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EC&M Tech Talk Video — NEC Definition of “Professional and Skillful Manner“

Sept. 1, 2023
In Episode 30, Randy Barnett covers a definition change found in Sec. 110.12 of the 2023 edition of the NEC.

In Episode 30 of “EC&M Tech Talks,” Randy Barnett, a journeyman electrician, inspector, author, trainer, and electrical safety expert, discusses a change in the 2023 National Electrical Code. In Sec. 110.12 Mechanical Execution of Work, the term “neat and workmanlike“ was replaced with the term “professional and skillful.” Thus, all of our electrical work must be executed in a “professional and skillful manner.” Exactly what that means is the subject of this EC&M Tech Talk.

The main reason for the change in terminology was to remove vagueness from the requirement. Still, the new wording does not provide us with clear terminology for compliance. It is probably safe to say most of could do a decent job of explaining what it means. A key Informational Note (IN) in Sec. 110.12 references the ANSI/NECA 1- 2015 Good Workmanship in Electrical Construction for additional information.

As an ANSI-approved standard, this document can provide us with the best industry practice for electrical installation work. It is important to understand that not all electrical work is performed by construction electricians. Industrial maintenance electricians are routinely involved in replacing motor, relocating lighting circuits, adding receptacles, running a new branch circuit, and similar activities. The NEC rules still apply, and the NECA 1 standard can be used to help comply with Code requirements.

The term “neat and workmanlike” remains in other locations throughout the NEC. Randy identifies these locations, then he addresses the NECA 1 standard. There are 10 topics addressed in the standard that help in meeting code requirements. A brief overview of the important aspects of each topic is addressed. Professional and skillful work results in pride in ownership of that work. It is not only a matter of pride, but it also results in a safer built environment. 

About the Author

Randy Barnett | Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional

Barnett is an NFPA-certified electrical safety compliance professional with more than 35 years of industrial electrical construction, maintenance and training experience. He has worked as a journeyman electrician in nuclear and coal-fired power plants, on railroad locomotives and in various manufacturing environments. He is the author of “Commercial and Industrial Wiring” from ATP Publishers, the EC&M Book, “Introduction to Industrial Electrical Maintenance” and numerous articles. Randy conducts electrical code and safety classes worldwide and holds the NCPCCI General Electrical Inspector Certificate. He can be reached at [email protected].
 

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