Updates to NEC Electrical Guidelines for 2023
The 2023 alterations to NEC regulations introduce significant adjustments to electrical safety and installation practices. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) protection now includes wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, clothes dryers, and microwave ovens. The requirement extends to any cord- and plug-connected kitchen appliance beyond just those on countertops. Additionally, every kitchen receptacle requires GFCI, removing the previous limitation regarding proximity to the sink.
For kitchen islands, receptacles must now be pop-up types installed directly within the countertop, not beneath it. Moreover, Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) protection has expanded its reach to include sleeping quarters in various buildings like police stations and firehouses.
Surge protection is mandated for certain residential and commercial environments, covering multifamily units, dormitory accommodations, hotel rooms, and patient sleeping quarters in nursing homes. These changes aim to enhance safety and reduce risks associated with modern electrical usage.
State Implementation of NEC
The National Electrical Code (NEC) serves as a guideline, though it is often required by state or local authorities. Changes in NEC 2020 brought significant updates, with each state's adoption status shown in the list below.
The latest version, NEC 2023, was published by the NFPA Standards Council on August 12, 2022, and became effective on September 1. Federal, state, county, and municipal governments are responsible for its enforcement. Adoptions of NEC 2020 and 2023 are detailed below.
When examining NEC compliance across the United States, it's essential to remember that some states may introduce their own exceptions or amendments. As a result, it is crucial to verify the specific requirements in your area to ensure compliance.
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Full NEC 2023 Adoption: Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming have completed the adoption of NEC 2023.
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NEC 2023 in Progress; NEC 2020 Complete: North Carolina and South Dakota are in the process of adopting NEC 2023, having fully adopted NEC 2020.
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Complete NEC 2020 Adoption: States like Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia have fully implemented NEC 2020.
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In Progress NEC 2020 Adoption: The states of Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee are in the process of adopting NEC 2020.
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NEC 2017 Adoption: Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are currently using NEC 2017.
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County/Municipal Level Regulation: Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, and Nebraska manage NEC regulation at the county or municipal level.
Many regions enforce a grace period after code adoption, giving you several months to adjust. Always double-check the current NEC status for your state or local area to ensure proper compliance.
Changes to NEC 2023 for GFCI
The 2023 revision of NEC has introduced significant adjustments related to GFCI. The terminology now refers to “listed Class A GFCI” instead of the previous “ground fault circuit interrupter.”
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The revision in Section 210.8(A)(6) broadens GFCI coverage by removing the phrase “receptacles serving the countertop.” This change extends protection to any plug- and cord-connected appliances in kitchens. The previous location-based restrictions near kitchen sinks are eliminated for receptacle outlets ranging from 125-240 volt connected to single-phase circuits, 150 volt to ground and below.
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Exception 4 specifies an exemption for internal receptacles within bathroom exhaust fans. These do not require GFCI protection unless indicated by the manufacturer's instructions.
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In Section 210.8(B), GFCI protection is mandated for receptacles located in areas with sinks and facilities for cooking or preparing food and beverages. This application includes spaces like office break rooms.
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Section 210.8(D) expands GFCI protection to additional appliances, requiring its implementation for branch circuits or outlets related to electric ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, clothes dryers, and microwave ovens.
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For outdoor outlets rated 50 amp or less located in garages, and those rated not over 150 volt to ground, 50 amp or less in accessory buildings and boathouses, Section 210.8(F) demands GFCI protection.
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Section 410.184 necessitates GFCI protection when horticultural lighting is connected with flexible cords utilizing separable connectors or attachment plugs.
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In areas requiring ground-fault protection for branch circuits rated more than 150 volt to ground, Section 680.5 mandates the use of SPGFCI devices.
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Section 680.22 requires all receptacles rated 60 amp or less within 20 feet of a swimming pool wall to have GFCI protection. Equipment positioned between 5 to 10 feet horizontally from a pool's inner walls must also have GFCI protection, including luminaires, lighting outlets, and ceiling fans if not less than 5 feet above the maximum water level.
Additional NEC 2023 Code Adjustments
The 2023 National Electrical Code brings forth several important updates that impact various aspects of electrical installations. Among these, a change to Section 110.26(A)(4) addresses the design of egress paths. Now, when doors of electrical equipment are left open, they must not reduce the pathway to less than 24 inches in width or 78 inches in height. The intent is to ensure safety by avoiding blocked paths.
Cybersecurity Measures: With advancements in digital technology, Section 110.3 has included cybersecurity considerations in electrical equipment safety standards. This recognizes the growing need to protect equipment from cyber threats that may affect performance and safety.
AFCI Protections: Section 210.12(D) expands arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection requirements. Sleeping quarters in locations like fire and police stations now require this protection, enhancing occupant safety in these vital facilities.
Branch circuits in guest accommodations have specific requirements under Section 210.17. In hotels, motels, and assisted living facilities where cooking is a permanent provision in rooms, the correct branch circuit installations are essential.
Protective Barriers: For maintenance safety, Section 215.15 mandates the use of protective barriers. These barriers prevent exposure to live components in scenarios involving feeder taps or transformer secondary conductors, thus protecting workers during maintenance tasks.
Surge Protection: Section 125.18 introduces a mandate for surge protection devices in various residential and lodging environments, including dwelling units and patient sleeping rooms. This aims to safeguard electrical systems from unexpected surges.
A noteworthy update involves digital solutions. Section 220.70 allows property managers to implement digital energy management systems to regulate maximum current usage efficiently. This can lead to optimized energy consumption and potentially reduced costs.
Emergencies require swift action, and Section 225.41 helps with this by mandating outside emergency disconnects for dwellings. Clear labeling of these disconnects ensures first responders can quickly cut off power if needed.
Child Safety in Receptacles: Enhancements in child safety are seen in Section 406.12, which calls for tamper-resistant receptacles in childcare facilities and other specified premises. Exceptions exist for certain appliance-specific outlets, maintaining a balance between accessibility and safety.
Changes also affect residential cooling systems. Section 440.11 specifies that air conditioning disconnects accessible to unqualified persons must have lockable enclosures or require a tool to open, preventing unauthorized access to energized parts.
For environments with hazardous substances, Section 511.7 revises the permissible conduits for wiring above these areas. The allowable materials now include rigid metal, intermediate metal, and electrical metallic tubing.
Marina Safety: Sections 555.4 and 555.15 focus on marine environments, dictating installation specifics for marina service equipment. A crucial requirement is placing such equipment on land at a safe distance from the water, elevating above a defined plane. Additionally, any electrical work on docking facilities must adhere to code standards, with damaged components needing professional repair.
Marina power outlets must be equipped with emergency shutoff devices, per Section 555.36. This update emphasizes the readiness to quickly manage electrical situations around watercraft.
Vehicle Charging Systems: Section 625.50 specifies that electric vehicle supply equipment over certain ratings must use individual branch circuits unless managed by an energy system. This aims for efficiency and safety in charging infrastructure design.
Bidirectional and exporting vehicle equipment, covered by Section 625.49, can now be integrated into power systems with island mode capability. This expands the adaptability of electric vehicles in energy systems that might operate independently from the main grid.
Emergency lighting systems gain clarification under Section 700.11. Voltage requirements are set for these systems, and markings are required to distinguish emergency components. This ensures their readiness and reliability during emergencies.
Recent Additions to NEC 2023
The NEC 2023 has introduced a range of new additions designed to offer more precise guidance on installations exceeding 1,000 volts AC or 1,500 volts DC. These articles aim to enhance clarity and improve organizational structure for medium voltage installations.
Article 235 deals with branch circuits, feeders, and services at or above these voltage thresholds. For those working with overcurrent protection systems beyond these voltages, Article 245 outlines the necessary installation procedures.
Another key update is Article 305, which replaces Article 399, setting forth general requirements for wiring methods and materials for high-voltage systems. Meanwhile, Article 315 has stepped in to replace Article 311, detailing the essential installation criteria for medium voltage conductors, cables, joints, and terminations.
For equipment, Article 495 presents guidelines for items operating over these voltage levels. Besides these, the NEC 2023 highlights installation protocols for insulated bus pipes, known as tubular covered conductor (TCC) systems, in Article 369, emphasizing the need for professional listing, installation, and testing.
Further enhancements include Article 371, which elaborates on installation norms for flexible bus systems, notably those made from insulated copper. The rules concerning cabling for power-limited circuits and related components are covered under Article 372.
Article 520 introduces specifications for cannabis oil equipment, focusing on systems using highly flammable materials within commercial and industrial contexts. With the acknowledgment of evolving technological landscapes, Article 724 discusses Class 1 power-limited circuits and remote-control signaling options, while Article 726 provides insights on Class 4 fault-managed power systems.
The removal of certain articles from previous versions, such as those pertaining to hazardous locations, direct current microgrids, and specific low-voltage circuits, illustrates an effort to streamline the code and reduce duplications, highlighting the evolving nature of electrical standards.