This study was undertaken as part of the NEMA Global Strategy Initiative to increase sales and use of NEMA electrical products in markets around the globe and to make it imperative that manufacturers, codes and standards developers, and conformance assessment organizations have a clear understanding of the electrical installation systems in which electrical products are being used.
The intent of this document is to foster a better understanding of the similarities and differences between the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 70, National Electrical Code,® and the wiring rules promulgated by IEC 60364, Electrical Installations for Buildings. These two prominent documents collectively serve as the basis for electrical wiring used in over 90 percent of the world.
This paper provides a detailed comparison of significant provisions between NEC and IEC 60364. An example is provided below
NEC Article 90 Introduction
90-1 Purpose
"The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.” Furthermore, Sec. 90-1(b) indicates that “this Code contains provisions that are considered necessary for safety. Compliance therewith and proper maintenance will result in an installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or future expansion of electrical use." These statements correlate with Chapter 12 of IEC 60364.
Chapter 12 Object
Clause 131.1 (Ensure safety)
Clause 12.1 indicates that “this standard contains the rules for the design and direction of electrical installations so as to provide safety and proper functioning for the use intended.” The rules are expressed in generalities, i.e. certain means of protection are required to be provided but the methods by which to accomplish the level of protection specified are not indicated. From Clause 12.1, it is also evident that the object of IEC 60364 is to provide safety and proper functioning for the use intended. If functioning is intended to include other than safety functions, such aspects are considered to be outside the scope of the NEC.
Any Electrical Engineer working on projects using NEC and IEC 60364, then this is a good read for you to better understand the similarities between the two (2) standards.
