Who is responsible for the approval of electrical equipment?

The responsibility for the approval of electrical equipment primarily lies with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). The AHJ is typically a code enforcement official or a designated representative who ensures that electrical installations comply with local, state, and national regulations, including the National Electrical Code (NEC). They have the authority to inspect, approve, or disapprove electrical equipment based on these standards.

While organizations like the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) develop codes and standards, they do not directly approve equipment. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) focuses on ensuring safe working conditions and does not specifically approve electrical equipment. Testing laboratories may conduct evaluations and provide certification for equipment, but the final authority regarding approval rests with the AHJ, who interprets and enforces the applicable codes. Thus, the authority having jurisdiction plays a crucial role in the safety and compliance of electrical installations.