Like most industries the electrical industry uses many acronyms. The ones most commonly associated with electrical control panels are UL508A, NEC, NEMA, and IEC. These are acronyms for the safety standards used to produce and install electrical control panels and electrical wiring systems.
What does UL508A stand for ?
In the electrical world, UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, an independent testing company that provides third party product safety standards and certification.
UL508 is a UL safety standard for Industrial Control Panels. UL508A is a UL safety certification program that allows a panel shop to become a UL Listed Panel Shop.
See UL508A Third Party Safety Approval for more detail.
What does NEC stand for ?
In the electrical world, NEC stands for the National Electrical Code. NEC is the safety standard used by most states, municipalities and cities. Building inspectors “the authority having jurisdiction” can reject an electrical installation, if the installation doesn’t follow the standards defined in the NEC.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a standard by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) describing safe electrical installation methods.
What does NEMA stand for ?
in the electrical world, NEMA stands for National Electrical Manufacturers Association. NEMA is an association of US based electrical equipment manufacturers.
NEMA produces electrical standards used by many US electrical manufacturers.
What does IEC stand for ?
In the electrical world, IEC stands for International Electrotechnical Commission, a worldwide organization that prepares and publishes International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.