Test & Measurement

Tip of the Week: What can you learn from the NEC’s Annex H? — Part 5

Feb. 13, 2017

Section 80.19 explains what you need to know about permits and approvals.

Section 80.19 covers permits and approvals. It consists of subsections A through H. It’s quite prescriptive and takes up about 1¾ pages.

Some highlights that may help you:

• Regardless of what the permit says, the work must conform to the NEC [80.19(A)(1)].

• A copy of the permit must be posted (or otherwise readily accessible) at each work site or carried by the permit holder [80.19(A)(2)].

• The permit must indicate the period for which it is valid and be specific to the work [80.19(B)]. But an annual permit is permissible, as a sort of “blanket permit” [80.19(D)].

• Where the inspector finds the installation conforms to the NEC plus all applicable local ordinances, rules, and regulations, the inspector shall issue a certificate of approval [80.19(F)(2)]. Notice here that NEC compliance alone doesn’t get the approval.

• Permits can be revoked for any of the seven enumerated reasons in [80.19(G)].

• Delays happen, sometimes despite our best effort. The NEC recognizes this, and allows for extensions to permits [80.19(H)].

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.