Top 5 Changes to the National Electric Code
Architects and engineers in Georgia should be very familiar with the impact that building code changes can have on current and upcoming projects. The state recently adopted eight new codes at the beginning of 2020. The adoption of new building codes can change design decisions and affect project timelines if the design team is not fully prepared for the new code requirements. Thankfully, it seems most design teams handled the 2020 code changes with thoughtful preparation that resulted in a smooth transition.
Well, the code changes aren’t over yet. NFPA 70, also referred to as the National Electric Code (NEC), releases a new edition every three years. Many states adopt the new NEC in the same year it is released or, like the State of Georgia, in January of the following year. As such, Georgia will be early in the adoption of 2020 NEC on January 1, 2021. While we know these changes will only impact a small amount of electrical engineering design and installation details, we want architects and contractors to be aware of the items that may impact project costs. We have compiled the top 5 ways the 2020 National Electric Code will change your projects.
The 2020 National Electric Code (NFPA 70) can be viewed and purchased here.
Top 5 Changes to the 2020 National Electric Code
110.22 - Identification of Disconnecting Means. The code now requires that disconnecting means (safety switches or circuit breakers) must be labeled with the circuit source that supplies the disconnecting means. Many engineers already require this, but the code now requires it for all projects. Every disconnect that you see in a building once your state moves to the 2020 NEC should have a label on it describing the panel from which it is fed. This is a good practice in general and we are glad to see it is finally included in the code.
Equipment label with “fed from” information
210.8 – GFCI Receptacles are now being required in many more locations in dwelling units and non-dwelling units. GFCI Receptacles have always been required in kitchens but now they are required in areas with a sink and permanent provisions for either food preparation or cooking. Previously, if you had a break room, or food prep area, only the receptacles within 6’ of the sink would be GFCI, now the code is requiring all receptacles in the space to be GFCI similar to a kitchen. The code has also added that GFCI protection must be provided for outdoor dwelling unit outlets that are supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150V or less to ground, 50A or less. The 150V to ground requirement is for 120V circuits and 240/208V circuits. The reason for the “to ground” is a 240V circuit is 240V between the phase (hot) conductors, but each phase to ground is only 120V, meaning they would meet this requirement. This requirement would add GFCI protection to outdoor condensing units which are typically 25-30A 240V units.
GFCI Receptacle
230.67 - Surge Protection. This is a new requirement that all services for dwelling units shall be provided with surge protection devices (SPD). There is an exception that allows the device to be in the downstream panelboard or load center. This will add costs to multifamily buildings since every dwelling unit will now need to be supplied with a surge protection device.
230.85 – Emergency Disconnects. This is a new section that requires emergency disconnects to be installed at a readily accessible outdoor location at all one-family and two-family dwelling units. This rule was added to aid firefighters in shutting off power to a residence that is engulfed in fire to prevent the firefighters from standing in a pool of electrified water.
406.12 – Tamper-Resistant Receptacles. Tamper-Resistant Receptacles have spring-loaded shutters that close off the openings, or slots, of the receptacles. The previous version of the NEC required tamper-resistant receptacles at all preschools, elementary education facilities, and childcare facilities. The word elementary was removed before education facilities which now requires tamper resistant receptacles in all education facilities from preschools, elementary, middle, high schools and colleges and universities. This will add roughly 10% to the receptacle costs to upgrade to tamper resistant receptacles.
Tamper Resistant Receptacle