Ask Paul | National Electrical Code

Why Every Electrical Contractor Needs a Thermal Imaging Camera — And How It Will Transform Your Service Business. Learn more about our certification program at https://thermalelectrician.com

Welcome back to another powerful episode of the Master The NEC Podcast, the show that helps electricians, contractors, inspectors, and professionals stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ahead of the curve. I’m your host, Paul Abernathy, your Electrical Guru, and today we’re diving into a topic that is transforming the electrical service industry: Why every electrical contractor — yes, EVERY ONE — needs a thermal imaging camera on every service call, not as an add-on.
Not as “something we do sometimes.”
But as a standard part of your professional toolkit. And we’re going to go deep into:

• NFPA 70B requirements
• How to create proper loading conditions
• Residential and commercial applications
• I²R heating and hidden failures
• How thermal diagnostics increase profitability
• And why mastering this skill is essential for modern electricians

And of course, how all of this ties directly into becoming a Certified Thermal Electrician™ with Electrical Code Academy, Inc. Let’s get into it.


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In this episode, Paul talks about how to determine the ampacity of single insulated conductors, such as THHN, when applying ampacity given in Table 310.16 and how to apply adjustments and corrections per 310.15(B)(1)(1) and 310.15(C)(1) for the 2023 National Electrical Code. However, these fundamental basics of conductor ampacity ring true regardless of the NEC you are using. This is a LONG podcast to prepare for nearly 2 hours of podcast instructions as Paul attempts to paint a mental picture of ampacity and how it impacts the conductors.

Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical business-related topics to help electricians maximize their knowledge and industry investment.

If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC, then visit https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.

In this episode, Paul talks about how to prepare for an electrician exam the correct way. In this episode, Paul will explain how to help have a higher rate of success on an electrical exam, as well as tips on doing better during the electrical exam and in your preparation study time. The Fast Trax® Program is a structured learning program for the 2020 National Electrical Code and the 2023 National Electrical Code. Even if you are not taking an electrical exam, we have Mastering the NEC courses as well as Grounding and Bonding courses. Paul Abernathy is known as the Godfather of Structured Electrical Exam Prep, and in this podcast episode, he explains why he can help you be successful on the exam and in the field.

Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical business-related topics to help electricians maximize their knowledge and industry investment.

If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC then visit https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.

In this episode, Paul talks about a massive announcement and industry-leading partnership between one of the largest manufacturers of thermal imaging products and Electrical Code Academy, Inc.

We are poised to actually bring a change to the Thermography World with the only Electrician Specific thermal imaging course, and how to use it in your daily world, and for special conditions. This will be the biggest partnership of our CEO’s career, and it is within 7 days of being a reality. 

Visit https://ThermalElectrician.com to learn more and get started.

Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical business-related topics to help electricians maximize their knowledge and industry investment.

If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC, then visit https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.

Hey folks, it’s Paul Abernathy — The Electrical Guru from the Master The NEC Podcast.
You want more local business without paying for ads?

Here’s the trick — get your customers to leave 5-star reviews while you’re still on the jobsite.
I’ll show you how to use QR codes — like the ones I laser-engrave on my metal hat clips — to link straight to Google, Bing, and Yelp.

It’s simple, it’s smart, and it turns every service call into free marketing.

Tune in to the latest episode — Scan for Success — and I’ll show you how to wire your business for growth.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.

Welcome to the Master The NEC Podcast, where we go beyond code to talk business, professionalism, and mindset for electricians who want to master more than just conductors.

I’m Paul Abernathy, The Electrical Guru, and today we’re talking about something that stops more electricians from succeeding than competition ever could — pricing fear.

You’ve heard it before: ‘They’re cheaper than you!’ … or ‘I can get my brother-in-law to do it for half.’

But the real problem isn’t your price — it’s your confidence.

Today, I’m going to show you how to charge what you’re worth, how to sell your value instead of defending your rate, and how to walk into every quote knowing you’re the professional — not the discount store.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.

Welcome to the Master The NEC Podcast, the show where we don’t just talk theory — we talk truth about the National Electrical Code, real-world installations, and what it actually takes to be a professional in this trade.

I’m your host, Paul Abernathy — The Electrical Guru — and today we’re stepping outside the codebook for a minute to talk about something that every contractor faces sooner or later:
That gut-twisting moment when a customer suddenly acts like they don’t want to pay once the job is done.

You’ve been there — you did the work, passed inspection, the system’s clean, neat, and labeled… and now you’re standing there with an invoice that’s somehow “a surprise” to them.
So how do you handle it? How do you protect your business, get paid, and still maintain your professional reputation?

Today, I’m sharing 10 proven negotiation tactics that’ll help you.


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In this episode, Paul was asked the following question. Listen as Paul breaks down a question about AI (Artificial Intelligence) and how it will affect the Trades in the future and what do we think AI will take over and how it will play out over the next 10 years. We also send a message to NFPA about their BULLY TACTICS with NFPA 70, which is created by YOU the electrical community. You won’t want to miss this episode.

Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical business-related topics to help electricians maximize their knowledge and industry investment.

If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC then visit https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.

In this episode, Paul was asked the following question. Listen as Paul talks about 5 steps that must be achieved to become an electrician, regardless of the state you are located in. The reason that most folks fail to achieve the dream of becoming an electrician is because they lose focus on the path. On today’s podcast we talk about the path you need to be laser focused on following if you are in your early 20’a to mid-30’s.  The goal is to make your late 40’s to 70’s as pleasant as possible.

Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical business-related topics to help electricians maximize their knowledge and industry investment.

If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC then visit https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.

In this episode, Paul talks about 250.122 and how the EGC will be sized per the 2026 National Electrical Code. While I do not like this change, I will nonetheless teach it and break it down for everyone since there was a huge change when it comes to parallel raceways.

Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical business-related topics to help electricians maximize their knowledge and industry investment.

If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC then visits https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.