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National Electrical Code Summary: Article 80 -- Administration and Enforcement

Based on the 2023 NEC

by Mark Lamendola

To be able to work effectively with the NEC, you must understand the philosophy behind it. This is the information NEC Article 80 provides. NEC Article 80 is new to the Code, beginning with the 2002 revision. Formerly, the NEC started with Article 90. It still does, actually, because Article 80 exists as Annex H. At some point, Articles 80 and 90 will probably be recast as Chapter 1 articles. Logically, that is where they belong.

The 2023 version is unchantged from the 2020 version. It is extremely rare for an article to undergo zero change from one cycle to the next. But Article 80 is administrative, not technical. So unlike other NEC articles, it does not reflect changes in methods, materials, and technology.

80.1 addresses the scope of the NEC, listing the five functions. In a nutshell, they are:

80.2 gives definitions related to administration and enforcement. Do not confuse this with the definitions in Article 100.

80.3, 80.5, and 80.7 are pretty much for the lawyers.

80.9 addresses how the Code applies to:

80.11 basically bars new construction from occupancy if there is a Code violation and grandfathers existing structures under certain conditions (mostly that there is no hazard to life or property).

80.13 defines who has authority to administer the code and what that authority entails. With 16 major points, 80.13 covers a lot of ground. It codifies what was previously "understood."

80.15 lays out the bylaws for an electrical board, which may be established by any municipality.

80.17 requires the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to retain records.

80.19 addresses permits and approvals, quite extensively.

80.23 provides rules for notices of violations and penalties.

80.25 provides rules for connecting to the electrical supply.

80.27 describes the qualifications for being an electrical inspector.

80.29, 80.31, 80.33, and 80.35 are for the lawyers.