Electrical code: Difference between revisions

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{{Electrical Wiring Sidebar}}

An electrical Code of Practice (COP) is a set of regulations for the design and installation of [[electrical wiring]] in a building.

The intention of a COP is to provide standards to ensure electrical wiring systems that are safe for people and property.

Such wiring is subject to rigorous safety standards for design and installation. [[Wire]]s and [[cables]] are specified according to the circuit operating [[voltage]] and [[electric current]] capability, with further restrictions on the environmental conditions, such as ambient temperature range, moisture levels, and exposure to sunlight and chemicals. Associated circuit protection, control and distribution devices within a building's wiring system are subject to voltage, current and functional specification. To ensure both wiring and associated devices are designed, selected and installed so that they are safe for use, they are subject to wiring safety codes or regulations, which vary by locality, country or region.

The intention of a COP is to provide standards to ensure electrical wiring systems that are safe and unlikely to produce either [[electric shock]] or [[Conflagration|fires]]. Ways in which electrical codes ensure safety include ways to prevent (or mitigate) [[short circuit]]s, ground faults, and overheating from inadequate [[Electric current|current]]-carrying capacity ([[ampacity]]). Appropriately rated [[Fuse (electrical)|fuse]]s or [[circuit breaker]]s are used to interrupt a circuit loop whose ampacity is exceeded to avoid overheating of wires or other fixtures. Electrical codes are usually devised by national or international technical organizations, and adopted as law to make them enforceable. Electrical codes differ based on geographic area.

The [[International Electrotechnical Commission]] (IEC) is attempting to harmonise wiring standards amongst member countries, but large variations in design and installation requirements still exist.

==List of codes of practice/Regulations==