90.1 Purpose.
Code Change Summary: Additional code language clarifies the scope of the NEC®.
The purpose of the NEC® has always been to protect people and property from hazards of using electricity. The NEC® was never intended to be an all-encompassing instruction manual or “how to” book for new electricians.
The NEC® does NOT provide instruction on how to bend conduit, calculate the ampacity on the secondary side of a transformer, or determine the available fault current at an electric service. Principles such as basic electrical theory, solving series and parallel circuits, determining amps when watts and voltage are known, are all concepts learned in the process of transitioning from an electrical apprentice to a true electrician.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).
2011 Code Language:
90.1(A) Practical Safeguarding. The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.
2014 Code Language:
90.1(A) Practical Safeguarding. The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. This Code is not intended as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons.