NEC
The National Electrical Code (NEC or NFPA-70) is part of the National Fire Protection Association, addresses proper electrical systems and equipment installation to protect people and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity in buildings and structures in the USA.
Many local and municipal codes adopted the NEC and practically is used as a mandatory body as part of the building code in the USA. The NEC is heavily tied with the insurance industry. However, the NEC do not have jurisdiction for application in the power industry since all are self-insured and have qualified personnel.
The NEC covers:
1. Installations of electric conductors and equipment within or on public and private buildings or other structures, including mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and floating buildings; and other premises such as yards, carnivals, parking lots, and industrial substations.
2. Installations of conductors and equipment that connect to the supply of electricity.
3. Installations of other outside conductors and equipment on the premises.
4. Installations of optical fiber cable.
5. Installations in buildings used by the electric utility, such as office buildings, warehouses, garages, machine shops, and recreational buildings that are not an integral part of a generating plant, substation, or control center.
If the facility is designed and build for a consulting firm for a private industry the NEC may be considered under the jurisdiction of the NEC in most cases.
IEEE
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a world technical professional society with presence in 150 countries. Its mission is to promote the development of electro-technology and allied sciences, the application of those technologies for the benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession, and the well-being of its Members.
Today, the IEEE is a leading authority in areas ranging from aerospace, computers and communications to biomedical technology, electric power and consumer electronics with activities.
Many of the standards are joined produced with ANSI (American National Standard Institute) and in general are a suggested guide that is not mandatory by itseft unless required by the project specification or adopted by an authority with jurisdiction over the subject matter application.
IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a similar organization to the IEEE and primarily covers Europe and many other countries around the world. There is some differences in engineering application with the IEEE/ANSI marketplace. However, there is significant effort to homogenize both IEC & IEEE standards.
Source: eng-tips.com
