National Electric Safety Code 2023 Handbook®

McGraw Hill’s NESC 2023 Handbook boasts 699 pages of practical examples of code application, a rule-by-rule overview and an explanation of controversial rules.

by Sophie Goodwin

Introduction

Written by nationally recognized speaker on the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) David J. Marne and President of Palmer Engineering and Forensics John A. Palmer, the National Electrical Safety Code 2023 Handbook contains a breakdown of the latest standards for electrical safety. The Handbook includes an overview of the NESC, definitions of special terms and an appendix full of reference photos to help contextualize its breakdown of the 2023 Code and its practical applications.

The first paragraph of “Section 01: Introduction to the National Electrical Safety Code” tells readers the purpose of the NESC. The paragraph reads:

“The very first rule in the NESC outlines the purpose of the entire book. The rules contained in the NESC are provided for the ‘practical safeguarding of persons during the installation, operation and maintenance of electric supply and communication facilities, under specified conditions.’”

The Handbook, created for utilization by public and utility workers including employees and contractors, is split into four parts:

Part 1: Safety Rules for the Installation and Maintenance of Electric Supply Stations and Equipment

Part 1 contains 10 sections that focus on proper protection during the installation, operation and maintenance of electric supply stations. This includes generating stations, substations and switching stations. Part 1 contains sections that cover storage batteries, conductors and transformers and regulators.

Part 2: Safety Rules for the Installation and Maintenance of Overhead Electric Supply and Communication Lines

Part 2 is made up of 10 sections, while two are not used in the issue. The part focuses on overhead lines and the safe installation, operation and maintenance of overhead power-supply and communication lines and equipment. Containing sections on relationships between lines and equipment, Part 2 covers everything from line insulation to strength requirements.

Part 3: Safety Rules for the Installation and Maintenance of Underground Electric Supply and Communication Lines

Part 3 consists of 10 sections covering underground lines and the proper installation, operation and maintenance of underground power supply and communication lines and equipment. This includes sections on underground conduit systems, risers and supply cable.

Part 4: Work Rules for the Operation of Electric Supply and Communications Lines and Equipment

Part 4 contains five sections that focus on the reasonable rules outlining the actions and behaviors of workers. These sections are implemented to protect both workers and the public from accidents, explosions and the mishandling of equipment that could endanger lives. This includes sections for rules for employees and rules for employers.

Conclusion

While the Handbook features diagrams on almost every rule and principle it details, it ends with 124 pages of real-life photos of equipment and lines to help further readers’ understandings, as well as definitions of terms used throughout the book. The NESC 2023 Handbook is the perfect companion for electrical workers of all levels of experience and responsibility.

For more information on this book or to purchase a copy, visit elevatorbooks.com.