Hi Mike,

What about the guys (and gals) who want the "cliff notes" version so that they don't have to take the time to actually read and understand the code...

News flash:

There ain't none...

;)

Amen to that, brother!!

Second paragraph, third sentence: Change "is" to "it".

Add sentence to first paragraph: "If you are an inspector, it doesn't say anything different in your town than it does in everybody else's town."

Add fourth paragraph: "The NEC is a minimal standard that provides a reasonable degree of safety if followed. We can choose to install our wiring to a higher standard, but never to a lesser standard. Regardless, what the code says is the law when adopted by your town or state."

I like Don Renbarger's comment. Your message needs to get across to the AHJ!

I WORK IN THE METERING DEPARTMENT IN COMISION FEDERAL DE ELECTRICIDAD AT MEXICO, COULD YOU SUGGEST A METHOD OR SHOW A PICTURE, DIAGRAM, ETC; TO CONNECT INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS (VT, CT) WITH A SOLID STATE METER INSERTED ON SOCKET BASE.

THE TRANSFORMERS ARE CONNECTED IN 34.5 KV OR 13.8 KV.

WE USE A "Y" CONNECTION

WE HAD TROUBLE WITH SOME SS METERS, THEY HAVE MODEM CARD, AND THEY HAVE BEEN BURNNING.

I am fine with the way it is currently stated...

Exactly! Why does the code say one thing, then turn around,and say the opposite as an exception in the next sentence. Can't wait to see the sticker. Ken

I teach Electrical Classes at a local technical college. The ELT107 class is all codebook. I have taught it 20 times. My take on learning the code is to not memorize it since it may change. Learn to navigate the code and to understand what it is saying. Then you won't be bound to any version. Find what you're looking for fast and read it slow. Most electricians have it reversed. 10 of my students have taken the Georgia License Exam which as far as I know still only pass about 7%. All 10 have their license. 9 passed the first time.

Mike: Please look for an email message with my comments, and with a statement granting permission to use a modified version of my copyrighted "Charlie's Rule for Technical Reading." The modified version that you have permission to publish will be in the separate email message.

Regards, Charlie

Mike, I like it and it is a perfect way to explain the code to everyone,especially my students.

I would like some off those stickers if you get them made up

Very good Mike I like it just the way it is

...and If your inspector it doesn't tell you what they can't do.

Hey I've been guilty as the next guy for remembering what it says. The more complex the installation," more attention paid" must be our credo!!!!

When in doubt, read the rules.NEC

Interpreting the NEC

It doesn't say what you think it says, nor what you remember it to have said, nor what you were told that it says, and certainly not what you want it to say. If by chance you are an instructor, it doesn't say what you have been saying, and if you’re an author, it doesn’t say what it’s intended to say, AND IF YOU ARE AN INSPECTOR IT DOESN'T SAY IT BECAUSE YOU SAY.

Then what does it say? It says what it says. So if you want to know what it says, stop trying to remember what it says, don't ask anyone what is says and don’t think it says what you want it to say.

Go back and read it again and pay attention as though you were reading it for the first time. If you don’t like what it says, then get involved and try to change it. In the process, you might find out that what it says, it should be saying…

THE HOLE POINT OF FOLLOWING THE NEC DIRECTION IS BECAUSE IT WORK IT WORKS RIGHT ITS RIGHT AND YOU MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE OR THE LIFE OF OTHERS STOP TRYING TO FIGURE HOW YOU CAN SAVE ON TIME OR MONEY IT WAS WRITTTEN WITH YEARS OF TESTING TRIAL/AIRERS IT WORKS. ITS STILL SOMETIMES MAKES ME HAVE TO LOOK DEEP IN THE BOOK AND SOMTIMES CAN BE CONFUSING TO ME AND SOMTIME I CAN GET LOST BY LOOKING INTOMANY PLACES WEEN ITS RIGHT INFRONT OF MY FACE IVE BEEN AND ELECTRIAN FOR 6 YEARS NOW AND STILL HAVE SO MUSH TO LEARN HAVENT EVEN SCRAPED THE SURFACE BUT AS LONG AS I FOLLOW THE BOOK IVE NEVER DONE IT WRONG EVER TROY

[you might find out that what it says, it should be saying…]and supporting: "The purpose of this code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property form hazards arising from the use of electricity (90-1(a))

I think the Code says....! No, I remember it says.....! They told me it says......! I want it to say......! We heard it says.......!

The Code says exactly what it says. Not more, not less.

So if you need to know: don't remember, don't ask, don't suppose, don't think, don't wish.

Read the code. Use fresh eyes. Pay attention.

If you don't agree - get involved: Attend a class. Read some more. Submit a change. Support the code with your actions!

Then you'll know.

In practice, it really doesn't matter how you interpret the NEC. The AHJ's interpretation is the only one that matters on any electrical construction site.

I have used this phrase in every class that I teach code. I do not believe it needs any adjustment.

In the words of Nike' "Just do it"

Read it, Understand it, Apply it, Change it to satisfy the inspector's perception

By whom ever, well said!

But when all is said and done, it says what ever the AHJ wants it to say for what ever the situation is (what is the meaning of IS)?

"The NEC - It says what it says, and that's all that it says."

With apologies to E.C. Segar and his famous Sailor Man, Popeye.

Once again you have hit the bull's eye. I have to smile when you do these type of things.

You make keeping up with you and absolute necessity for anyone serious about the electrical industry.

Your competition must tire of eating your dust!

Sincerely, Tom

Hi Mike -

my 2 cents worth:

"It says only what the AHJ says it says, regardless of what it says."

Sincerely,

donr

you might find out that what it says, is exactly what it should be saying…

It could not be said better! I am going to hang it on my wall. I have gone down this road with contractors many times. I feel that a common problem is electricans mis define terminology. I, my self is guilty as charged. I personally have made an added effort to properly define the meanings. By doing so, it has opened my eyes to code interpretation. I guess I can say, I have been "enlighten" in code interpretation.

very well put Mike, sure enough that brings clarity to the issue of "code interpretation". gotta love it . . .

Mike a co-worker once told me "The quickest way to change a rule is to follow it to the letter". Dont try to interpret it or stretch the gray areas. If its wrong and you work around it to get good results, management will be slow to or won't believe you if you complain of its problems. They will only show you that the results prove otherwise. You can't admit you broke the rule to get it to work as it may get you fired or at least a demotion.

I beleve this may be from out code forum moderator, Charlie Eldridge. Its been posted as Charlies rule of code reading.

OK two more, from me: The more I know the less I know (about the NEC) 4 answers to a code question 1. NEC Answer 2. AHJ Answer 3. Toms Answer 4. Truck answer

It couldn't be stated more accurately. Its a bully. It only says what it says.

I got this from Charlie via the forum and use it in my classes on the NEC. It says it all. It's funny yet profound at the same time.

By whom ever, well said!

But when all is said and done, it says what ever the AHJ wants it to say for what ever the situation is (what is the meaning of IS)?

very well said!!!!!!!!!!

THE ELECTRICAL CODE is a learned tool that talks....LEARN HOW TO LISTEN..!

All I have to say is it says what it is supose to say!

Thanks Micky TSA Project Manager

Interpreting the NEC: It says what it says. So, what about interchanging breakers from one panel brand and breaker to another. I recently replaced a service entrance feeder and meter but not the panel. To my surprise when power was restored, the main breaker would not "latch" back in the on position. So I relied on the supply houses( for CrouseHinds) to assist me with my dilemma. I found a supplier 30minutes one way from me that said he had the breaker. I got there and he sold me a Murray main breaker. I was slightly disgusted with this long distance inconvenience, but he assured me that this would work. What exactly is "CODE" when it comes to breakers and their ratings/compatability for other panel makers?

Please discontinue daily "E" mail.

The same can be said of our Federal Constitution.

Hey Mike, I like this little statement, "Interpreting the NEC". I also like your idea of making a sticker to remind us often, to go back and read before we give an opinion. On behalf of the electrical industry, in my area, Thanks! Dan Prater, Jupiter,FL.

The write up says, "don't ask anyone what is says" and that would mean I shouldn't buy your book which tells me what it says.

However, I know that books like yours are needed. So, I would say, "don't ask your buddy what it says" instead of don't ask anyone.