North American codes and standards: a global challenge

In the rush toward the global harmonization of codes and standards, it is worthwhile, or perhaps necessary, to understand the cornerstones of safety in the present system. Examining the "life" of an electrical installation, one realizes that a typical installation lasts well over 25 years in many cases. It is interconnected with other similar systems through its life. Upgrades and expansions must be compatible over its life. The system need not be changed rapidly, but it must retain safety. This article examines some of the elements of the system, recognizes that they are already regionally in place across North America, and suggests that regional harmonization be strengthened on the way toward examining the feasibility of worldwide harmonization. This discussion relates primarily to low-voltage distribution equipment within an electrical installation. Products include busways, circuit breakers, fuses and switches, industrial control equipment, panelboards, and switchboards. The discussion is not limited to this equipment since wiring devices, utilization equipment, wiring and wiring methods, and other devices are essential to the system.