Overview

The National Electrical Code^® (NEC^®) sets the foundation for electrical safety in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies. The most current edition, published in 2017, presents the latest comprehensive regulations for electrical wiring, overcurrent protection, grounding, and installation of equipment.

As of October 1, 2018, with the exception of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has adopted the 2014 NEC^®. The city of Philadelphia has adopted the 2017 NEC^®.

Contact us today to purchase your own copy of the NEC^® and check back regularly for news and updates related to the Code.

You can learn more about the NEC^® here.

NEC^® Recent News and Updates

Significant Revisions to the 2014 NEC^®

As of October 1, 2018, Pennsylvania* has adopted the 2014 NEC^®. It’s important to note there are several new articles and updates in the 2014 Code. Here are a few to look out for:

• Definitions
  The 2014 code now defines “readily accessible” as “capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspection without requiring those concerned to use a tool, climb over something, remove an obstacle, and other similar instances.” It has also changed its definition of “retrofit kit” to apply to LED listed retrofit kits used for field modifications of signs and luminaires.
• Voltage Threshold
  In the 2014 Code, the 600-volt threshold has been raised to 1,000 volts due to the fact that many new technologies perform at greater than the 600-volt threshold, including solar photovoltaic and wind electricity generating systems.
• Wet Locations
  2014 NEC^® article 300 now includes a new section declaring the interior of raceways installed in wet locations above grade are also now considered to be wet locations, making the requirements for aboveground installation of more than 1,000 volts consistent with similar applications of 1,000 volts or less.

The 2014 Code also includes the following revisions to Section 406.9(B)(1): Extra-Duty Covers at 15- and 20-Ampere Receptacles in Wet Locations:

• 15- and 20-ampere and all 125- and 250-volt receptacles—when installed in wet locations—must have enclosures and covers that are weatherproof, whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted.
• All enclosures and covers installed in wet locations for 15- and 20-ampere or 125- and 250-volt receptacles must be of the “extra duty” type and listed as such.
• The covers and enclosures can’t be merely boxes supported by grade. This requirement extends to dwelling units, too.

There were also changes to Section 590.49(D)(2) requiring the use of extra duty covers for 15- and 20-ampere and 125- and 250-volt receptacles installed temporarily in a wet location.

*With the exception of Philadelphia, which has adopted the 2017 NEC^®.