legally established easements or rights‑of‑way can’t be
obtained. These installations are limited to federal lands, Native
American reservations through the U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Indian Affairs, military bases, lands controlled by port
authorities and state agencies and departments, and lands owned
by railroads.

Note to 90.2(B)(4) and (5): Utilities include entities that install, operate, and main-
tain communications systems (twisted wire, antennas, and coaxial cable) or electric
}Figure 90–11 supply (generation, transmission, or distribution systems) and are designated or
recognized by governmental law or regulation by public service/utility commissions.
Author’s Comment: Utilities may be subject to compliance with codes and standards covering their regu-
lated activities as adopted under governmental law or regulation.
 Luminaires located in legally established easements, or
rights‑of‑way, such as at poles supporting transmission or
distribution lines, are exempt from the NEC. However, if the elec- 90.3 Code Arrangement
tric utility provides site and public lighting on private property,
then the installation must comply with the Code [90.2(A)(4)]. General Requirements. The Code is divided into an introduction and
nine chapters followed by informational annexes. Chapters 1, 2, 3, and
c. Are located on legally established easements or rights‑of‑way. 4 are general conditions. }Figure 90–13
}Figure 90–12

}Figure 90–13
}Figure 90–12

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 90.4 | Introduction to the National Electrical Code

The Code is intended to be suitable for enforcement by governmental

Author’s Comment:
bodies that exercise legal jurisdiction over electrical installations for
 These first four chapters may be thought of as the foundation power, lighting, signaling circuits, and communications systems, such
for the rest of the Code. as: }Figure 90–14

Special Requirements. The requirements contained in Chapters 5, 6,

and 7 apply to special occupancies, special equipment, or other special
conditions, which may supplement or modify the requirements contained
in Chapters 1 through 7, but not Chapter 8.

Communications Systems. Chapter 8 contains the requirements for

communications systems (twisted wire, antennas, and coaxial cable)
which aren’t subject to the general requirements of Chapters 1 through
4, or the special requirements of Chapters 5 through 7, unless there’s a
specific reference in Chapter 8 to a rule in Chapters 1 through 7.

Author’s Comment:

 An example of how Chapter 8 works is in the rules for working

space about equipment. The typical 3-ft working space isn’t
required in front of communications equipment, because Table
110.26(A)(1) isn’t referenced in Chapter 8. }Figure 90–14

Tables. Chapter 9 consists of tables applicable as referenced in the Signaling circuits which include:
NEC. The tables are used to calculate raceway sizing, conductor fill, the
• Article 725 Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Remote-
radius of raceway bends, and conductor voltage drop.
Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits
Annexes. Annexes aren’t part of the Code, but are included for infor- • Article 760 Fire Alarm Systems
mational purposes. There are ten annexes: • Article 770 Optical Fiber Cables and Raceways
• Annex A. Product Safety Standards Communications systems which include:
• Annex B. Application Information for Ampacity Calculation
• Article 810 Radio and Television Equipment (satellite dish
• Annex C. Raceway Fill Tables for Conductors and Fixture
and antenna)
Wires of the Same Size
• Article 820 Community Antenna Television and Radio
• Annex D. Examples
Distribution Systems (coaxial cable)
• Annex E. Types of Construction
• Annex F. Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS)
• Annex G. Supervisory Control and Data Author’s Comment:
Acquisition (SCADA)
n The installation requirements for signaling circuits and commu-
• Annex H. Administration and Enforcement
nications circuits are covered in Mike Holt’s Understanding the
• Annex I. Recommended Tightening Torques
National Electrical Code, Volume 2 textbook.
• Annex J. ADA Standards for Accessible Design
The enforcement of the NEC is the responsibility of the authority having
jurisdiction (AHJ), who is responsible for interpreting requirements,
90.4 Enforcement approving equipment and materials, waiving Code requirements, and
ensuring equipment is installed in accordance with listing instructions.
Scan this QR code for a video of Mike explaining this topic; it’s
a sample from the DVDs that accompany this textbook.

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 Introduction to the National Electrical Code |  90.4

Author’s Comment:

n See the definition of “Authority Having Jurisdiction” in Article 100.

Interpretation of the Requirements. The authority having jurisdiction is

responsible for interpreting the NEC.

Author’s Comment:

n The AHJ’s decisions must be based on a specific Code

requirement. If an installation is rejected, the authority having
jurisdiction is legally responsible for informing the installer of
the specific NEC rule that was violated. }Figure 90–15

}Figure 90–16

Author’s Comment:

n According to the NEC, the authority having jurisdiction deter-

mines the approval of equipment. This means he or she can
reject an installation of listed equipment and can approve the
use of unlisted equipment. Given our highly litigious society,
approval of unlisted equipment is becoming increasingly diffi-
cult to obtain.

Approval of Alternate Means. By special permission, the authority having

jurisdiction may approve alternate methods where it’s assured equiva-
lent safety can be achieved and maintained.

}Figure 90–15 Author’s Comment:

Author’s Comment: n Special permission is defined in Article 100 as the written

consent of the authority having jurisdiction.
n The art of getting along with the authority having jurisdiction
consists of doing good work and knowing what the Code actu- Waiver of New Product Requirements. If the current NEC requires
ally says (as opposed to what you only think it says). It’s also products that aren’t yet available at the time the Code is adopted, the
useful to know how to choose your battles when the inevitable authority having jurisdiction can allow products that were acceptable
disagreement does occur. in the previous Code to continue to be used.

Approval of Equipment and Materials. Only the authority having juris-

Author’s Comment:
diction has authority to approve the installation of equipment and
materials. Typically, the authority having jurisdiction will approve equip- n Sometimes it takes years before testing laboratories estab-
ment listed by a product testing organization, such as Underwriters lish product standards for new NEC requirements, and then
Laboratories, Inc. (UL). The NEC doesn’t require all equipment to be it takes time before manufacturers can design, manufacture,
listed, but many state and local AHJs do. See 90.7, 110.2, 110.3, and and distribute those products to the marketplace.
the definitions for “Approved,” “Identified,” “Labeled,” and “Listed” in
Article 100. }Figure 90–16

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 90.5 | Introduction to the National Electrical Code

90.5 Mandatory Requirements 90.6 Formal Interpretations

and Explanatory Material
To promote uniformity of interpretation and application of the provisions
(A) Mandatory Requirements. In the NEC the words “shall” or “shall of the NEC, formal interpretation procedures have been established
not,” indicate a mandatory requirement. and are found in the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects.

Author’s Comment: Author’s Comment:

n This is rarely done because it’s a very time-consuming process,

n For the ease of reading this textbook, the word “shall” has
been replaced with the word “must,” and the words “shall and formal interpretations from the NFPA aren’t binding on
not” have been replaced with “must not.” Remember that in the authority having jurisdiction.
many places, we’ll paraphrase the Code instead of providing
exact quotes, to make it easier to read and understand.
90.7 Examination of Equipment
(B) Permissive Requirements. When the Code uses “shall be permitted”
for Product Safety
it means the identified actions are permitted but not required, and the
authority having jurisdiction isn’t permitted to restrict an installation from
Product evaluation for safety is typically performed by a nationally
being completed in that manner. A permissive rule is often an excep-
recognized testing laboratory that’s approved by the authority having
tion to the general requirement.
jurisdiction. The suitability of equipment use is determined by the applica-
tion of product safety listing standards that are compatible with the NEC.
Author’s Comment:

n For ease of reading, the phrase “shall be permitted,” as used Author’s Comment:
in the Code, has been replaced in this textbook with the phrase  See Article 100 for the definition of “Approved.”
“is permitted” or “are permitted.”
Except to detect alterations or damage, listed factory‑installed internal
(C) Explanatory Material. References to other standards or sections of
wiring and construction of equipment need not be inspected at the time
the NEC, or information related to a Code rule, are included in the form
of installation [300.1(B)]. }Figure 90–17
of Informational Notes. Such notes are for information only and aren’t
enforceable as requirements of the NEC.

For example, Informational Note 4 in 210.19(A)(1) recommends that the

voltage drop of a circuit not exceed 3 percent. This isn’t a requirement;
it’s just a recommendation.

Author’s Comment:

n For convenience and ease of reading in this textbook,

Informational Notes will simply be identified as “Note.”
n Informational Notes aren’t enforceable, but Table Notes are.
This textbook will call notes found in a table “Table Notes.”

(D) Informative Annexes. Nonmandatory information annexes contained

in the back of the Code book are for information only and aren’t enforce-
able as requirements of the NEC.
}Figure 90–17

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 Introduction to the National Electrical Code |  90.9

Note 1: See 110.3 on the required use of listed products. (D) Compliance. Installing electrical systems in accordance with
the metric system or the inch-pound system is considered to comply
Note 2: “Listed” is defined in Article 100. with the Code.

Note 3: Annex A contains a list of product safety standards that comply with the NEC.
Author’s Comment:

n Since the use of either the metric or the inch-pound system of

90.9 Units of Measurement measurement constitutes compliance with the NEC, this text-
book uses only inch-pound units.
(B) Dual Systems of Units. Both the metric and inch-pound measure-
ment systems are shown in the NEC, with the metric units appearing
first and the inch-pound system immediately following in parentheses.

Author’s Comment:

n This is the standard practice in all NFPA standards, even

though the U.S. construction industry uses inch-pound units
of measurement. You’ll need to be cautious when using the
tables in the Code because the additional units can make the
tables more complex and more difficult to read.

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