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the ultimate Q here would be who the NEC is for.

if in fact it is for our trade alone , then so be it, secret handshakes and all.

however,

if the NEC is truely a document of safety, then it belongs to the public
(isn't the NFPA tax funded?).

~S

sparky,
The NFPA is a private organization and is not tax supported. With the NEC being the most adopted code of any of the model codes, the sales of the NEC provide monetary support for many of the other NFPA codes and standards that do not sell enough copies to cover the cost of the code making process.
Don

Don,
I never thought about that, good point.

Roger


[This message has been edited by Roger (edited 07-02-2003).]

I understand Don's point to a degree.

But what would be the difference in a Federally mandated Nec,and the Federally pushed seat belt laws? Both concern public safety.

I remember that my state was threatened with withholding of Federal Highway funds if we didn't fall in line.

Russell

Anyone remember when the Feds pushed the 55 MPH speed limit down our throat. They could probably do it with the NEC if they were so inclined.

Thanks for the explanation. The usual bad timing meant that I received Mike Holt's e-mail about this right after I posted the question!

You mean like we have in Britain? (Though of course we're a much smaller country.)

Maybe it would be unconstitutional for the G-men to impose the NEC as a single code applicable right across the nation, but do you think it would be a nice idea if the 50 state governments (plus D.C.) could get together and agree voluntarily to standardize everything around the NEC?

I suppose that each state would then have to persuade individual counties and cities to fall into line as well. Perhaps I'm being simple-minded now?

[This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 07-03-2003).]

It sure would be much easier on the field electrician and Ahj's Imho Paul.

Russell

ga.sparky,
Yes the feds did force the 55 MPH by the threat of with holding federal highway funds. This is how they got around the constitution. They did not make a law that actually forced the states to adopt the 55MPH. It is still optional, but if you don't do what they want, they would reduce or take away the federal highway funds for your state. I don't think they provide any funding for code enforcement so they have no stick to wave at the states to force a nation wide NEC.
Don

Hello don,

Didn't the feds also do that with the drinking age? I also think they are going to try to do it with seat belt laws.

Oh well, just an idea my simple head thought up.

Russell