Pennsylvania still using 2005 NEC

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ivsenroute

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Florida
Just an FYI for any PA electrical inspectors. There seems to be some confusion about which NEC version is actually enforced in the Commonwealth.

If you think it is the 2008 NEC, you are mistaken and I will be happy to explain it. I am doing this in hopes of spreading the word....

In PA, we did not adopt the NEC PERIOD when the statewide building code went into effect on April 9, 2004.

The NEC is a reference standard only AND since we are currently using the 2006 versions of the IRC and the IBC, they reference the NEC 2005. We are always on a 2 year lag with regards to the NEC. This is a big issue and mis-understood by many.

When PA adopts the 2009 ICC codes (probably Dec 31, 2009) then the NEC 2008 will be the referenced standard. Therefore, we cannot legally enforce the 2008 NEC. Until Jan 1, 2010.

This was always my interpretation of the PAA UCC until a few months ago when someone told me different and I started to think the 2008 was now in force. I was wrong to let them change my mind. If you try to hold a permit holder to to the 2008, you are wrong AND you will lose the case.

Just an FYI for any of you who perform code enforcement in PA.

Thanks,
 
It's pretty sad if there are actually inspectors out there who are that misinformed on exactly what edition of the code it is they're charged with enforcing.
 
memyselfandI said:
We use the 2005 in VA. Better late than never.


Just south of you (NC) we are on the 2008 Code with some modifications of adoption dates concerning the Combo AFCI's, TR Receptacles and a few other things.

NC seems to adopt the code ASAP
 
Yep...was not until May 1, 2008 that VA started enforcing the 2005 NEC. We are probably lucky however as I believe some states are still back in the 1999 NEC and earlier in some localities.
 
radiopet said:
Yep...was not until May 1, 2008 that VA started enforcing the 2005 NEC. We are probably lucky however as I believe some states are still back in the 1999 NEC and earlier in some localities.

Really? I haven't heard about the change to 2005 until just reading this. How did you find out about the change?
 
chevyx92 said:
Really? I haven't heard about the change to 2005 until just reading this. How did you find out about the change?

The 2006 USBC, IBC and IRC was adopted May 1, 2008 by Virginia and when these are adopted in VA the reference document ( NFPA70-2005) is adopted within these mandates.

Also I have been watching it for some time since I played a role in the requirement for CEU credits for VA..which we now have thank goodness.

Not to mention we ( Inspectors ) have to attend continued training ourselves and it was discussed in a recent training event.

So yeppers...as of May 1, 2008 - VA is working from the 2005 NEC unless you have any projects submitted ( Plans and such ) under a permit received before that date...which would still be under the 2003 IRC and IBC which makes reference to the 2002 NEC....
 
Well how about Calif. until this year we were still on the 2002 code( some areas did not adopt quickly). which was only adopted in the fall of 2005.

Ca. had always lagged behind at least three years. I heard that in 2009 we will be up to the 2008 code.

Pretty crazy for those of us that always bought the code book at HD when they were blowing them out at less than 1//2 price because the MGMT thought they were old.
 
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