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Posted By: rmiell IRC, IEC, or NEC? - 10/08/02 05:09 PM
Has anyone adopted a different electrical code than the NEC? What are your thoughts on the International Electrical Code, or the International Residential Code.
Just wanting to get a little background info.
Is there a web site that allows free downloading of the IRC or IEC?
Rick



[This message has been edited by rmiell (edited 10-08-2002).]
Posted By: Bill Addiss Re: IRC, IEC, or NEC? - 10/08/02 07:09 PM
Rick,

New York has adopted the 'I Codes' with their own variations (and Name) so the Residential Code is not called the IRC but it is very similar I am sure.

I am a little unclear on how this works, but it references the 1999 NEC and has about 70 pages of text, diagrams and tables on Electrical installation. It only includes rules for materials and installations most likely encountered in a one or two Family Dwelling. It seems to say that anything not included there should be subject to the applicable parts of the NEC (1999)

I have not had a chance to read or compare too much but I have not come across anything contrary to the rules in the NEC thus far. There are additional requirements that Electrical installations must conform to that are not in the NEC though.

For Example:
Rules for drilling and notching wood-framed members and Penetration of Fire-Rated Walls.

Bill
Posted By: C-H Re: IRC, IEC, or NEC? - 10/09/02 01:51 PM
Quote

What are your thoughts on the International Electrical Code, or the International Residential Code.

By the International Electrical Code, are you refering to the IEC 60364 ? In many countries the national code is based on this. The exception is North and Central America.

(IEC in this case stands for International Electrical Commission)

[This message has been edited by C-H (edited 10-09-2002).]
Posted By: Joe Tedesco Re: IRC, IEC, or NEC? - 10/09/02 11:16 PM
90.1(D) in the 2002 NEC added the following:

"Relation to International Standards.

The requirements in this Code address the fundamental principles of protection for safety contained in Section 131 of International Electrotechnical Commission Standard 60364–1, Electrical Installations of Buildings.

FPN:IEC 60364-1, Section 131, contains fundamental principles of protection for safety that encompass protection against electric shock, protection against thermal effects, protection against overcurrent, protection against fault currents, and protection against overvoltage. All of these potential hazards are addressed by the requirements in this Code."
Posted By: harold endean Re: IRC, IEC, or NEC? - 10/11/02 01:28 AM
As far as I know, here in NJ we will NOT adopt the IEC. They will only adopt the NEC as adopted by the UCC. ( Uniform Construction Code) The UCC will just change some sentences in the NEC, such as they did not adopt the use of AFCI yet. The UCC says that all drilling and boring into wood beams fall under the jurisdition of the building inspector. Also they will change words alone in the NEC. ( Such as AHJ, into the electrical subcode official)
Posted By: Admin Re: IRC, IEC, or NEC? - 10/16/02 07:19 PM
From Steve T:
Quote
My municipality is considering adopting the IRC. I think it is a mistake. I mean the chapters concerning electrical installations anyways. We are also going to adopt the NEC for other installations, but the NEC also covers one- and two-family dwellings. There doesn't appear to be many differences but I noticed a couple of discrepancies.

I think a municipality should stick with the NEC and avoid at all costs other electrical codes. Other codes lead to confusion and confusion leads to mistakes. I see a million mistakes because contractors tell me that's what the Chicago code says. And I say we don't follow the Chicago code, but Chicago has rewritten their code to closely resemble the NEC and that's not what the Chicago code says either!!

I think Chicago made a mistake not adopting the NEC with amendments because they are going to fall far behind the NEC again.
(Steve T)
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