2020 National Electrical Code Adoption

The National Electrical Code codifies the minimum requirements for the safe electrical installations in a single, standardized source. While the NEC is not itself a law, the NEC is commonly mandated by state or local law. Where the NEC is adopted, anything less than the standards set by the NEC are illegal. The NEC revision is an open process that produces a new code every three years. The process includes:

• Public Input
• Public Commentary
• NFPA Technical Session
• Standards Council Action – Appeals and Issuance of the NEC

When states do not adopt the NEC in a timely fashion, they risk the lives of their residents by not implementing the latest lifesaving technology required by newer editions of the National Electrical Code. For example, as of 2017, the state of Pennsylvania, which was one of the top three states to lead the nation in the number of fire-related deaths*, is currently utilizing the 2008 version of the NEC. If Pennsylvania adopts the 2011 code during the next code cycle, the state will potentially be 9 years behind in electrical safety.

U.S. Fire Administration’s U.S. Fire Statistics

National Electrical Code Highlights

• Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters:
  First required in the 1970s, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 50% of home electrocutions have been prevented by GFCIs.
• Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters:
  First required in 1999, AFCIs prevent the most common cause of electrically related fires, arc-faults, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 50% of electrical fires that occur every year can be prevented by AFCIs.
• Tamper Resistant Receptacles:
  A study by Temple University found that 100% of all 2-4 year olds were able to remove plastic outlet caps within 10 seconds. TRRs provide a permanent solution to receptacle related injuries.
• Major 2020 National Electrical Code Changes

Have The 2020 National Electrical Code Adopted

Regional industry representatives from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) are available to work with you to support your NEC adoption efforts. Contact a representative near you for expert assistance and local support:
http://www.nfpa.org/nec/nec-adoption-and-use/nec-adoption-support-kit