Codes address the safety of persons, property, and the environment associated with the telecommunications cabling installation. They include electrical codes, building codes, fire codes, environmental codes, and all other safety codes. When adopted by AHJs, codes have the force of law.

The National Electrical Code (NEC ) and the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC ) are the most widely adopted set of electrical safety requirements within North America. In addition, state, provincial, municipal, and local codes may add more restrictive provisions than national codes and, therefore, take precedence. The order of code compliance should be in full conformance to national, state, and local codes, with the most restrictive code taking precedence. There is a movement within the government of Mexico to adopt the NEC as their national code.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA ) develops and produces codes relating to telecommunications that include the NEC. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) publishes the CEC.