National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is trade association in the United States that
represents the electrical contracting industry.

It is the voice of the $225 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and
communication technology to buildings and communities across the U.S.

The Gold Seal

NECA contractors are the technical professionals responsible for the most innovative and safest electrical
construction in the U.S.

Our contractors are the experts at the top of their field.

NECA Facts:

 The U.S. electrical contracting industry is made up of over 70,000 electrical contracting firms
 Employing over 650,000 electrical workers.
 Nearly 4000 contractor members
 Largest specialty contractor in the world

NECA Vision

“Empowering Lives and Communities”

NECA Mission

 Deliver exceptional value for our members through relentless focus on their success
 Attract, develop and retain the best talent
 Collaborate with world-class partners to advance our industry
 Foster member relationships

NECA Core Values

 Customer Focused
 Leadership
 Partnership
 Accountability
 Excellence
 Innovative
 Stewardship
 Community

HISTORY

 After the invention of the electric light, a new industry sprang up to install electricity in homes
and businesses. With little industry regulation or standardization, electrical projects were
sometimes haphazard and regularly slow, since parts often had to be custom made for a project.
  In 1901, a group of electrical contractors met at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New
York and organized the National Electrical Contractors Association of the United States. The
organization’s first constitution stated their objectives: “The fostering of trade among electrical
contractors…to reform abuses…to settle differences between its members…and to promote
more enlarged and friendly discourse among its members.″

ORGANIZATION

 NECA’s national office is in Washington, DC.

 119 local chapters located across the United States
 NECA chapter is an independently chartered organization with autonomy to elect officers,
determine priorities, set member dues and service charges, and help negotiate labor
agreements with their local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union(s).
 NECA is led by a chief executive officer and an elected president, board of governors, district vice
presidents, and committees.

Programs and Services

NECA provides members with advocacy, education, research, safety and standards development for
business owners to take advantage of their workers more effectively.

ADVOCACY:

Labor Relations: At both the national and local levels, NECA works closely with IBEW to develop mutually
acceptable national and local agreements.

Government Affairs: NECA’s Government Affairs office focuses on legislation and regulations that would
affect electrical contractors and the construction industry as a whole.

EDUCATION:

 NECA Education provides management education and supervisory training programs for industry
leaders
 NECA publishes ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine, the industry’s top source of information on
electrical construction; and
 NECA sponsors the electrical contracting industry’s premier convention and trade show.

RESEARCH:

 NECA is the founding sponsor of ELECTRI International—The Foundation for Electrical

Construction, Inc. ELECTRI sponsors research by industry leaders, focused on the business and
project management practices that impact electrical contractors. Topics for research include:
 Improving productivity
 Using project labor agreements
 Bench marking safety programs.

Safety Initiatives

It emphasizes safety in electrical work and often develops guidelines and programs to promote a safe
working environment for contractors and their employees.
International Affiliations

NECA has partnerships and affiliations with other international electrical contractor associations,
fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing on a global scale.

CODES and STANDARDS

NECA offers a variety of ANSI-approved performance and workmanship industry standards for electrical
construction. National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS) are used by construction owners, specifiers
and contractors to clearly illustrate the performance and workmanship standards essential for different
types of electrical construction.

The NECA Codes and Standards Committee is involved with development, administration, and
enforcement of installation codes, safety standards, product standards, and other related industry
regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, the National Electrical Code (NEC®), National Electrical
Installation Standards (NEIS™), National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), Various NFPA Standards, UL Safety
Standards, and OSHA Regulations.

Members of the NECA Codes and Standards Committee serve on National Electrical Code-Making Panels,
NEIS Technical Subcommittees, and other standards development committees and subcommittees.

NECA Membership

Only available to a “firm or corporation engaged in the business of ‘electrical contracting’ … defined as
the business of erecting, installing, repairing, servicing or maintaining electric wiring, devices or
equipment.”

NECA’s members are primarily signatory contractors who hire union (IBEW) electricians. Non-union firms
may be approved for membership, depending on the policy of their local chapter.

Membership Benefits

1. Education and Training

2. Advocacy and Representation
3. Labor Relations
4. Member Discounts
5. Events and Networking
6. Safety
7. 7. Business Development
8. 8. Electrical Contractor Magazine
9. 9. Tools and Resources

National Electrical Code (NEC)

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a set of standards for the safe installation of electrical wiring and
equipment in the United States. It is also known as NFPA 70, which stands for the National Fire
Protection Association’s (NFPA) 70th standard. The NFPA is a private organization that develops and
publishes codes and standards for various aspects of fire safety.
The NEC is updated regularly to incorporate advances in technology and changes in safety practices.
Electricians, contractors, inspectors, and other professionals in the electrical industry refer to the NEC to
that electrical installations are safe and comply with the latest standards.

Mandatory Rules are those where action is specifically required or prohibited. The words “shall” or
“shall not” are indicative of such rules.

Permissive Rules are those where action is allowed but not required. The words “shall be permitted” or
“shall not be required” are indicative of such rules.

NEC BACKGROUND

The National Electrical Code (NEC) has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Its overall
purpose: prevent fires. Here’s a brief overview of its background:

EARLY DEVELOPMENT

The need for electrical standards became apparent as the use of electricity grew in the late 19 th century.
In 1897, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established the Committee on Electrical Wiring
and Apparatus to address the lack of standardized electrical practices and to promote safety.

FIRST EDITION

The first edition of the NEC was published in 1897 as the “National Electrical Code.” It consisted of a set
of recommendations rather than strict regulations. The goal was to standardize the installation of
electrical systems to reduce the risk of fires and electrical hazards.

GROWTH AND EXPANSION

As the use of electricity continued to expand, the NEC evolved to address new technologies and safety
concerns. The code went through regular updates to keep pace with advancements in electrical systems,
materials, and practices.

PUBLICATION OF NFPA

The NFPA assumed responsibility for the NEC in 1911, and since then, it has been published by the NFPA.
The NFPA is a nonprofit organization that develops and publishes a wide range of codes and standards
related to fire safety, including the NEC.

GLOBAL IMPACT

While the NEC is specific to the United States, its principles and standards have influenced electrical
codes in other countries. Some international projects and installations also reference NEC standards.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT

The NEC has adapted to technological advancements in the electrical industry, addressing new
challenges and promoting the safe installation of emerging technologies, such as renewable energy
systems, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and smart home devices.

Overall, the NEC has played a crucial role in shaping electrical safety standards in the United States,
contributing to the prevention of electrical hazards and ensuring the safety of people and property. Its
ongoing development and revision process reflect the dynamic nature of the electrical industry and the
commitment to maintaining high safety standards.

MISSION

The mission of the National Electrical Code is to safeguard public safety by establishing and maintaining
standards for the installation of electrical systems.

OBJECTIVES

Promote Electrical Safety:

 Ensure the safety of individuals, property, and the general public by establishing standards that
minimize the risk of electrical hazards.

Standardize Electrical Practices:

 Provide a uniform set of guidelines and requirements for the installation of electrical systems,
promoting consistency and reliability in electrical work.

Adaptability to Technological Advances:

 Evolve to incorporate new technologies, materials, and practices in the electrical industry,
addressing emerging challenges and promoting the safe integration of innovative solutions.

Collaborative Development Process:

 Engage a diverse group of stakeholders, including electrical professionals, manufacturers,

researchers, and government officials, in the development and revision process to ensure a
broad range of perspectives and expertise.

Triennial Updates:

Regularly update the NEC on a triennial basis to reflect the latest advancements, research findings, and
lessons learned in the field of electrical safety.

Facilitate Compliance and Enforcement:

Establish clear and enforceable requirements for electrical installations, supporting authorities having
jurisdiction (AHJs) in ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Education and Training:

Contribute to the education and training of professionals in the electrical industry by providing a
standardized set of guidelines. This helps develop skilled and knowledgeable electricians, contractors,
inspectors, and other stakeholders.

International Influence:

Extend the influence of the NEC globally, contributing to the development of electrical safety standards
in other countries and fostering international collaboration in the field.
Prevent Electrical Fires and Hazards:

Mitigate the risk of electrical fires and other hazards by establishing best practices, such as proper
grounding, bonding, and overcurrent protection.

Ensure Mechanical Integrity:

Emphasize the importance of the mechanical execution of electrical work to ensure the integrity of
installations, facilitate maintenance, and reduce the likelihood of damage to equipment.

Facilitate Emergency Power Systems:

Provide guidelines for the installation and maintenance of emergency power systems, supporting critical
functions during power outages.

KEY ARTICLES AND SECTIONS

Article 110 – Requirements for Electrical Installations:

 110.12 Mechanical Execution of Work: Emphasizes the importance of neat and workmanlike
installations to avoid damage and ensure future maintenance.

Article 210 – Branch Circuits:

 210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Protection: Specifies locations where GFCI
protection is required, such as bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor outlets, and others.

Article 250 – Grounding and Bonding:

 250.52 Grounding Electrodes: Outlines requirements for grounding electrodes to ensure a

reliable grounding system.

Article 240 – Overcurrent Protection:

 240.24 Location in or on Premises: Specifies locations where overcurrent protection devices

must be installed.

Article 406 – Receptacles, Cord Connectors, and Attachment Plugs (Caps):

 406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles: Requires the use of tamper-resistant receptacles in certain

locations to prevent the insertion of foreign objects.

Article 680 – Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installations:

 680.22 Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Protection: Addresses GFCI protection

requirements for swimming pools and related installations.
Tamper-Resistant Receptacle

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlet

Article 690 – Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems:

 690.11 Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Protection: Specifies the use of AFCI protection for
certain solar photovoltaic systems.

Article 700 – Emergency Systems:

 700.10 Transfer Equipment: Outlines requirements for transfer equipment in emergency power
systems, ensuring a reliable power source during outages.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter

Article 800 – Communications Circuits:

  800.52 Coaxial Cable Grounding: Provides guidelines for grounding coaxial cables in
communications systems.

Article 820 – Community Antenna Television and Radio Distribution Systems:

 820.100 Grounding of Outer Conductive Shield of Coaxial Cable: Specifies requirements for
grounding the outer conductive shield of coaxial cables in cable television systems.

Coaxial Cable Grounding

NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Definition of a NEMA Standard

A standard of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is a document that includes
requirements for a product, process, or procedure with reference to one or more of the following:
nomenclature, composition, construction, dimensions, tolerances, safety, operating characteristics,
performance, rating, testing, installation, and the service for which it is designed.

NEMA Technical Publications

NEMA technical publications include NEMA standards and other technical documents such as white
papers, engineering bulletins, technical position papers, and the like. Each technical publication can be
revised individually, and the publication maintained by issuance of revisions as they are approved. Major
revisions to NEMA technical publications, for practical reasons, may require the issuance of an entire
new publication. In addition, NEMA technical publications and revised standards contained therein are
identified by number and date.

The purpose of NEMA Standards

A Standard of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association defines a product, process, or procedure
with reference to one or more of the following:

 Nomenclature
 Composition
 Construction
 Dimensions
 Tolerances
 Safety
 Operating
 Characteristics
 Performance
 Ratings
 Testing
 The service for which it is designed

NEMA believes that Standards play a vital part in the design, production, and distribution of products
destined for both national and international commerce. Sound technical Standards benefit the user, as
well as the manufacturer, by improving safety, bringing about economies in product, eliminating
misunderstandings between manufacturer and purchaser, and assisting the purchaser in selecting and
obtaining the proper product for his or her particular need.

Contents of NEMA Standards publications

A NEMA Standards publication contains a combination of the following items, except that a NEMA
adoptive Standard shall comply with the rules and procedures of the Standards organization
responsible for its development.

 Scope. A clear, concise, and comprehensive statement of the coverage of the Standards
publication shall always be included.
 Definitions. If items used in the Standards publication require
 Definition, the definitions shall be included as a separate part of the publication.
  General. General Standards, when used, are those having broad applications to the products
covered by the Standards
 Publication and not otherwise classified.
 Rating. Rating Standards, when used, include specific ratings of
 —or methods of rating—the equipment in such units or measurements as are appropriate.
 Manufacturing.
 Dimensions. Where dimensions are given for interchangeability purposes, alternate dimensions
satisfying the other provisions of the Standards publication may be capable of otherwise
equivalent performance.
 Performance. Performance Standards, when used, cover characteristics such as temperature
rise, interrupting capacity, voltage regulation, speed regulation, number of operations without
deterioration, and the ability to withstand specified conditions. Testing. Testing Standards, when
used, include procedures for tests to determine compliance with manufacturing ratings and
performance Standards included in testing Standards.
 Marking. Marking Standards, when used, generally require the manufacturer’s symbol and
identification.
 Application. Application information
 Appendices. All appendices, which may include text, figures, and tables, are designated as
authorized engineering information.
 References to brand-name products. If it is necessary to refer to a particular device, a generic
description should be used rather than a brand-name reference, unless such reference is
essential for technical reasons and has been approved by NEMA Counsel.

How to Read a NEMA Standard

In order to successfully use NEMA Standard publications, it is important for the user to understand
what NEMA Standards are and what types of information they contain.
What are NEMA Enclosures?

Benefits of Nema and IEC

IEC vs NEMA

NEMA AND IEC SAMPLE DIAGRAM

International Electrotechnical Commission

100 years of experience

Founded in 1906 to promote international co-operation on all questions of standardization and related
matters in the field of electrotechnology, the IEC makes electrotechnology work for you!

History and mission

* Founded in 1906 to promote international co-operation in electrotechnical standardization and related

matters

* Non-governmental organization with input from industry, government and other stakeholders through
National Committees
Structure of the IEC

About the IEC

* Over 6 900 International Standards

* Over 12 500 experts

* Over 174 Technical Committees

* Over 1 200 Working Groups, Project Teams &Maintenance Teams

* Over 300 000 products, systems and services certified to IEC International Standards

IEC offices

IEC-ReCNA Boston

IEC CO Geneva

IEC IECQ-IECEx Sydney

IEC-LARC São Paulo

IEC-APRC Singapore

IEC Family : 164 countries

82 Members

82 Affiliates

How it works

* The IEC

* through its National Committees (NCs)

* through cooperative agreements and

* directly

* Encourages national use of

* IEC International Standards

* IEC Conformity Assessment Systems, and

* Supports all forms of ConformityAssessment.

NCs: what they do

• One country = one vote

* Nominate people to develop standards

* Support the use of IEC ConformityAssessment Systems

NC commitments

* Promote the objectives of the IEC

* Support IEC work

* Implement IEC International Standards as national or regional standards

* Prevent unauthorized reproduction & distribution of IEC publications in its country

* To be fully representative of all relevant (or interested) parties in its country

International Standards…

* Best experience of industry, researchers, consumers and regulators

* Over 12 500 experts from companies, laboratories, academia and government

* Safety, performance, interoperability, environment

…the foundation for trade and innovation.

International Standards…

* Basis for conformity assessment

* Promote safety & consumer confidence

* Stimulate economic growth & development

…promote technology transfer.

EC

Participation in standardization…

* Reduce costs for standards development

* Benefit from existing know-how

* Give products a better chance to succeed

* Technology trends …provides a competitive edge.

Standards put in practice…

* Is a product what it appears to be?

* Does a system function the way it should?

* What about:

* Safety?

* Performance?

* Reliability?

…through Conformity Assessment.

Three Conformity Assessment Systems

One test – One certification – One mark

* Quicker market access

* Cut down trade barriers

* Reduce costs

* Standardized approach to testing and certification

* Increase confidence

The need for International Standards

* Globalization is a reality. Trade is global

* Facilitate interoperability

* Improve safety

* Improve efficiency
* Protect the environment

* Standards used as basis for regulations

The need for global Conformity Assessment

* Remove delays and costs of multiple testing and approval:

* Products get to market more quickly and expense reduced

* Trade barriers caused by different certification criteria in various countries reduced

* New markets opened up

* Help to ensure a fair global trading system in accordance with WTO.

IEC

Benefits for industry

* Influence the developments and content ofIEC Standards

* Early warning of developing markets, establish customer contacts

* Improve product safety and quality

* Rationalization and cost reduction in design and manufacturing.

Benefits for government

* International Standards are best source for governments for

* Legislation/regulation

* Issuing tenders

* Recognized source for WTO compliance

* Contributes to fulfilling World TradeOrganization’s Agreement on Technical Barrie to Trades

* Standards provide detailed technical interpretation of the law.

* Putting our products into context: “Recognizing the important contribution that international
standards and conformity assessment systems can make in this regard by improving efficiency of
production and facilitating the conduct of international trade…”

* “Members shall use [international standards] as a basis for their technical regulations….”

* “Members shall play a full part…in the preparation…of international standards….”

Conclusion

* The IEC platform offers:

* market access

* global awareness

“ technology transfer

• business efficiency

Participation means real benefits.

International Electrical Testing Association (NETA)

Mission NETA

Lead the electrical power acceptance testing, commissioning, and maintenance testing industry through:
education; standards development; accreditation of independent, third- party testing organizations; and
certification of test technicians.

VISION

• NETA is the worldwide expert in electrical power systems and equipment assessment.

WHAT IS NETA?

• The International Electrical Testing Association (NETA), formerly the National Electrical Testing
Association, is a trade association dedicated to improving electrical testing standards in the United States
and sharing those standards internationally.

WHAT IS NETA?

- NETA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute

(ANSI) as a standards developing entity. It is guided by an active Board of Directors consisting of

professionals within the electrical testing industry.

WHAT IS NETA?

“ It is guided by an active Board of Directors consisting of professionals within the electrical testing
industry. The Board meets quarterly for official meetings. Board members also participate on various
NETA committees, such as the Standards Review Council, Certification Exam, Membership, Finance,
Association Development and Strategy, Promotions and Marketing, Nominations and Mission Based
Programs.
HISTORY OF NETA

• In the 1960s, driven by the explosive spread of power lines across the country, the electrical industry
was booming. By 1972, it was widely recognized that this rapid growth demanded oversight. Nine
companies came together and channeled this need into the creation of NETA, the National Electrical
Testing Association” in order to promote safety, system reliability, and quality testing.

HISTORY OF NETA

• Founded in 1972, NETA serves the electrical testing industry by accrediting third-party electrical testing
firms, certifying electrical testing technicians, and producing American National Standards. In 1995 they
became an American National Standards developer. Today they set standards internationally.

WHAT IS NETA TESTING?

• NETA acceptance tests predict the effectiveness of both new and old electrical equipment. These
assessments ensure that the electrical systems and equipment will function properly after being
energized.

THE IMPORTANCE OF NETA ELECTRICAL STANDARDS

• These tests can identify malfunctions and operational failures that often go undetected in the
manufacturing stage.An acceptance test includes visual and mechanical inspections to confirm that
proper equipment performance is matched with the design intent.= Many insurance companies also
request acceptance testing for liability purposes.All industrial and manufacturing facilities have insurance
and may choose to insure large machinery.Acceptance tests protect the insurance company from having
to make a large payout if the equipment fails.

NETA TEST STANDARDS

- NETA standards are developed separately from other standards such as the IEEE, NECA,
and UL, but will reference these standards when applicable. In 2017, the American
National Standards Institute approved NETA’s Acceptance Testing Specifications for
Electrical Power Equipment and Systems as an American National Standard.

NETA ECS-2020

* Standard for Electrical Commissioning Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems

* NETA Standard for Electrical Commissioning Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems
was developed for use by those responsible for testing and commissioning newly installed or retrofitted
electrical power systems and equipment to guide them in specifying and performing the necessary
inspections, tests, measurements, and system performance verification to commission an electrical
power system infrastructure.

NETA ATS-2021
* Standard for Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems

* NETA Acceptance Testing Specifications was developed for use by those responsible for assessing the
suitability for initial energization of electrical power equipment and systems and to specify field tests and
inspections that ensure these systems and apparatus perform satisfactorily, minimizing downtime and
maximizing life expectancy.

NETA ETT-2022

* Standard for Certification of Electrical TestingTechnicians

* This standard was created to codify the experience, education, and training requirements necessary for
an individual to obtain a level of competency as an electrical test technician.

NETA MTS-2023

* Standard for Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems

* The NETA Standard for Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems
is a document that is used worldwide by individuals seeking to assure that the electrical power
equipment and systems in their care operate reliably and safely in conformance with industry and
manufacturer standards and tolerances.