Which term characterizes permissive requirements in the NEC?

The term "shall be permitted" in the National Electrical Code (NEC) indicates that certain actions or methods are allowed but not mandatory. This permissive language means that while a specific practice or approach is recognized as acceptable, it does not impose a requirement that must be followed. This gives flexibility to the code users to choose alternative methods as long as they comply with the overall intent of safety and performance.

In contrast, terms like "must" and "shall" denote mandatory requirements that must be complied with, showing a clear directive that must be followed for compliance with the code. The term "should" suggests a recommendation rather than a necessity, indicating best practice without it being strictly necessary. Thus, "shall be permitted" uniquely signifies an allowance rather than a directive or a guideline, making it the correct characterization of permissive requirements in the NEC.