Who determines that an installation is approved when the NEC uses the term approved?

• A. National Electrical Code
• B. Authority having jurisdiction
• C. Engineer of record
• D. Building official

Answer: (B)

Approval in the NEC context means acceptance by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)—the person or office empowered to enforce the code in that area. The NEC provides safety standards, but it doesn’t issue approvals itself. After installation, the AHJ reviews the work, conducts inspections, and, if everything meets the applicable code, grants approval through permits and a sign-off. The AHJ can be a building official, fire marshal, or another designated official within the jurisdiction. So, the party that determines that an installation is approved is the Authority Having Jurisdiction.