NFPA Journal

What fields, industries, or occupations do your members come from?

Members cover a cross-section of the electrical industry, including manufacturers, installers, certification bodies, inspectors, users, and utilities.

What codes and industries are important to your section?

NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®), is a critically important document in the electrical industry and is the main focus of the section, as is NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, and NFPA 70E®, Electrical Safety in the Workplace®.

What are the key code issues going on in your section right now?

The 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) is in the final stages of its revision process. Many members are directly involved with the process. Members will be preparing for the next section meeting where the 2017 edition of the code will be submitted to the NFPA membership for approval. Information will be available on changes being made to the code and there will be opportunity to gain section support for amending motions affecting the actions taken by the technical committees in developing revisions to the NEC.

What code issues do you anticipate being important for your section in the future?

Ensuring the timely adoption of the NEC by states, cities, and jurisdictions. Issues related to safe electrical installations, alternative energy, and worker safety will also be priorities.

Please provide an example of a specific event recently in the news, or of an ongoing trend or upcoming issue, that provides a real-world connection to your section’s code concerns.

Alternative energy, energy storage, and electric vehicles are real-time, here-and-now issues affecting the safe use of electricity. The codes impacting these areas must reflect the technological advances while addressing any safety concerns that arise.

Describe the discussion currently taking place in the section about that event, trend, or issue. What are members saying about it?

Section-sponsored educational sessions covering alternative energy and energy storage issues, as well as other timely topics such as upcoming code changes to the National Electrical Code and other important codes and standards, will be presented at NFPA’s upcoming Conference & Expo, which will be held in June in Las Vegas.

What events and activities has your section recently completed, and what’s coming up?

The section recently provided an educational session on safe electrical installations from a historical perspective, progressing to the current interactive system of codes and standards, products, certification, installation, and inspection. The session was interactively presented by representatives from each area. More presentations of this type are anticipated in the future.

What do members get out of belonging to the Electrical Section? Why should someone join?

The Electrical Section provides a forum for timely industry issues affecting the safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity, which happens to be the stated purpose of the National Electrical Code. Members have the opportunity to share with their peers the latest technology, training, research, and practices impacting the electrical industry.

How can section members become involved, and what is available to assist them?

They can attend meetings and section-sponsored educational sessions held in conjunction with the annual NFPA Conference & Expo. I have found that the Electrical Section is similar to a fraternity, as members are always willing to assist other members.

Anything else you want to add about the Electrical Section?

It is rewarding to know that the collective efforts of those in the NFPA Electrical Section help to make a safer electrical environment for us all at home, at work, and at play.