On 2009-09-11, Pete C. wrote:

The NEC is not a law of any kind

Except when the state legislature empowers the state building
commission to adopt appropriate codes, and the building commission
adopts the NEC. Or however it works in your state.

This is why you should live in an area without codes and inspectors
and fight to keep the area that way.

To each their own. Personally, I like the benefits of living in a
densely populated area. One of the downsides is that my neighbor's
actions can have an impact on me, so I want a minimum standard
enforced to reduce the risks involved.

But even in a sparsely populated area, your neighbor's electrical
wiring can cause a fire that could threaten your property. Or if you
have a metallic water distribution system, your neighbor's electrical
wiring can create an electricution hazard for you when working on your
water pipes.

Cheers, Wayne