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Monday, May 15, 2023

Question:

Hi Code Friends. Does the Code permit the installation of wires and breakers made and shipped from China/Overseas? Where can I find what listings are acceptable in the United States? Thank you, C. Michaels
A

Answer:

Hello C. Michaels, thank you for participating in the CQD. The NEC® does not limit the use of electrical equipment to specific manufacturers or certain Countries of origin. Electrical equipment, regardless of who, or where it is made, must be approved in accordance with Section 110.2, and listing has a large role in that approval process at times. Additonally, certain equipment must be listed when required by a specific Code Section. The 3rd party performing the certification and listing of electrical equipment/components are Nationally Recognized Testing Labs or NRTLs. OSHA has an NRTL program, recognizing qualified electrical testing labs performing product certification. A current list of NRTLs in OSHA’s program can be found here.

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

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