Need of NEC 2023

• The NEC aims to provide guidelines that can be adopted by various

stakeholders in the interest of safety and economy, and to keep electrical
installation practices in line with the best practices in the world.
• It also envisages a continuous review to incorporate changes in technology
and other factors.
• NEC 2023 is a comprehensive Indian National Electrical Code, extensively
detailing electrical installation regulations. The document provides
definitions of key terms, guidelines for safe installation practices,
requirements for various building types, and specifications for equipment
and materials.
• It emphasizes safety, energy efficiency, and harmonization with
international standards. The code also addresses lightning protection,
power quality, and emergency power systems.
• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on January 16, 2023, published the National Electrical Code of
India 2023
The following has been stated namely: -
• It states that this code aims to achieve the following namely: -
• (i) Good practices for the selection of electrical equipment forming part of an electrical installation.
• (ii) Recommendations concerning safety and quality of wiring of electrical installations of buildings or
industrial structures.
• (iii) General safety procedures and practices in electrical work.
• (iv)Additional precautions must be taken when using electrical equipment in hazardous environments
such as an explosive or active atmosphere.
• (v) establish the basics of electrical safety.
• Part 1 : provisions pertaining to General and Common Aspects
• Part 2 : provisions related to electrical installations in stand-by generating stations and captive
substations
• Part 3 : provisions such as the Requirements for special installations or locations
• Part 4 : provisions pertaining to Electrical installations in industrial buildings
• Part 5 : provisions related to the outdoor installation
• Part 6 : provisions related to Electrical installations in agricultural premises
• Part 7 : provisions pertaining to Electrical installations in Hazardous areas
• Part 8 : provisions related to Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems
Key Features of NEC:
• Indian Standards Integration: The NEC integrates several Indian Standards related to electrical installation practices.
It recommends reading the code in conjunction with relevant Indian Standards.
• Diagrams and Markings: The code includes guidelines for preparing diagrams, charts, tables, and for marking
conductors, which are important for uniformity, understanding, and safety.
• Standard Values: It specifies standard values for AC and DC distribution voltages, preferred current ratings, and
standard system frequency.
• Assessment of Buildings: Provides guidelines for assessing the characteristics of buildings and their electrical
installations. This includes consideration of environmental factors, utilization, and building construction.
• Wiring Installation Guidelines: It provides guidelines for wiring installations in all types of buildings, including
reliability, maintenance, and safety. For wiring installations up to 1000 V a.c. and 1500 V d.c..
• Protection: NEC addresses protection against electric shock, thermal effects, voltage disturbances, electromagnetic
disturbances, and voltage surges.
• Circuit Calculations: It includes guidelines for circuit calculations, such as short circuit current calculations and voltage
drop calculations.
• Building Services: The code covers electrical aspects related to the installation and operation of building services such
as lighting, lifts, and information and communication systems.
• Equipment Selection: It provides general criteria for the selection of electrical equipment, with conformity to Indian
Standards and the suitability of equipment for the intended conditions.
• Erection and Testing: NEC includes guidelines on the erection of installations and initial testing before commissioning.
It also provides a checklist of aspects, parameters, and tests necessary to verify and certify an electrical installation.
• Safety: NEC emphasizes safety, quality, and risk management. It also promotes the safe and efficient use of renewable
energy.
Types of Electrical Installation
Parameter Industrial Non-Industrial
Definition include buildings or parts of buildings where include domestic dwellings, commercial
products or materials are stored, fabricated, buildings, and public spaces
assembled, manufactured, or processed
Complexity More Complex Less Complex
Reliability Requires High degree of supply reliability Low supply reliability may work
Load High Low
requirements
Hazardous Yes Less or no
Location
Maintenance Should Facilitate ease of maintenance No such criteria
Load group Industrial buildings have different load groups, No load groups
including lighting, heating, motor, welding, and
furnace loads, each with different power factor
requirements
Example manufacturing, processing, service sectors under ports buildings, medical locations, community
which IT sector is also considered as Industry. facilities and workplaces, and office buildings
Standard Values and Limits

Sr. No. Voltage Classification Nominal V rms voltage range

1 Extra Low Voltage AC: V ≤ 50 V
DC: V ≤ 100V

2 Low Voltage AC: V ≤ 1000 V

DC: V ≤ 1500 V

3 Medium Voltage 1kV < V ≤ 33 kV

4 High Voltage 33kV < V ≤ 150 kV
5 Extra High Voltage V > 150 kV
 Voltage Level Old Standard New Standard Limit Voltage Values
Value Value
Single Phase 230 V 240 V ± 6 percent Highest voltage
264 V, lowest 216
V
Three phase 230/400 V 240/415 V ± 6 percent Highest voltage
457 V, lowest 374
V.
High Voltage - 33kV < V ≤ 150 kV +6 percent or -9
System percent
Extra High ± 12.5 percent
Voltage

• IS 12360 can be referred for the latest values.

• In the case of voltages above 1 kV, product standards relate the voltage rating of
equipment with respect to highest system voltages (generally, 10% above the nominal
voltage).
 Fundamental principles for electrical installations
NEC emphasize safety, functionality, and ease of use. These principles are applicable to most types of electrical
installations and are covered in Part 1 of the National Electrical Code of India.
● Safety: Electrical safety is of prime importance, with consideration given to the hazards related to human
life and fire.
○ Electrical installations should be designed, erected, and tested to comply with IS 732 standards.
○ Basic protection includes basic insulation, barriers, or enclosures.
○ Installations must be protected against overcurrent, short circuits, and earth leakages using suitable
protective devices.
● Functionality: Electrical installations should be functional & easy to use, and future expandable.
○ Appropriate design is crucial for a safe and trouble-free installation throughout its service life.
○ The design must consider compliance with statutory norms, safety, functionality, quality and continuity of
supply, user-friendliness, and anticipation of future requirements.
● Design and Planning: Proper planning, from the initial concept stage to the layout and design, is
essential.
○ The design should consider the type and use of the building, assessing the load based on area.
○ The connected load and contract demand should be assessed to approach the electrical supply provider.
○ Emergency and critical loads, like lifts and fire pumps, should also be considered.
○ Future requirements and provisions for expansion should be considered.
○ Drawings and single-line diagrams are important for coordinating components of the distribution system
and for documentation.
● Wiring: Wiring installations form a major part of electrical work in buildings.
○ Wiring systems include conductors, cables, and busbars with their securing and enclosing parts.
○ Minimum nominal cross-sectional areas of conductors are specified, for example, 1.5 mm² copper for
lighting circuits and 2.5 mm² copper for power outlets.
○ Wiring should not be installed in proximity to non-electrical services in a way that could cause damage.
○ The number of wires or cables in a system/conduit should adhere to the fill factor/space factor.

●Earthing and Protective Conductor Provisions:

○ The earthing of all exposed conductive parts should be connected to an equipotential earthing network.

● Maintenance: Installations should be designed for easy accessibility for maintenance.

○ Periodic inspections and maintenance are necessary.
○ Where in-house maintenance is available, necessary tools, tackles, and safety devices should be maintained.

● Additional Considerations:
○ Green building concepts, including natural light, ventilation, thermal insulation, and solar systems, should
be incorporated.
○ Electrical aspects of building services, like air conditioning and lifts, must be considered during the
planning phase.
○ Fire safety is crucial, and electrical installations must comply with fire prevention regulations.
In summary, the fundamental principles emphasize a holistic approach to electrical installations, from initial
design and planning to the final execution, testing, and maintenance, while keeping safety as the highest priority
Safety in electrical work
● General Safety Principles:
○ Electrical safety is defined as the process of identifying hazards associated with electrical work and taking precautions to
reduce risks.
○ Safety measures must be implemented during the design, installation, operation, maintenance, and dismantling of
electrical installations.
○ The responsibility for maintaining a safe electrical installation rests with the owner or employer.
○ Safe work practices and procedures must be established and followed by both employers and employees.
● Statutory and Regulatory Compliance:
○ All electrical work must comply with the Electricity Act, 2003, and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
Regulations, 2010.
○ Work on electrical installations should only be carried out by licensed and competent persons.
● Hazard Identification and Mitigation:
○ Electrical hazards are categorized into three main types: electrical shock, electrical fire, and electrical arc flash.
○ Electrical shock occurs when an electric current passes through a human or animal body.
○ The severity of a shock depends on the magnitude, path, and duration of the current flow.
○ Electrical fires can result from short circuits, overloads, and insulation failures.
○ Arc flash is a dangerous release of energy that can cause severe burns.
● Design and Layout for Safety:
○ Electrical installations up to 1000 V a.c. and 1500 V d.c. shall be designed, erected, and tested as per IS 732 standards.
○ Safety considerations must be integrated into the design phase, including geographical location, type of installation, and
occupancy.
○ Layouts should provide sufficient space for access, operation, and maintenance, as well as for future expansion.
○ The design of electrical panels and distribution systems should facilitate safe maintenance and operation.
Safety instruction and safety practices
●

● Protection Measures:
○ Basic protection against electric shock is achieved through measures like insulation of live parts, barriers, and
enclosures.
○ Fault protection involves automatic disconnection of the power supply in case of a fault, limiting touch potential
through equipotential bonding.
○ Protective conductors must be used to connect exposed conductive parts to the earthing system.
○ Residual current devices (RCDs) are crucial for additional protection, especially in circuits supplying socket outlets.
○ Overcurrent protection is necessary to prevent damage from excessive current flow.
○ Surge protection devices (SPDs) are recommended to protect against overvoltages.
● Wiring and Installation:
○ Wiring systems must be selected and installed to avoid damage from mechanical stresses, vibrations, and environmental
factors.
○ Cables should be supported to prevent mechanical strain and damage.
○ Insulation of wires and cables must be protected during installation.
○ Wiring systems should not be located in close proximity to non-electrical services.
○ Fire-resistant cables (FR/FRLSH/HFFR) are required to prevent flame propagation during a fire.
● Earthing and Bonding:
○ Protective earthing is crucial for electrical safety.
○ Equipotential bonding helps to minimize potential differences between conductive parts.
○ All exposed conductive parts should be connected to the earthing system.
● Working on Electrical Installations:
○ Before working on electrical installations, the power supply must be isolated, discharged, and earthed.
○ Lockout/Tagout procedures must be followed to prevent accidental re-energization.
○ Work on or near live installations should only be performed by authorized and trained personnel using appropriate tools
and PPE.
○ A "permit to work" system should be used for all major work.
○ Safety working clearances from live parts must be maintained.
● Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
○ PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, helmets, and arc flash suits must be used according to
risk assessment.
● Training and Awareness:
○ Employers must provide electrical safety training to all personnel working on
electrical installations.
○ Training should include hazard identification, safety procedures, and the use of PPE.
● Inspection and Maintenance:
○ Regular inspection and testing of electrical installations are essential.
○ Maintenance should be performed by qualified persons.
○ Records of inspections, tests, and maintenance activities must be kept.
● Emergency Procedures:
○ Safety plans and emergency procedures, including CPR, should be readily available.
○ Personnel should be trained on how to handle emergencies, such as electric shock.
● Specific Requirements for Special Locations:
○ Additional safety measures are required in hazardous locations, such as industrial
buildings, medical facilities, and construction sites.
○ Special precautions must be taken in locations with increased risk of electric shock, such
as bathrooms, swimming pools, and conducting locations with restricted movement.
●
Fire Safety:
○ Electrical installations must be designed and maintained to minimize the risk of fire.
○ Fire-resistant materials and components should be used to
 Permit to electrical work
A permit to work system is a crucial safety procedure for electrical work, especially when dealing with
potentially hazardous installations. It is essential to ensure the safety of personnel working on or near
electrical equipment.
● Authorization and Purpose: A permit to work is an authorization system for trained personnel to
work on or near electrically charged major installations.
The person in-charge of the operation issues the permit to work certificate. This authorization is given to the
trained personnel or supervisor or team leader. The permit confirms the equipment or part of the installation
is isolated and safe to work on.
● Multiple Teams: If multiple teams are working on the same line or apparatus, each team’s supervisor or
leader receives their own permit to work from the person in charge.
● Locking and Tagging: Before any work begins, the circuit opening devices must be locked in the open
position. This is part of the lockout/tagout system, which prevents the re-energizing of the equipment.
● Completion and Cancellation: Once work is completed, the locking devices are removed by a competent
person. The permit is returned to the issuing authority by the personnel or supervisor. The permit is then
canceled by the issuing authority.
● Records: The issue and return of all permits must be recorded. This ensures accountability. The permits
are also used for work near live mains or apparatus.
● Coordination: The permit to work system is part of a coordinated effort. This means it should be
coordinated with and is a part of the lock out/tag out procedure.
● Model Form: A model permit to work certificate is provided in IS 5216 (Part 1)