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NEC vs IEC: differences between US and European rules

US NEC vs European IEC 60364: 120/240 V vs 230/400 V, GFCI vs RCD, AWG vs mm², verification, lightning — key system differences.

PUE vs NECPUE vs IEC 60364PUE vs ChinaPUE vs IndiaNEC vs IECSockets and voltages worldwideRCDs worldwideChinaEuropePUE across CIS
🇷🇺 PUE — Rules for Electrical Installations (7th ed.)🕰️ PUE-6 — Rules for Electrical Installations (6th ed., 1985)🇺🇸 NEC — National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)🇪🇺 IEC 60364 / HD 60364 (EU national codes)🌎 NOM-001-SEDE, NBR 5410, AEA 90364, RETIE, NCh 4, CNE🇨🇳 GB 50054, GB 50303, JGJ 16, GB/T 16895 (IEC 60364)🇮🇳 IS 732

Key differences

ParameterSide 1Side 2
Напряжение120/240 В, 60 Гц230/400 В, 50 Гц
РозеткиNEMA 5-15RC/F (Schuko), E/F, G (UK)
Защита от утечкиGFCI 4–6 мА + AFCIУЗО 30 мА (411.3.3)
СеченияAWGмм² (IEC 60228)
ПроверкиИнспекция; периодичность — местноIEC 6: первичная + периодическая
МолниезащитаNFPA 780 (отдельный)IEC 62305 (часть IEC-семейства)
Стандарты оборудованияUL, NEMAIEC 60898, 60228
МаркировкаНет обязательных EICREICR (BS 7671, UK)

Two philosophies

NEC (NFPA, US) vs IEC (international): US/Mexico/Colombia/Philippines vs Europe/Asia/Oceania/LatAm.

Voltage and sockets

120/240 V 60 Hz NEMA vs 230/400 V 50 Hz Schuko/E/F/G.

GFCI vs RCD

NEC: GFCI 4–6 mA in receptacles + AFCI; IEC: 30 mA RCD per circuit in the panel.

Verification

IEC/BS 7671: mandatory EICR every 5–10 years; US: inspection at installation only.

Lightning

IEC 62305 vs NFPA 780 — same principles.

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Data is for reference. Final design decisions must follow current regulations and a qualified engineer.
All comparisons · World electrical installation rules