Master The NEC - PODCAST

In this episode, Paul discusses the importance of building a strong relationship with your customer from the outset, enabling the cash cow to flourish and ultimately drive growth. Learn the touchpoints to building a relationship with your customer and now to retain their business in the future. This is not rocket science, but there is a proven method for building success with repeat business rathe...

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. Visit https://thermalelectrician.com for more information on our Certification Program. 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...

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...

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...

In this powerful and emotional episode, I share an email I received from a man facing one of the hardest moments of his life—he’s losing his house and struggling to find hope. In his search for a way forward, he’s considering a new career path as an electrical inspector and reached out to me for guidance. This conversation goes far beyond electrical codes and careers—it’s about resilience, reinven...

In this powerful episode of The Master The NEC Podcast, Paul Abernathy breaks down the essential steps every electrician needs to take to build a recognizable, respected local electrical brand. Whether you're a solo master electrician or running a growing electrical contracting business, branding isn't just about logos—it's about how your community sees you, trusts you, and calls you first when th...

I had a powerful conversation with an electrician who was just let go from his job—devastated, unsure, and questioning his next move. But instead of staying down, I talked him into leveling up. 💪 We flipped the script. I showed him how to take his skills, his drive, and his knowledge of the trade—and build something of his own. 💼⚡ This isn't just about getting fired. It’s about freedom. It’s ab...

Elevate Your Expertise: Become a Certified Master Electrical Code Professional® (CMECP®) Are you a Master Electrician ready to set yourself apart from the competition? The CMECP® program at CMECP.org is the premier professional development opportunity designed exclusively for licensed Master Electricians who want to take their National Electrical Code (NEC) knowledge to the next level. This elite...

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 talk 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 memb...

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...