The 1999 edition of NFPA 70, also known as the National Electrical Code (NEC), was developed by the National Electrical Code Committee and approved as an American National Standard on August 6, 1998. This code sets the minimum requirements for electrical safety to protect people and property from electrical hazards. It is designed for mandatory application by governmental bodies and use by insurance inspectors, with enforcement responsibilities resting with the local authority having jurisdiction.
The code covers electrical installations in public and private buildings, including mobile homes, recreational vehicles, industrial sites, and specific structures related to electricity supply, like substations. It does not cover electrical installations in ships, mines, railway systems, or installations under the exclusive control of utilities, such as power generation or transmission facilities.
The NEC is divided into nine chapters, which include general provisions, special conditions, and specific requirements for communications systems and other areas. The code uses mandatory rules that require compliance, permissive rules that allow flexibility, and explanatory notes for guidance. Changes from previous editions are marked, and any materials from other NFPA documents are referenced.
The code also emphasizes planning for future electrical use by recommending ample space in raceways and distribution centers for easy expansion. Metric units are included alongside traditional measurements for clarity. The NEC is purely advisory from NFPA’s perspective but is widely used for legal and regulatory purposes to ensure electrical safety.
