Test & Measurement

Tip of the Week: Understanding the Arrangement of NFPA 70E

March 2, 2015

Recognizing that NFPA 70E and the NEC have similar arrangements will help you learn both standards.

The NFPA 70E standard runs more than 100 pages. Obviously, you can’t remember this much information or take the time to read it before each job or assignment. And just relying on the index might cause you to miss something important. You have to understand its arrangement.

The arrangement of NFPA 70E has similarities to the arrangement of the NEC. This is true for several reasons, not the least of which is that many of the 70E panel members are NEC experts. It makes sense to follow the familiar, and you see that in the 70E arrangement.

Some features are identical. For example, definitions are in Article 100. Following the main body, there’s a series of Informative Annexes. Article 90, the Introduction, provides a good overview of the standard including its scope and purpose. Section 90.5 explains the differences in mandatory rules, permissive rules, and explanatory material.

These similarities go a long way in helping you learn and apply both standards.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.