What standard defines the acceptable distances between electrical equipment and likely sources of water?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the authoritative standard when it comes to the installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States, which includes specifying safety measures related to water hazards. The NEC contains specific guidelines that establish acceptable distances between electrical equipment and potential sources of water to minimize the risk of electrical shock and other hazards.

These guidelines identify safe installation practices, ensuring that equipment is maintained at a safe distance from water sources, such as sinks, pools, and other areas where water may accumulate. This is especially important in residential and commercial settings, where such precautions can prevent electrical accidents and injuries.

While other standards and regulations, such as those from OSHA, IEEE, and ANSI, may address safety practices and technical standards within their respective scopes, the NEC is the primary document focused on electrical installations and specifically addresses concerns related to electrical equipment in relation to water. This distinct focus makes the NEC the correct standard for this particular question about acceptable distances regarding water sources.