Electrical Code

The National Electrical Code (NEC), also known as NFPA 70, is the model building code that sets minimum standards for electrical installations in new homes. The applicable residential provisions of the NEC are extracted into the ICC International Residential Code (IRC).

Developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) since 1911, the NEC was first published over 125 years ago to address safety hazards from the increased use of electricity in homes and businesses. Now adopted in all fifty states, it covers many applications including the installation and removal of electrical conductors, equipment and raceways on public and private premises. Installations of conductors and equipment that connect to the supply of electricity are also within its scope.

The NEC is revised every three years by NFPA’s National Electrical Code Committee. This committee is made up of eighteen code-making panels and a correlating committee. Thousands of proposed code changes, or Public Inputs, are submitted and acted upon each cycle.

NAHB provides resources to help builders and HBAs navigate the new requirements of recent NEC editions. NAHB staff is also heavily involved in the development of future versions of the NEC.