Which of the following is not a purpose of electrical codes?

Electrical codes are primarily developed to establish minimum safety standards and guidelines for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems. These codes are designed with specific purposes in mind, which include ensuring public safety, standardizing installations, and providing a framework for the operation of electrical systems.

Promoting electrical innovation is not a primary aim of electrical codes. While innovation can occur within the confines of the established codes, the core focus of these regulations is on safety and consistency rather than on encouraging new techniques or technologies. Thus, while innovative practices may indeed improve efficiency or safety, the codes themselves are designed to regulate existing practices to minimize risk and maintain a baseline of functionality across installations.

By ensuring public safety, electrical codes protect individuals and property from hazards that could arise from faulty wiring or improper installations. Standardization within the code helps guarantee that electrical work is performed consistently, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring that installations are reliable and can be inspected uniformly.

Given this context, it becomes clear why the aim of promoting electrical innovation does not align with the primary functions of electrical codes.