Page 37 - IEC Insights Jan-Feb2020

FEATURE

LET ’S TALK CODE

WITH R YAN J A CK SON

BY LAUREN MCINTYRE-GIBSON

ndependent Electrical Contractors years and then became an inspector. I I've been teaching. I started teaching
(IEC) adds A Complete Guide to was an inspector for 16 years and started code changes under the 2002 edition.
the 2020 NEC® Changes to the teaching seminars locally and then Since then there are definitely more
library of educational materials and nationally. In 2005, I met Mike Holt and changes in the 2020. There are also
Iresources available for apprentices, I started writing books for him. I started global changes in reorganization. One
journeymen foreman and contractors. editing his books first and then started of the big global changes is the concept
This photo-rich book highlight the major writing his code [NEC®] books from 2008 in the use of reconditioned equipment.
code changes affecting electricians until 2016. I was wearing quite a few hats.
and help uncomplicate the NEC®. The In 2016, I left Mike and quit inspecting so This is something that first appeared in
book include hundreds of photos and that I could just focus on my own stuff. the code back in 2017, and it was like
illustrations and easy-to-understand opening Pandora's box. After Hurricane
analysis of the changes. I had the The trade has been really good to me. I Katrina and Super Storm Sandy, there was
opportunity to sit down with Ryan always tell people that are first coming demolition work on damaged buildings
Jackson, Author and Code subject matter in [the industry] that there are many and then the selling of the removed parts.
expert to learn about his background different directions that you can take. These parts were sold as reconditioned
and what we can look forward to. If you don't like being a construction or refurbished, although nothing was
electrician, you don't have to be. There actually done to salvage. For example,
Q: Tell us a bit about your are different career paths that you you could have a circuit breaker from
background and career. can get into, whether that is working Hurricane Katrina that was underwater
at a hospital doing maintenance or in saltwater for months. The electrician
A: I started in the industry when I was teaching. My brother does really removed the panelboard and replaced that
18 and grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. In well for himself as a construction panelboard with damaged breakers and
the state of Utah you have to be licensed, electrician and he loves doing it! then would remove the damaged breakers
even as an apprentice, which requires you that were just installed to sell them.
to be at least 18. As soon as I was able Q: What's new in the 2020 NEC®?
to legally get into the trade I did. I was Circuit breakers are not even intended
a journeyman electrician for about five A: There are a lot of really big changes to be reconditioned. They are steeled
in the 2020 NEC®, more than any since

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