From a construction worker's perspective, electrical hazards remain one of the most common risks, according to the OSHA Education Center. Think improper grounding or faulty wiring. With over half of all work-related electrical injuries in the United States happening in the field of construction, adhering to strict safety measures when installing or working with such is critical.
But electrical hazards don’t just start and end during the building process. They can also extend well after a building has been constructed. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, approximately 51,000 house fires each year are due to electrical issues, resulting in a whopping $1.3 billion in physical damage.
Knowing the risks associated with electrical wiring both during and after construction, it makes sense why special codes and regulations are set around electrical.
What is the NFPA 70: National Electrical Code?
The safety requirements for electrical wiring and equipment are set by the NFPA 70, also known as the NEC Electrical Code. It covers not just the safe installation of the latter but also its design, inspection, and general operation.
These requirements are executed at the state or local (county or city) level, rather than at the nationwide level, and many jurisdictions adopt the NEC with local amendments that add, change, or clarify requirements. Some jurisdictions outside of the United States also recognize these principles.
The NEC is updated on a regular cycle (typically every three years), but jurisdictions adopt new editions on their own timelines—often with local amendments—so the version enforced by your city or county may not be the newest edition.
Why Electrical Code Updates Matter
Electrical codes aren’t just updated periodically “just because.” These updates happen to make electricity safer, especially as new hazards come about. Protecting people and property is of utmost importance, and staying aligned with the enforced NEC edition can also improve inspection pass rates by reducing correction notices and rework.
Outside of safety, electrical codes get updated regularly to keep up with modern electrical systems, improve performance, and reduce electrical downtime. These updates can also help standardize rules and expectations around electrical safety across multiple trades.
How the Code Changes Get Adopted
You’re aware that NEC electrical codes get updated on a regular basis, but how do the updates actually get carried out, you might wonder?
First, someone like an electrician or engineer must propose a code change with a solid justification. Proposals are submitted to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The request will then go through a committee, which is composed of industry professionals, where it will be voted on. Public comment will also be encouraged.
A decision will be made. The proposal will either be approved, rejected, or need to be amended to be considered. If approved, the change will be published in the latest edition of the NFPA’s NEC, and then state and local jurisdictions decide whether and when to adopt that edition, often with local amendments.
Real Life Examples of What Updates Look Like
NEC electrical code updates aren’t always big and dramatic; sometimes they’re minor.
Either way, here are some examples of what an electrical update might look like in the world of construction:
Exterior Emergency Disconnect
Some newer code requirements and local rules may affect where service disconnecting means are located and how they must be labeled, which can change what inspectors expect to see for safe access and emergency response. An update like this is essential as it means more visible access with improved fire/electrical safety.
AFCI Requirements
AFCI requirements have expanded over time beyond bedrooms, and updates can affect which circuits and locations require AFCI protection, which in turn influences breaker selection and inspection checklists. This helps offer improved fire protection, with arcing faults being detected and circuits being shut down by AFCI breakers before a fire begins.
GFCI Protection
The requirement for GFCI protection was expanded to more rooms, including laundry rooms, garages, basements, and other areas that could potentially be wet/damp. With more GFCIs, this reduces the risk of electrocution, with power being cut off quickly.
Weatherproofing Rules
Outdoor weatherproofing requirements were basic and provided little protection from moisture. With recent editions of NEC, weatherproofing rules have gotten stricter. Outdoor outlets, enclosures, and conduits are now required to better resist water and offer improved long-term durability.
EV Chargers
As electric vehicles become more common, NEC requirements for EV charging equipment installations have expanded and been clarified. However, whether new homes must include EV “pre-wire” or specific circuits is often driven by state or local building rules, so it’s important to verify the requirements enforced in your city or county.
Improvement in Safety Labeling
The electrical code often revises labeling requirements. Today, the NEC includes requirements for clear circuit identification (such as panel directories) and, where applicable, warning labels and markings that support safe operation and maintenance. If labeling is missing, the project may fail inspection.
The best way to stay on top of electrical code updates is to verify the NEC edition enforced in your city or county (and any local amendments), and work with a qualified, licensed electrician to keep your project compliant.
Importance of Remaining Compliant with NEC
Remaining compliant with NEC is more crucial than one might realize.
#1. To Protect From Electrical Hazards
With electrical hazards being a concern both during and after the construction process, yet avoidable in many scenarios, complying even with the “simplest” of NEC standards has the potential to protect against several hazards for both people and properties. Think reduced odds of an electrical fire, arc-flashes, and equipment failure.
#2. To Prevent Electrical Interruptions
While commonly overlooked, the reduction of electrical interruptions is another benefit of following the NEC. An up-to-code electrical system is best able to handle peak loads without tripping and offer optimal surge protection.
#3. To Comply with State/County/City Building Codes
Of course, apart from general safety, simply remaining in compliance with state or local building codes is one of the biggest benefits of following the NEC. Failure to stick to required ordinances and laws, on the other hand, can result in failed inspections, a slower obtainment of permits, stop-work orders, and project delays. These can be inconvenient and even costly.
#4. To Avoid Costly Insurance-Denied Claims
Insurance coverage and claims outcomes can be affected by code compliance, and documentation of compliant work may matter during investigations or claim reviews. So, unless you’re up to code in the electrical department, the full cost of an electrical fire or similar event will be on you.
Thus, complying with the NEC can reduce your liability and financial risk. Not to mention, with improved fire and electrical safety, NEC-compliant buildings are less likely to face hazards like an electrical fire from the start.
#5. To Avoid Expensive Re-Work
Let’s face it, re-work can be time-consuming, expensive, and lead to a waste of material. It can also cause other projects to be delayed when having to go back and fix what you thought was already completed.
Builders who stick to the required electrical codes from the beginning are less likely to have failed inspections or have to make last-minute design changes.
#6. To Maintain Professional Reputation
Building owners are less likely to be pleased with your work when their building isn’t up to code, their project experiences several delays, or an on-site disaster strikes due to your lack of compliance before or after construction is completed.
When you and your team are knowledgeable, careful, and efficient, projects end up going smoother, and your clients are more likely to trust you. Having a good reputation can ultimately help you land more jobs and face fewer risks in your industry, giving you a competitive advantage.
Ensuring Code Compliance with Electrical Safety Services in Southern California
As an NETA-accredited company, we take electrical safety seriously. From power system evaluation to arc flash analysis, we offer a wide range of electrical services to meet the needs of businesses in Southern California and across the West Coast. Contact MTA Electrical Engineers today to request a quote for your next project, big or small.