Need to Know: 2023’s Top Changes to the National Electrical Code
Updated every three years, the National Electrical Code (NEC) has some important revisions for 2023. What is the national electrical code? It’s the standards and codes for installing electrical wiring and equipment safely in the United States.
As an electrical professional, staying up to date on each new code cycle is essential. The NEC serves as the benchmark for safe electrical installation and design and allows us to use electricity efficiently and safely.
Read on for short summaries by our experts on the top 25 electrical codes and standards updates.
1. Working Space Around Electrical Equipment
This rule now states that if an exit opening is less than 24" wide or 6' 6" high when obstructed by open equipment doors, the opening must be enlarged. This helps prevent the open doors from blocking the exit path. This update also clarifies that no cabinets, partitions, or walls can be in front of equipment—the space in front must be clear.
Update to: Sec. 110.26(A)(4)
2. GFCI Protection
How measurements are made was changed to clarify that measurements apply to all power-supply cords (not just appliance cords) that are plugged into a receptacle. The required GFCI protection can either come from a breaker that has GFCI protection, or a receptacle with GFCI protection. Note that the requirement that the GFCI be readily accessible will limit the use of a GFCI receptacle.
Update to: Sec. 210.8
3. GFCI Protection in Dwelling Units
The GFCI protection requirement now includes any cord- and plug-connected appliance in the kitchen, not just limited to what’s on top of the countertops. This is because the phrase “receptacles serving the countertop” was removed from Sec. 210.8(A)(6). A new exception, number 4, was also added that says the bathroom exhaust fan’s internal receptacle does not need GFCI protection (unless required by installation or listing instructions).
Update to: Sec. 210.8(A)(6)
4. GFCI Protection in Other Than Dwelling Units
All areas for food serving, cooking, and/or beverage service must have GFCI protection, as noted by the addition of the word “kitchens” to list item (2) and removal from list item (3) in Sec. 210.8(B). This also means that protection is required for receptacles in break areas of commercial buildings.
Update to: Sec. 210.8(B)
5. Specific Appliances
GFCI protection is now required for the branch circuit or outlet that is supplying appliances rated 150V to ground and 60A or less. Note that shock hazards exist whether appliances are cord- and plug-connected or hardwired, so GFCI protection must be present for the branch circuit or outlet.
Update to: Sec. 210.8(D)
6. Outdoor Dwelling Unit Outlets
Introduced in 2020, the rule for outdoor outlets in Sec. 210.8(F) has an update—HVAC equipment is now a new exception. Also, receptacles in dwelling units rated 50A or less in accessory buildings, outdoors, garages, and boathouses that currently have GFCI protection requirements now need the outlet to be protected. GFCI protection is also now required for unprotected existing equipment that will be replaced.
Update to: Sec. 210.8(F)
7. Branch Circuit Requirements in Guest Rooms and Guest Suites
“Assisted living facilities” was added as a new list item to Sec. 210.17, meaning dwelling unit branch circuits are now required to be installed in assisted living facilities that have permanent provisions for cooking.
Update to: Sec. 210.17
8. Barriers in Electrical Equipment
Barriers over exposed energized parts need to be placed on the line-side busbar or terminals of equipment that uses feeder taps or transformer secondary conductors so that they’re protected against unintentional contact. This applies to motor control centers, panelboards, switchgear, and switchboards.
Newly added: Sec. 215.15
9. Energy Management Systems (EMSs)
Sec. 220.70 was added in response to digital controls being popularized. This relates to energy management systems that control the maximum load of a service.
Newly added: Sec. 220.70
10. Emergency Disconnects
Emergency disconnects for feeders supplied to one- and two-family dwelling units are now required on the exterior of the dwelling so that first responders can always turn off power, regardless of where or how it’s supplied. Sec. 225.41(B) requires that other disconnects for power sources (if not located adjacent to the emergency disconnect) be identified.
Newly added: Sec. 225.41
11. Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
More locations, like childcare facilities, dorms, mobile homes, motel rooms, and boathouses, now need tamper-resistant receptacles. A single receptacle for one appliance (or a duplex receptacle for two) that isn't easily accessible or located within the space designated for the appliance is exempt from this rule.
Update to: Sec. 406.12
12. Horticultural Lighting
GFCI protection is needed where horticultural lighting connects to flexible cords that use external connectors or attachment plugs. An exception was added that allows lighting equipment using over 150V to be protected using a special-purpose ground-fault circuit interrupter that trips at 20mA instead of 6mA.
Update to: Sec. 410.184
13. Disconnects in Residential Spaces
Disconnecting means with doors that can open to potentially expose live parts must be lockable or require tools to open if they’re in a location easily accessible to unqualified people.
Update to: 440.11
14. Documentation for Classified and Unclassified Areas
Documentation about area classification must be available for classified and adjacent unclassified areas. An area classification drawing is also required, as well as other proper documentation, and must be made available to the AHJ.
15. Wiring and Equipment Installed Above Hazardous (Classified) Locations
The zone classification system no longer uses the “Class I” designation. Class I was replaced by “Hazardous (Classified)” in the updated Sec. 511.17. Requirements were also added to most of the wiring methods.
Update to: Sec. 511.17
16. Location of Service Equipment Near Docks
Service equipment near docks should be at least 12" above the electrical datum plane and no closer than 5' horizontally from the water.
Update to: Sec 555.4
17. Replacement of Equipment in Marine Locations
Modifications, replacements, or repairs to electrical equipment at a docking facility must comply with provisions of the NEC, and the circuit that supplies the equipment must be inspected. Damage to existing equipment must be identified, documented, and repaired by a qualified person to be in line with the code under which it was originally installed.
Newly added: Sec. 555.15
18. Shore Power Receptacle Disconnecting Means
An external emergency disconnect clearly designated “Emergency Shutoff” is required at each marina power outlet or enclosure that supplies shore power to boats.
Update to: Sec. 555.36
19. Electric Vehicle Branch Circuit
Several units of EVSE drawing 16A or less at 120V can now share a circuit.
Update to: Sec. 625.40
20. Island Mode (Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System)
Electric vehicle power export equipment (EVPE) and bidirectional EVSE that use a power export function are now allowed to be part of interconnected power systems operating in island mode.
Update to: Sec. 625.49
21. GFCI and SPGFCI Protection
Special-purpose ground-fault circuit interrupters (SPGFCIs) are now included in Sec. 680.5, which was divided into three sections. Subdivision (A) includes general requirements, (B) includes GFCIs for applications up to 150V to ground, and new subdivision (C) covers SPGFCIs for applications over 150V to ground.
Update to: Sec. 680.5
22. Receptacles, Luminaires, and Switches
Requirements for GFCI protection of receptacles now include all receptacles rated 60A or less within 20' of a pool wall. New copy in (B)(4) adds an SPGFCI requirement to protect equipment operating above 150V to ground.
Update to: Sec. 680.22
23. Tests and Maintenance
Commissioning is now required per revisions to Sec. 700.3(A). Art. 100 describes commissioning as the process, procedures, and testing used to set up and verify the operation of electrical devices and equipment before being placed into active service.
Update to: Sec. 700.3(A)
24. Class-2-Powered Emergency Lighting Systems
Sec. 700.11 for Class 2 wiring includes requirements for powered emergency lighting systems using Class 2 power. Other rules address line voltage systems and provide requirements for low-voltage emergency systems.
Newly added: Sec. 700.11
25. Commissioning and Maintenance of Energy Storage Systems
The Sec. 706.7 title was changed in order to recognize performance tests. New subdivision (A) requires ESSs to be commissioned when installed in places other than one- and two-family dwellings.
Update to: Sec. 706.7
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The purpose of the National Electrical Code is to safeguard people and property from electrical hazards and accidents. By understanding and following these critical updates to GFCI protection, protection devices, power systems, ground fault circuit interrupters, and electrical installations, you’ll be able to keep everyone, including yourself, out of harm's way.
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