Where to Find Introduction and General Requirements in the Code

Article 90 Introduction

Article 90 is outside the nine-chapter structure of the NEC®, but it creates the basic framework for using and enforcing the Code. This short article establishes the purpose, scope, and arrangement of the Code, and it outlines the enforcement authority language and units of measurement that will be used throughout.

Article 100 Definitions

This article contains basic definitions needed to understand and use the NEC, including terms that sometimes lead to confusion in the field. The “field names” for many products are outlined, and the full product name provided to further reduce confusion. Any definition that appears in at least two other articles of the Code is defined in Article 100. More specific or specialized terms are defined in the article within which they appear (always in the second numbered section).

Article 100 is divided into two parts. Part I covers general definitions, and Part II covers definitions specific to systems over 600 volts, nominal.

Article 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations

Article 110 provides general requirements that apply to most electrical installations. The first part describes the key concepts of installation, approval, flash protection, and the concept of “neat and workmanlike.” The remaining three parts break down requirements into those for installations of  600 volts or less, installations over 600 volts, and tunnel installations over 600 volts.

The notion of “neat and workmanlike” is one of the most discussed provisions of the Code, because it is rather undefined and yet recurrent. Other places where references to “neat and workmanlike” can be found in the NEC are the following:

Article 110, Requirements for Electrical Installations                             110.12

Article 640, Audio Signal Processing, Amplification,
and Reproduction Equipment                                 640.6, 640.22, and 640.43

Article 720, Circuits and Equipment Operating at Less Than 50 Volts        720.11

Article 725, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Remote Control,
Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits                                                 725.24

Article 760, Fire Alarm Systems                                                         760.24

Article 770, Optical Fiber Cables and Raceways                                            770.24

Article 800, Communications Circuits                                                  800.24

Article 820, CATV and Radio Distribution Systems                                 820.24

Article 830, Network-Powered Broadband Communication Systems           830.24