How the NEC is written
So, with all the false information online, such as folks posting on Crap Tok complaining about the NEC and making statements that its all about the "Manufacturers" and all that jazz. So, it begs me to ask the question.
Do YOU really know how the NEC is written and who writes it and what is NFPA's role in the process every 3 years.
Let's hear your thoughts.
Well, I do know that anyone can create Public Inputs and Public Comments, and NFPA is basically the babysitter to get everyone in a meeting to debate it, then they publish it, as well as the CMPs, which I would like to be on one day.
Josh A. Thats a good summary but there are "little details" in-between those high points. Yes, anyone, and I mean anyone can submit public inputs and public comments. Now, the CMP's really only debate merit of the various public inputs and comments in the process. Yes, we have influence and we do have control of the "conversation" but at the end of the day its a consensus vote that carries the final result. As for the NFPA, they are just "Keepers" of the document and as you said, they facilitate the events that lead up to the published document. Of course there are other phases, like NITMAM's and other committees that are involved but at the end of the day the NFPA plays no real role in what the NEC actually says...it's the publics document that NFPA is charged with maintaining. Their opinions are exactly that ..simply opinions.
Paul Abernathy Interesting, thank you for that clarification. I felt like I was leaving out a good bit of information, sad to see some truly believe it's made to cater to certain agendas. I always find the Code Development process and discussion extremely interesting. Makes you appreciate the book a bit more.
Josh A. Yeah...well I would be called a liar if I didn't mention that "some" folks on the CMP have influence and can "Drive" a conversation. Yes, it happens but when you make up panels of "experts" and the topic is "Right Up Their Ally" then grandstanding is inevitable. But at the end of the day....they have to convince others to agree and sadly that influence is inevitable with any committee.
Paul Abernathy That makes sense. When you have certain subject-matter experts on panels, some level of influence is inevitable. But it’s still a consensus process—so even strong voices have to back it up and get an agreement from the rest of the CMP.
Josh A. 100%
It is not written for the untrained. I think those who do not study the code and by that I mean take classes by those who know the Code you are always going to think wrong.
I have taken many classes some very good some a waste, if you want the truth learn from the pro's not influencers.
It is a job and a passion to learn it.
Bill Budz Well said Bill. I think its always a mix of "guys" who work with the tools, pass inspections, and then go ONLINE and think they are code experts. News Flash...They are not. But I think its those "Influencers", and you all know how I feel about that term, that people gravitate to and they begin to learn code incorrectly. I see that as an industry wide concern. But we ain't gonna change Crap Tok any time soon.
I feel if people took Your FastTrax class or just watched your videos they would understand how the code is laid out, and moreover what the notes mean.
Bill Budz true that. More need to close their mouths and open their eyes and ears, take in the information, and learn to understand it before jumping down everyone's throats. Watching Paul's videos has helped me greatly, and I can only imagine the knowledge I will gain when I do begin my Fast Trax courses... the knowledge never ends. People seem to think you pass a test and it's success...
Josh A. TRUTH....Passing an Exam is only the introduction to Learning. The exam is only the minimal knowledge required to "Enter The Club" and order "The Drink".
Here in Chicago once you pass the Master test they do not require any CEU's. It is sad because some only know what they work on.
I though I new the code til I took the CMECP Class wow that was a wake up call. Thank you for all you do Paul I am a better Teacher thanks to you.
Bill Budz You are most welcome fella. The evolution of learning is perpetual.
My experience on a CMP was that certainly the manufacturers discussed PI's in a different light than I did as an installer. That said, Paul is spot on - the group arrives at a consensus after what was sometimes a lively discussion. Some items that seemed complicated were dealt with in a timely manner, others that seemed fairly simple, took a lot of exhaustive debate. All in all, it is a well designed and maintained document (but I'm glad I'm not in the 2029 cycle!)