Every three years, members of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) meet to review, modify, and update the National Electrical Code (NEC), which are requirements to enhance electrical safety in the workplace and home.
With constantly improving safety practices, it’s important that the code stays up to date to make sure the requirements are going to keep up with current technology.
Electrical code requirements are probably not something that you put much thought into in your everyday life. That being said, as a homeowner or a business owner, it’s important to make sure your residence or place of business is up to code – both for safety and for legal reasons.
It just so happens that 2020 is one of the years in the 3-year cycle that the NEC is being updated. We won’t get into every little detail because much of it is very technical and is just for electrical contractors to be aware of, but here is an overview of some of the changes in the 2020 NEC.
Changes to The National Electrical Code
- Changes to Article 242 on overvoltage protection – this new proposed article provides general installation and connection requirements for overvoltage protective devices. This includes surge-protective devices permanently installed on-premise wiring systems, and surge arresters permanently installed on-premise wiring systems.
- Revisions to Sec 210.8 include many updates to codes surrounding GFCI Protection – GFCI outlets, also known as ground-fault circuit interrupters, are common in most homes, specifically in areas where water can be found, like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, patios, or garages. These revisions include clarifications, expansions to existing rules, and a few new items.
- Section 220.12 was revised to update the maximum permitted lighting load specified by certain energy codes for non-dwelling and residential units.
- New rules for both service and residential family dwelling units on the number of emergency disconnects they have installed – all one and two-family dwelling units must now have an emergency disconnect installed in a readily accessible exterior location, according to Sec 230.85.
- Section 408.9 expanded the prohibited locations for receptacles in damp or wet locations but included a new expect to permit the installation of receptacles in small bathrooms.
There are several other updates and new articles to the electrical code, they can be found in more detail here.
Work with A Licensed Electrical Contractor in Bonita Springs, FL
As a homeowner, learning about all the new changes to electrical code in 2020 could be overwhelming for you.
You shouldn’t be expected to have the technical knowledge of your home’s electrical system to unpack all this information and know what updates your home might need. That’s where a licensed electrical contractor can come in and help you with all your residential electrical service needs.
Empowered Global is a Southwest Florida electrical contractor that specializes in residential electrical service. We can give your home a full electrical inspection and help you with any updates necessary from lighting, to outlets, and beyond.
We are also a certified Platinum Kohler Dealer so we can assist you with generator installation and maintenance, so your home is ready for hurricane season.
For more information on how Empowered Global can help you, call (239) 330-4520 for more information today!