What is the primary purpose of the National Electrical Code (NEC)?

The primary purpose of the National Electrical Code (NEC) is to ensure safe electrical installation and reduce electrical hazards. The NEC establishes comprehensive standards and regulations that all electrical installations must follow to promote safety and health. This includes requirements for the proper installation of electrical systems, the use of safe materials, and the prevention of potential electrical hazards such as shocks, fires, and electrocution.

Having safety as its main focus means that the NEC regularly undergoes revisions and updates to incorporate new safety research, technology, and practices, which helps to protect both the individuals who perform electrical work and the public at large. Compliance with the NEC is crucial for electric contractors and inspection authorities to confirm that electrical work meets or exceeds safety standards, thereby minimizing risks in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

The other choices do not encapsulate the NEC's main intention: guidelines for electrical design alone do not ensure safety, regulating costs does not address safety standards, and standardizing manufacturing does not directly relate to electrical installation safety. Thus, while they may touch upon aspects of electrical systems, the central goal of the NEC remains firmly on ensuring safety through responsible installation practices.