Q: What are some upcoming code changes and how will they impact job requirements in North Carolina?
A little NEC background:
The National Electrical Code - NFPA 70 (NEC) is a set of safety regulations established as part of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Established in 1897 the National Electrical Code is updated every three years. These rules for safety apply to both new construction as well as remodel and repair work for both residential and commercial buildings. It can be an intensive process to see new standards arrive in the NEC.
Government agencies and consumer groups gather data and research emerging safety concerns and hazards, anyone may submit suggestions for alterations to the code.
New technology and products are developed and then tested by independent laboratories like UL or ETL.
These new technologies and procedures are then presented to the NEC.
Next is a period of testing and gathering feedback from experts, consumers and other entities.
Only after this feedback has been reviewed by NFPA/NEC and other regulatory committees is new code written and becomes part of the NEC.
The new NEC is now sent to the individual states for review and adoption.
The new codes are not enforced until they have been adopted by the state, and they may be amended.
Municipalities may require a “stronger” code at their discretion. The Town of Chapel Hill, for example, has had different ordinances for underground lines due to the heavy tree coverage in our area for years.
It’s 2025, why are we talking about 2023 standards now??
Actual adoption of the NEC code is tricky, North Carolina for example, hasn’t fully updated the residential electrical code since 2014. Since 2017 the legislature has amended out many new residential electrical requirements or did not accept them outright. Now we’re catching up all at once and there are going to potentially be a bunch of changes.
It’s a tough job balancing life safety with economics so it is at the discretion of the state to adopt the NEC code fully or with amendments according to how they feel the changes may impact their state’s specific needs and requirements. Most often this is to allow additional time for tradespeople, lobby groups and regulating agencies to evaluate how specific new codes or standards should be implemented and enforced fairly.
The 2023 code is scheduled for adoption on July 1, 2025. This will override the amendments to previous years standards and will bring substantial changes across several areas.
Some key areas impacted by this are:
Surge Protection all residential new construction & all replacement (new panel, upgrade to service)
AFCI - arc fault protection to all habitable rooms/living areas - either device or panel level
GFCI - huge expansion here, especially for 240v outlets so almost all major kitchen appliances, car chargers, and by 2027 this will extend to air conditioning
Jobs/Projects that will fall under these coming regulations:
Anything that is permitted and requires inspection
Panel Replacement
Service Upgrades
Rewiring your home
Service and subpanels to garages and outbuildings
New circuits for kitchen and outdoor appliances
It’s for the best reasons:
Nobody likes the idea of added expense or hassle for updates made to our homes but it’s important to realize that changes to the NEC have your safety at the forefront. Over the years the NEC code changes have dramatically reduced both workplace and accidental electrocution deaths across the country. It’s best to make sure any home improvements you do meet the current code and standards. Ignoring or skirting these code requirements may cause issues with home inspections, system compatibility or even worse an accident in your home.
It’s our job as electricians to stay current on these changes, we are consistently training our team and reviewing new requirements to fully understand what best practices and laws will require. If you’re planning home improvements for this summer, now is a great time to get in touch and discuss how upcoming code changes may impact your project. It all starts with an estimate.
Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.