Chapter 3 in the National Electrical Code (NEC) is 100 pages long in the 2020 loose-leaf edition. How can you possibly wrap your mind around that without extensive study? The answer is to see how the articles are organized.
- 300. Provides the general requirements for wiring methods and materials. If you’re just starting out, read Part I once a week until you feel you understand its major points.
- 310. Provides the requirements for selecting conductors and determining their minimum size. It’s best not to attempt to apply 310 without first completing a guided study of the subject.
- 312 and 314. Various types of boxes.
- 320 - 340: Various types of cables.
- 341 - 356: Various types of conduits (notice, the word “conduit” is in the article name).
- 358 - 392: Various types of raceways, including tubing.
- 393 - 399: Various wiring methods that don’t fall into the other categories.
Where do you think you will find EMT? It’s electrical metallic tubing, so it’s not in 341- 356 with the conduits.
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.