Globalization of Korean Electrical Installations Standards and Codes Based on Comparison of IEC 60364 with NFPA 70(NEC)

Most Technological laws of Korea are almost identical to those of Japan. Electricity was not introduced to Korea until lighting ceremony in Kyong-Bok palace observed in 1887. Since Korea was annexed to Japan in 1910, Korea have applied Japanese law and regulations made by Chosun government-general. And public works were under Japan control. Korea accepted adopted the power plants of America, codes of NESC, ASME / ANSI, MEMA while Japan accepted or adopted only IEC. Our generation distribution system takes American style while our consumer side takes Japanese style. As global trade system was transferred GATT into WTO, the technological standards, certification, construction and testing are in harmony internationally. The WTO / TBT agreement came in effect after 12th, April, 1979. The sections in the agreement require the members to exchange their own standards and codes for the harmonized ones by degree. The Korean distribution system has a strong resemblance to American system so that the internal engineers are confused in application of the relevant standards. IEC60364 and NEC are technologically similar but practically unconvertible because both have their different originality, that is to say Europe and USA. This paper deals with the fundamental elements of electrical safety system on review of IEC 60364 and NEC. This paper considers how engineers should apply IEC60364 and NFPA 70(NEC) based on all-the-way review of them.