xii The most informative and authoritative body of information concerning elec- trical wiring installation in the United States, and perhaps the world, is the National Electrical Code® (NEC). This code establishes a set of rules, regula- tions, and criteria for the installation of electrical equipment. Compliance with these methods will result in a safe installation. The NEC is drafted by a team of experts assembled for this purpose by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This team is formally called the National Electrical Code committee. They revise and update the NEC every three years. It is imperative that anyone installing electrical wiring obtains and studies the NEC. Articles and sections of the NEC are referred to throughout this text. Although certain portions, tables, and ex- amples are directly quoted from its text, there is enough useful information in the NEC that not having it available would be a tremendous hindrance. The latest edition of the National Electrical Code can be purchased from the National Fire Protection Association by visiting their website. NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code®, and NEC® are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. The National Electrical Code®