Published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Stay up to code and maximize safety and compliance.

As the 2008 National Electrical Code redefines electrical safety, make sure you don't fall behind . . .

Order your 2008 National Electrical Code now, and base your electrical jobs on rules that reflect the latest research, technologies, and experience. The National Electrical Code protects the public by establishing requirements for electrical wiring and equipment in virtually all buildings. Safety demands compliance with the most up-to-date requirements – for wiring and protection, grounding and bonding, AFCIs, GFCIs, emergency systems, and special occupancies.

The National Electrical Code's role is expanding to address protection of critical operations power systems nationwide.

The new article on Critical Operations Power Systems fills a void, with provisions for electrical security in public and private facilities that must stay online during a crisis – such as public safety dispatch centers, hospital ICUs, and financial centers. Other new articles protect millions of people and the environment:

• Electrified Truck Parking Spaces provides rules for temporary power connections for big rigs to run on-board electrical systems, reducing truck emissions and fuel consumption caused by idling during driver rest times. In response to EPA regs, 20 states and cities have adopted legislation to reduce truck idling hours.
• Control Systems for Permanent Amusements introduces National Electrical Code rules for sophisticated ride and show control systems. This compilation of rules improves safety for theme park visitors.

The National Electrical Code also makes homes safer from electrical fire and shock hazards.

Arcing faults on wiring systems and extension cords can cause home fires. That's why, in a key advancement to public safety, the 2008 National Electrical Code expands AFCI use to living areas in dwellings. Another change addresses National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) reports that thousands of children are treated in hospitals every year for burns received as a result of inserting objects into receptacles. To keep kids safe, the 2008 National Electrical Code introduces tamper-resistant rules for receptacles throughout dwellings.

New provisions reduce electrical worker hazards . . . and usability changes save time!

• The National Electrical Code boosts worker safety on the job with changes such as added rules for permanent provisions for locking disconnecting means that help ensure compliance with NFPA 70E's lockout/tagout provisions.
• Greater consistency in grounding and bonding terminology facilitates work with Article 250. Easy-to-see shading identifies new or revised National Electrical Code text, and new identifiers are at the top of every index page.