Code Change

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SixxGunzz

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North Dakota
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Electrician
We are currently into the 2023 code update, as I look at where different states are in the code adoption, it baffles me that most states are still in the 2017 code cycle. My question is, why do we have a 3-year code update, but most states are lagging so far behind in the code cycle?
 
Because even though it's called the National Electrical Code, it isn't a local code until it is locally adopted and the "mills of the gods grind slow."
 
Also, many states just don't consider it that important to go through the trouble of adopting a new code every three years. Kinda like "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

-Hal
 
I think Kansas is still on the 2008. I guess they are happy with those rules....The NEC doesn't rule the states. If the state wants to write their own code then they can do that rather than use the NEC... That would be nuts so you see a lot of amendments in some areas like NYC, Chicago, etc
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I think Kansas is still on the 2008. I guess they are happy with those rules....The NEC doesn't rule the states. If the state wants to write their own code then they can do that rather than use the NEC... That would be nuts so you see a lot of amendments in some areas like NYC, Chicago, etc
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Chicago's 2018 electrical code, their newest, is the 2017 NEC with 150 pages of amendments. The amendments have been incorporated into the code and it is even published by the NFPA now as the Chicago Electrical Code.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I think Kansas is still on the 2008. I guess they are happy with those rules....The NEC doesn't rule the states. If the state wants to write their own code then they can do that rather than use the NEC... That would be nuts so you see a lot of amendments in some areas like NYC, Chicago, etc
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It's my understanding that if a state adopts the NEC, any amendment must be more restrictive and not less restrictive ?
 
mtnelect said:
In my opinion ... That could leave the states vulnerable legally.
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That has been litigated and there is no issue for units of government.

However in civil suits, the EC has been held liable for not installing to the most recent nationally recognized standard in a few cases.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
That has been litigated and there is no issue for units of government.

However in civil suits, the EC has been held liable for not installing to the most recent nationally recognized standard in a few cases.
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I agree ... The NFPA does quite extensive research with all the code committees before adopting a code change. That research could be used as evidence in a lawsuit.
 
mtnelect said:
I agree ... The NFPA does quite extensive research with all the code committees before adopting a code change. That research could be used as evidence in a lawsuit.
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That is not always the case.GFCI requirements were added for water coolers with no technical substantiation. And look at the issues with outdoor heat pumps tripping GFCIS
 
mtnelect said:
I agree ... The NFPA does quite extensive research with all the code committees before adopting a code change. That research could be used as evidence in a lawsuit.
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While it has happened in few cases, it is pretty rare for that to happen.

The NFPA has nothing to do with the code changes other than providing a platform for the CMPs to write the code. The CMPs write the code based on Public Inputs and Public Comments, then the code is adopted by a vote of the NFPA members. There is no real research done by the NFPA other than what is done when there is an appeal made on a code change. That typically ends up with the Standards Council making a decision, but in at least one case it went to the US Supreme Court.
 
tom baker said:
That is not always the case.GFCI requirements were added for water coolers with no technical substantiation. And look at the issues with outdoor heat pumps tripping GFCIS
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I was thinking of the states that excluded AFCI/GFCI. If someone got electrocuted, the family could sue that state. Not to mention the states that "Slow Walking" code updates.
 
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mtnelect said:
I was thinking of the states that excluded AFCI/GFCI. If someone got electrocuted, the family could sue that state. Not to mention the states that "Slow Walking" code updates.
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I doubt it. The states have sovereign immunity, and anyone who installs to the code is likely to prevail in any claim.

My personal feeling is that the code panels need to slow their roll, back to a 5 or even 6-year cycle. Anything exciting that comes up can be handled with a TIA.
 
mtnelect said:
In my opinion ... That could leave the states vulnerable legally.
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Are you saying states cannot legally enact their own laws and regulations?

Other than having the word National in its title, what general federal legislation mandates the use of NFPA anything?
 
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