The Boston Chapter supports the instrumental role NECA plays in the development of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS) to assure that quality standards in electrical construction are consistently met.

The NEC, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), has long been the standard for providing time-tested safeguards against electrical hazards to people and property. It is the basis for the Massachusetts Electrical Code and is used in every state in the U.S., as well as in many other countries. It is, in fact, the most widely adopted code in the world. The NEC is developed by more than 400 electrical experts under consensus procedures that allow broad public review and participation. The code is approved as an “official” regulatory standard by the American National Standards Institute. Boston Chapter NECA supports the position of having the National Electrical Code as the singular code to which electrical contractors comply.

NECA also publishes National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS), which are the first quality standards for electrical construction. They define what is meant by installing products and systems in a “neat and workmanlike manner” as required by the National Electrical Code.

National Electrical Installation Standards are the first ANSI-approved quality and workmanship standards for electrical construction. They are developed in a climate of openness and broad, industry-wide participation.

NECA also publishes various code and other technical publications to help educate users about the National Electrical Code, state electrical regulations, and performance requirements for electrical and communications products and systems.

Everything in NECA’s installation standards comply with the NEC. But because they are quality and performance standards, most NEIS also contain additional requirements that go beyond, and extend, basic NEC safety requirements. With NEIS, the electrical installation you design or install not only meets code – it meets the shared expectations of everyone involved: owner, specifying engineer, electrical contractor, and the authority having jurisdiction.