Answer:
Because doing electrical installations without regulations can lead to substandard work that can kill people and destroy property.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prior to leaving Ohio, I was, for many years, a Certified Fire Safety Inspector. The prevention side of my job involved inspecting structures - houses, churches, schools, commercial, industrial, etc. - for compliance with fire safety regulations. I was required to have a working knowledge of the National Electrical Code, as well as most other building codes, so that I could identify conditions that could cause people to get hurt or buildings to catch fire.
The electrical code was considered to be a compilation of “best practices” for the installation of electrical systems in a structure. In many instances these “practices” were developed as a result of prior unsafe practices leading to fires and/or loss of life. Sort of - opps, we mustn’t do that again! The standards published concerning a wide range of electrical systems and devices, if followed, will make the installation as safe as the current state-of-the-art permits. Failure to follow the relevant codes can destroy a builder’s or an electrician’s defense in court if something bad happens.
As an example: 165 people died at the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Soulgate, KY, on May 28th 1977. The fire appeared to have started by improper electrical wiring. After the fire, numerous electrical code violations, as well as numerous building code violations were found. You wouldn’t want to be the owner of something like that.
Several new laws were passed as a result of this fire -no more aluminum wiring in commercial buildings, exit lighting required, automatic fire alarm systems, automatic sprinkler systems required, etc. The updates made to electrical and building codes made later buildings much safer.
As written, the IEEE codes are not law - after all the IEEE is an association, not a legislature; however, many of the standards they set forth are referenced specifically or by inclusion in formal codes approved by legislative bodies and made into law - The Ohio Fire Code, for example references the National Electrical Code. An inspector noting violations of such codes when they are given legal recognition by the State can issue orders to have violations corrected and can also issue citations which can lead to court appearances and monetary fines levied against the building’s management.
Codes are updated with regularity. In general, a change to the code does not require a change to an existing structure. However, if a structure undergoes renovation then there is a point at which the building must be brought up to meet the present code standards. There are exceptions. Much time, effort , and money has been expended to remove asbestos from existing structures even where no renovation to the structure was even being planned. Exit doors opening to the public way now need automatic EXIT lighting and many older buildings were retrofit with exit lighting as a result in code updates.
Codes are for a reason. They are devised by the collective thinking and experience of people who are experts - or at least experienced - in their field. And they are intended to protect YOU!