National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Thursday, March 2, 2023

Question:

Hi Charlie, when a new version of NEC® is adopted in a respective State, how is the implementation of the new Code applied? For instance, I am bidding a project and the electrical work will likely not start for 9-12 months. What happens if we bid it based on the 2020 NEC® and our State adopts the 2023 NEC® before we start work and there are major changes that impact cost? Thanks, Tom Leonardelli
A

Answer:

Hello Tom, great question. Unfortunately, there is not a “one size fits all” answer, as each State or jurisdiction may handle it differently.

One common practice is for a State or Jurisdiction to set an adoption/implementation date for the new edition of the NEC®, and any building permits obtained prior to the implementation date would still be held to the edition in place at the time of the issuance of said building permit. As always it is advisable to check with the local AHJ as they likely have an established process in place. 

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

This correspondence is not a formal interpretation of the NEC® and any responses expressed to the questions are opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of NECA, NFPA, the NEC Correlating Committee any Code-making panel or other electrical technical committee. In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. 

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