ELEC-150 National Electrical Code (NEC)

Course overview

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has commissioned document NFPA 70 (commonly known as the National Electrical Code or NEC) since 1911. The original code was developed in 1897. Its purpose is to ensure that electrical installations have minimum potential for personal and property damage due to fires, arcs and electrocution. Licensing of all electricians requires a demonstration (through a written exam administered by the State of Michigan) of the ability to use this document as a resource when planning, installing, and maintaining electrical installations. This requires a thorough knowledge of the code layout and an ability to interpret the "legal/technical jargon" that is the language of NFPA 70. The electrician who adheres to the NEC minimizes his or her chances of having the same code used against them in a court of law. So, in addition to ensuring safe and uniform electrical installations it also becomes the tool of prosecution. This course will prepare students to successfully pass the State of Michigan Journeyman Electrician exam where passing of this exam is a testimony of NFPA 70 proficiency. Thoroughly investigating, interpreting, and using the NEC on practical applications will accomplish this preparation. The larger objective of this course is to improve the safety and reliability of the electrical systems that its students come in contact with. Because states can add to the code the Michigan Residential Code 2000/Electrical will be interjected into the course.