N
Nail inspection- An inspection made by a
municipal building inspector after the drywall material
is hung with nails and screws (and before taping).
Natural
finish- A transparent finish which does not seriously
alter the original color or grain of the natural wood.
Natural finishes are usually provided by sealers, oils,
varnishes, water repellent preservatives, and other
similar materials.
NEC
(National Electrical Code)- A set of rules governing
safe wiring methods. Local codes—which are backed
by law—may differ from the NEC in some ways.
Neutral
wire- Usually color-coded white, this carries
electricity from an outlet back to the service panel.
Also see hot wire and ground.
Newel
post- The large starting post to which the end
of a stair guard railing or balustrade is fastened.
Nonbearing
wall- A wall supporting no load other than its
own weight.
Nosing- The projecting edge of a molding or drip or the front
edge of a stair tread.
Notch- A crosswise groove at the end of a board.
Note- A formal document showing the existence of a debt and
stating the terms of repayment.
Nozzle- The part of a heating system that sprays the fuel of
fuel-air mixture into the combustion chamber.