Changing the Code® culture

Much attention is given to educating and instilling a fundamental safety culture in the electrical industry's skilled workforce; as it should. However, given the prevalence of electrically-related fires, injuries, and deaths, one could argue that there is a lack of electrical safety culture among the general public; or at least a lack in sufficient knowledge and behaviors to effectively reduce electrical incidents. This paper will explore the shortcomings of the public's electrical safety culture and their impact. Particular attention will be devoted to the National Electrical Code® (NEC) and its role in saving lives and preventing injury. With the introduction of each new version, the National Electrical Code faces resistance as adoption is delayed, enforcement is lax, and general apathy prevails to varying degrees across the United States. Additionally this paper will outline opportunities to educate and engage the public to help the NEC gain widespread support while grooming safety advocates from all industries and backgrounds.