Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

What term does NEC use when local ordinance supersedes its specifications?

1. Code Compliance Authority

2. Registered Electrical Inspector

3. Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

4. Local Building Authority

The correct answer is: Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

The term used by the National Electrical Code (NEC) when a local ordinance takes precedence over its specifications is "Authority Having Jurisdiction" (AHJ). The AHJ refers to the individual, body, or organization responsible for enforcing compliance with the code and ensuring that local regulations, which might be more stringent than the NEC, are followed. This term is crucial in understanding how local regulations interact with national standards; it recognizes the right of local authorities to implement stronger requirements in response to community needs or safety concerns. This concept allows for flexibility in regulatory enforcement and acknowledges that local jurisdictions may have unique circumstances that necessitate deviations from national codes. The AHJ typically includes building departments, fire marshals, and other local regulatory bodies, emphasizing the diverse roles different authorities play in the enforcement of electrical codes. In contrast, other options refer to specific roles or concepts that do not capture the intersection of local ordinances and national code specifications in the same way as the AHJ does. The other terms either describe professionals involved in inspections or general authorities but do not encapsulate the idea of local regulatory authority superseding national standards.