Ask Paul | National Electrical Code

In this episode, Paul talks about how important it is to have NEC and other construction standards readily available when doing installations or inspections. In fact, making sure you are doing it right the first time sends a message to the customer that you know what you are doing and to the inspector that you are the best in the business. Without a tailored AI model designed for all trades, we ca...

Why Every Electrical Contractor Needs a Thermal Imaging Camera — And How It Will Transform Your Service Business. Learn more about our certification program at https://thermalelectrician.com Welcome back to another powerful episode of the Master The NEC Podcast, the show that helps electricians, contractors, inspectors, and professionals stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ahead of the curve. I’m...

In this episode, Paul talks about how to determine the ampacity of single insulated conductors, such as THHN, when applying ampacity given in Table 310.16 and how to apply adjustments and corrections per 310.15(B)(1)(1) and 310.15(C)(1) for the 2023 National Electrical Code. However, these fundamental basics of conductor ampacity ring true regardless of the NEC you are using. This is a LONG podcas...

In this episode, Paul talks about how to prepare for an electrician exam the correct way. In this episode, Paul will explain how to help have a higher rate of success on an electrical exam, as well as tips on doing better during the electrical exam and in your preparation study time. The Fast Trax® Program is a structured learning program for the 2020 National Electrical Code and the 2023 National...

In this episode, Paul talks about a massive announcement and industry-leading partnership between one of the largest manufacturers of thermal imaging products and Electrical Code Academy, Inc. We are poised to actually bring a change to the Thermography World with the only Electrician Specific thermal imaging course, and how to use it in your daily world, and for special conditions. This will be t...

Hey folks, it’s Paul Abernathy — The Electrical Guru from the Master The NEC Podcast. You want more local business without paying for ads? Here’s the trick — get your customers to leave 5-star reviews while you’re still on the jobsite. I’ll show you how to use QR codes — like the ones I laser-engrave on my metal hat clips — to link straight to Google, Bing, and Yelp. It’s simple, it’s smart, and i...

Welcome to the Master The NEC Podcast, where we go beyond code to talk business, professionalism, and mindset for electricians who want to master more than just conductors. I’m Paul Abernathy, The Electrical Guru, and today we’re talking about something that stops more electricians from succeeding than competition ever could — pricing fear. You’ve heard it before: ‘They’re cheaper than you!’ … or...

Welcome to the Master The NEC Podcast, the show where we don’t just talk theory — we talk truth about the National Electrical Code, real-world installations, and what it actually takes to be a professional in this trade. I’m your host, Paul Abernathy — The Electrical Guru — and today we’re stepping outside the codebook for a minute to talk about something that every contractor faces sooner or late...

In this episode, Paul was asked the following question. Listen as Paul breaks down a question about AI (Artificial Intelligence) and how it will affect the Trades in the future and what do we think AI will take over and how it will play out over the next 10 years. We also send a message to NFPA about their BULLY TACTICS with NFPA 70, which is created by YOU the electrical community. You won’t want...

In this episode, Paul was asked the following question. Listen as Paul talks about 5 steps that must be achieved to become an electrician, regardless of the state you are located in. The reason that most folks fail to achieve the dream of becoming an electrician is because they lose focus on the path. On today’s podcast we talk about the path you need to be laser focused on following if you are in...

In this episode, Paul talks about 250.122 and how the EGC will be sized per the 2026 National Electrical Code. While I do not like this change, I will nonetheless teach it and break it down for everyone since there was a huge change when it comes to parallel raceways. Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discus...

In this episode, Paul talks about 210.70 in terms of Lighting Outlets. We will talk about where the “battery” backup aspect of the NEC disappeared to. So, this episode is all about lighting outlet requirements. Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical busi...

In this episode, Paul talks about the new structure of the 2026 National Electrical Code. To begin any journey into the NEC we have to look at the structure. In the 2026 edition we see a focus on limited energy sources and how they are newly structured in Chapter 7. Big changes that will yield simplistic results that help learners of the NEC start to understand. Come with me on this opening journe...

In this episode, Paul talks about working clearance and chimes in on the debate about the requirement for working clearance and if it’s even required for Transformers. Now, we are not talking Utility Transformers as we all know PAUL doesn’t talk about utility stuff. Also, he addresses the working clearance for the AC Disconnect in this episode also. Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of El...

In this episode, Paul talks about how to engage with a customer who needs your services but are hesitating on the purchase. They need “a little more time” and so on. Well, in this episode Paul talks about how to overcome that hesitation, ask for the sale, and educate them in the process. It’s not about being pushy, it’s all about being an authority. Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of El...

In this episode, Paul talks about how to engage with a customer who may not be happy, for whatever reason, with you and your company while on a service call or other interaction. Listen as Paul explains how to get to a Win-Win and you retain that hard earned lead while salvaging your local referral reputation. Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading...

In this episode, Paul was asked the following question. Listen as Paul breaks down a change that is coming to the 2026 National Electrical Code regarding "listing" requirements for Staples, Straps, and Hangers when talking NM Cables, AC Cables, and MC Cables per UL 2239. Stay ahead of the curve by learning what is coming down the road. Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code...

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In this episode, Paul was asked the following question. Listen as Paul breaks down a question about if a metal wireway is used above a panel and interposed between an EMT raceway and a small 18” EMT Raceway, often called a nipple. Does the wireway have to meet the same “straight” as “Eight” requirements in 314.28(A)(1) even if not being used as a “pull box”. Also, he answers a question, in his opi...

Master The NEC | Episode 25 | First Thoughts of some of the NITMAMS In this episode, Paul talks about some of the 2026 NITMAM (CAMS) that took place in Vegas. Remember, Successful amending motions must then be confirmed by the responsible Technical Committee by ballot. My podcast is about the outcome of the NITMAM only, not the final vote by the various CMP's who will disregard the will of the mem...

In this episode, Paul was asked the following question. Listen as Paul breaks it down and how you have to make some assumptions based on the general rules and only answer exam questions as they are presented. Q: The maximum size of a circuit breaker that can be installed for 1 AWG THW feeder tap conductors is _____________ A.  Answers: A)     100 B)     110 C)     125 D)     150 Listen as Paul Abe...

In this episode, Paul was asked a question about where to find the 2 foot – 4 foot and 5 foot – 12-foot rules for receptacle spacing in the NEC, and why they do not see the 4 foot, or 12 feet mentioned. We also answer a question on do standalone sprinkler systems have to have a dedicated circuit and all the labeling requirements of a fire alarm system per NEC 760.41(B). Well, we have the answer fo...

Welcome to The Bond and Ground Podcast—On this episode Paul Abernathy discusses the misunderstanding of how to connect equipment grounding conductors, also known as EGC's in a box when you have multiple sizes and what happens when you have a metal box interposed in a PVC raceway system and visa versa for PVC boxes in metal raceway systems. On this podcast the National Electrical Code® becomes pers...

In this episode, Paul was asked a question about wide spread confusion over the last sentence in 680.26(B)(6)(a) regarding the use of a double insulated water pump motor for pool applications in Article 680 Part II. What do you do with that 8 AWG CU Solid Bonding Jumper when you take it to the pool pump motor and find out it is a special double insulated system motor. Well, we have the answer for...

Master The NEC Podcast | Episode 24 | Failure to Achieve Mental Blocks |  In this episode, Paul talks very candid about the issue of failure and the concept of Failure to Achieve that so many up and coming electrical professionals struggle with. You have heard the old saying "Failure is part of success" but thats fine until the failure begins to eat you up inside. Listen as Paul talks about your s...