Difference between IEEE, IEC, NEC...? 1

[lokmanhi]

Hi guys,

Just to ask one basic question, what is difference between IEEE, IEC, NEC, etc and where are these standards applicable to.Appreciate your advise

Thanks

 

[advidana]

ieee and iec are standards for products and methods, nec is code for installation. There is a hold bunch more ul, nema, csa, nfpa, mil specs, etc. best way to understand these documents is to start digging and reading these documents. It will take you many years, have fun.

 

[cuky2000]

The National Electrical Code (NEC or NFPA-70) is part of the National Fire Protection Association, addresses proper electrical systems and equipment installation to protect people and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity in buildings and structures in the USA.
Many local and municipal codes adopted the NEC and practically is used as a mandatory body as part of the building code in the USA. The NEC is heavily tied with the insurance industry. However, the NEC do not have jurisdiction for application in the power industry since all are self-insured and have qualified personnel.
The NEC covers:
1. Installations of electric conductors and equipment within or on public and private buildings or other structures, including mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and floating buildings; and other premises such as yards, carnivals, parking lots, and industrial substations.
2. Installations of conductors and equipment that connect to the supply of electricity.
3. Installations of other outside conductors and equipment on the premises.
4. Installations of optical fiber cable.
5. Installations in buildings used by the electric utility, such as office buildings, warehouses, garages, machine shops, and recreational buildings that are not an integral part of a generating plant, substation, or control center.
If the facility is designed and build for a consulting firm for a private industry the NEC may be considered under the jurisdiction of the NEC in most cases.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a world technical professional society with presence in 150 countries. Its mission is to promote the development of electro-technology and allied sciences, the application of those technologies for the benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession, and the well-being of its Members.
Today, the IEEE is a leading authority in areas ranging from aerospace, computers and communications to biomedical technology, electric power and consumer electronics with activities.
Many of the standards are joined produced with ANSI (American National Standard Institute) and in general are a suggested guide that is not mandatory by itseft unless required by the project specification or adopted by an authority with jurisdiction over the subject matter application.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a similar organization to the IEEE and primarily covers Europe and many other countries around the world. There is some differences in engineering application with the IEEE/ANSI marketplace. However, there is significant effort to homogenize both IEC & IEEE standards.

 

[jsummerfield]

Cuky2000 answered the question well.

You may be able to find web downloads for the NEC as a .pdf file. The NEC is updated every three-years. An update is being distributed now for 2005. Many contracts require compliance with the NEC for the date of the contract signing. The other organizations issue documents specific to specific applications.

John

 

[dpc]

In the US: Standards of IEEE, IEC, ANSI, NEMA and others are, in general, **voluntary** standards. The NEC (National Electrical Code) is a standard developed by the NFPA for electrical installation requirements. In all 50 states, the NEC is adopted as a legal standard (with some modifications)for electrical construction. Because of this, the NEC is essentially a **legal** requirement for installation in the US, and is enforced by local government inspectors.

 

[jsummerfield]

Because of this, the NEC is essentially a **legal** requirement for installation in the US, and is enforced by local government inspectors.

The NEC does not apply to utility power distribution.

John

 

[advidana]

What did i tell you. It is complicated.