The National Electrical Code (NEC) is updated every few years with new regulations or changes to existing regulations that are designed to improve electrical safety and avoid certain types of hazards. In 2024, Nebraska became one of a growing number of states to adopt the 2023 NEC, which is currently the latest version.
While most of the major changes in the new version apply to commercial buildings and multi-family dwellings like apartments, there are also a number of changes to residential electric code requirements. In this article, we’ll look at what some of the biggest changes are and how they may affect you and your home.
Updated GFCI Protection Requirements
The NEC has required the use of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets and circuit breakers in certain parts of a home since the 1970s. The purpose of these devices is to instantly shut off the power to the outlet or circuit if a ground fault occurs to prevent potential electrocution.
A ground fault is when electricity flows out of a ground wire through an unintended path (such as a person) that allows it to flow directly into the ground, which can happen as a result of water conducting the current into a metal object or a live wire touching anything metal.
The result is that the metal gets electrified, and the current will then flow through anyone who touches the metal due to their body providing it with a direct, low-resistance path to the ground. If this situation occurs, the GFCI will immediately detect that current is leaking out and shut off the power almost instantly to ensure the person doesn’t get shocked or electrocuted.
The previous version of the NEC required the use of GFCI outlets for all power receptacles in an unfinished basement, garage, bathroom, utility room, laundry room and outdoors. The alternative is to have every outlet in these areas on a circuit with a GFCI breaker. GFCI outlets were also required in the kitchen, but only for outlets above the countertop within five feet of the kitchen sink. This requirement has been changed to mandate the use of GFCI outlets for all power receptacles in a kitchen. All hard-wired kitchen appliances now also must be controlled by a GFCI circuit breaker.
New AFCI Requirements
AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets and breakers are specifically designed to prevent electrical fires. An arc fault is when electricity flows through the air and starts producing sparks that release an extreme amount of heat and can catch any building materials or other objects on fire. As with GFCIs, an AFCI outlet or breaker will stop the power from continuing to flow almost instantly should an arc fault occur.
The NEC now requires all 15- and 20-amp 120-volt circuits in kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and hallways to have AFCI protection. One option is to use GFCI outlets in these areas and an AFCI breaker for each of the circuits. There are also combination AFCI/GFCI breakers and dual AFCI/GFCI outlets.
Emergency Power Shut-Offs
Another major change is that homes are now required to have an emergency power shut-off outside the building in an easily accessible place. The purpose of this is to ensure that emergency responders can turn off the power to the entire house before going inside so that they can safely enter without encountering any electrical hazards. This shut-off switch is especially important in case the house catches fire, as it ensures that the firefighters can safely use water to put out the fire without the risk of the water conducting electricity and potentially electrocuting someone.
Surge Protection Requirements
The NEC now also requires that homes have either a Type-1 or Type-2 whole-house surge protector installed directly at or at least near the electrical service panel. This change was made for two different reasons. One is just to ensure that all of the appliances and sensitive electronic devices in the house are protected and won’t suffer major damage if a large power surge ever hits the building. This can happen in situations like lightning striking a power pole or a transformer. The other reason is to protect the home’s electrical system and ensure a power surge doesn’t cause an electrical fire.
If a power surge does strike the house, the surge protector device will activate almost instantly and block the surge from flowing into the house’s electrical system. The device still allows some power through, but it sends the excess voltage away from the building through the grounding rod connected to the electrical service panel.
Dedicated Circuit for EV Charging Station
One change that may surprise many homeowners is that the NEC now requires houses to have a dedicated 240-volt circuit installed specifically for a Level 2 EV charging station. It doesn’t matter if the homeowner doesn’t own an EV or ever plans on installing a charging station.
There still must be a 240-volt circuit available that can never be used for anything else. While you could technically use the circuit for another purpose, you would be required to have another one installed either way. The reason that this change was made is to help future-proof homes and eliminate the need to retrofit the electrical system in the event that the homeowner decides to install a charging station.
Are You Required to Bring Your Electrical System Up to Code?
The most important thing to note about the NEC is that any updates only apply to new home construction or when making major renovations or major changes to your electrical system. Existing homes are grandfathered in and only have to meet whatever the NEC requirements were at the time they were built.
In terms of making major changes to your electrical system, this mostly refers to situations where you’re rewiring at least half of your home. However, there are some exceptions to this rule as it pertains to the new requirements for whole-house surge protection and an emergency power shut-off. If you’re replacing or upgrading your house’s electrical service panel, you are legally required to install both of these things.
While you don’t necessarily have to update your electrical system to meet the most current code requirements, it’s still a good idea. One reason is that it will make your home and family safer by helping you to avoid major electrical hazards like fires and electrocution.
Making sure your electrical system is up to code can also make it easier to sell your house in the future and potentially help you get a slightly better price. If there are numerous things in your house that don’t meet the code requirements, prospective buyers will often try to negotiate. They want to get you to cover at least some of the costs of bringing everything up to code.
Call Us Today
John Henry's Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical is the leading name for electrical services in Lincoln and Omaha, and our team is ready to safely and professionally handle your installation, upgrade and repair needs. We have an in-depth knowledge of national and local electrical codes and can inspect your electrical system for any potential violations and just to ensure everything is safe. We also specialize in installing whole-home surge protectors, EV charging stations, AFCIs, GFCIs and whole-home generators.
To schedule an inspection or service appointment, contact us today.
