International Electrical Code & US National Electrical Code

Unless some other country has adopted the NEC (U.S. National Electrical Code), it holds authority only in the U.S.

I'm not sure there really is an "International Electrical Code." "IEC" stands for "International Electrotechnical Commission," which applies primarily in Europe, but is influential world-wide. BS = British Standard; IS = India Standard, etc. These various codes are not identical with each other, but they are similar.

Where these codes differ with each other, it is not always clear which is "better." It is more important that one comply with local practice, thereby maintaining consistency with a regional group of electrical providers and customers.

irfanahmedarain; the national electrical code,(NEC) (USA) been adoptedby Chile S.A. check with local inspectors? or who ever! perry

It is not mandatory to follow either NEC or IEC or any other standards unless your client /authority asking for it. All what you have to follow the local regulations first, and follow IEC or NEC as it required in the local regulation.

Most countries have their own codes governing installations, and smaller entities typically start with some other code that is in wider use. Canada has its own code, the CEC, which is very similar to the NEC but there are subtle differences. Mexico tends to use the US NEC, that is, when they follow a code at all. Costa Rica, Venezuela and Columbia also use the NEC. Japan has their own code and some smaller Asian nations use them as well, although most use IEC standards. Australia and New Zealand each have their own codes, but they are primarily based on the British Standards. China has it's own code, I think, but I've never been involved in any installations there. France has it's own code, and Belgium has one that is primarily based on the French code.

But are you asking because you are INSTALLING equipment in different countries, or are you asking because you want to EXPORT equipment to different countries? There is a difference. For example the NEC in the US is about installation, not necessarily acceptability of equipment. That usually falls under the auspices of what we call an NRTL, Nationally Recognized Testing Lab, such as UL. In Germany, they look for VDE, TUV and/or DIN standards compliance. China now insists on CCC, Russia looks for GOST compliance. In Norway they look for DNV if it has to do with maritime or oil and gas, that list goes on and on.

<...International electrical code...>

There is no such thing.