The National Electrical Code is a vital document with specific regulations on installing and operating many types of lighting, including outdoor LED signs. The guidelines are important for both sign dealers and business owners, as following the standards helps result in a correctly wired and installed LED sign that poses no risk to the property or the public. Learn more about how the National Electrical Code can affect your outdoor LED sign investment.
What Is the National Electrical Code?
The National Electric Code (NEC) is a standard set of procedures governing the safe installation and operation of electrical systems. It is an aspect of the code mandated by the National Fire Protection Association. It is not federal law, but it is used as the governing standard by which most local municipalities align their specific electrical code, though alterations may be made. The NEC is amended and updated once every three years, and most local codes also update their protocols to match.
Why Is NEC Certification Necessary?
If the NEC is not a federal law, why bother complying with the standards? First of all, even though the NEC is not mandated at a federal level, local towns have strict laws governing the installation of electrical systems in all forms and impose heavy fines if an inspection uncovers noncompliance. The business owner will be required to remove the existing wiring and start over.
Second, the NEC is the standardized national way of absolving manufacturers and business owners of liability in case of an electrical fire or malfunction. If an improperly installed electrical system causes damage, injury or death, the contractor or business owner will be held responsible. By holding all work to the NEC standard, this makes liability an impossibility.
Choosing a Sign Manufacturer and Installer
It is important for business owners looking for LED sign vendors to ask specific questions about the installation process, but also about the actual product offered before signing a contract with an LED sign company. One of the standards set forth in the NEC requires all LED sign parts to pass certification from a qualified electrical testing laboratory. The LED sign company should also focus strongly on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's rules for electrical worker safety on the job site. If the company cannot verify the products offered meet the NEC's requirements and does not put worker safety first, move on to a different vendor.
Sign Guidelines Required for Certification
Specifically, Article 600 of the NEC discusses many types of electrical signs, including LED products. The components must be clearly labeled so service and repair workers can view the manufacturer name and trademark. All signs must be placed at least 14 feet above vehicles, and overhead conductors must be placed at least 18 feet above traffic. Many additional rules govern branch circuits, disconnects, grounding requirements, secondary circuit conductors and more. Any inspections carried out during or after LED sign installation will closely examine the compliance with current NEC standards as well as local code.
What Is the National Electrical Code?
The National Electric Code (NEC) is a standard set of procedures governing the safe installation and operation of electrical systems. It is an aspect of the code mandated by the National Fire Protection Association. It is not federal law, but it is used as the governing standard by which most local municipalities align their specific electrical code, though alterations may be made. The NEC is amended and updated once every three years, and most local codes also update their protocols to match.
Why Is NEC Certification Necessary?
If the NEC is not a federal law, why bother complying with the standards? First of all, even though the NEC is not mandated at a federal level, local towns have strict laws governing the installation of electrical systems in all forms and impose heavy fines if an inspection uncovers noncompliance. The business owner will be required to remove the existing wiring and start over.
Second, the NEC is the standardized national way of absolving manufacturers and business owners of liability in case of an electrical fire or malfunction. If an improperly installed electrical system causes damage, injury or death, the contractor or business owner will be held responsible. By holding all work to the NEC standard, this makes liability an impossibility.
Choosing a Sign Manufacturer and Installer
It is important for business owners looking for LED sign vendors to ask specific questions about the installation process, but also about the actual product offered before signing a contract with an LED sign company. One of the standards set forth in the NEC requires all LED sign parts to pass certification from a qualified electrical testing laboratory. The LED sign company should also focus strongly on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's rules for electrical worker safety on the job site. If the company cannot verify the products offered meet the NEC's requirements and does not put worker safety first, move on to a different vendor.
Sign Guidelines Required for Certification
Specifically, Article 600 of the NEC discusses many types of electrical signs, including LED products. The components must be clearly labeled so service and repair workers can view the manufacturer name and trademark. All signs must be placed at least 14 feet above vehicles, and overhead conductors must be placed at least 18 feet above traffic. Many additional rules govern branch circuits, disconnects, grounding requirements, secondary circuit conductors and more. Any inspections carried out during or after LED sign installation will closely examine the compliance with current NEC standards as well as local code.
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