2020 National Electrical Code Adoption Kits Now Available
The National Fire Protection Association issued their most recent edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) on Aug. 25, 2019, and states are now in the process of adopting this most recent set of electrical codes. NAHB staff has reviewed the code changes and has made available the 2020 National Electrical Code Adoption Kit that identifies the significant changes that would most impact the home building industry. Some of the more significant changes include:
- Section 210.8(A) would require receptacles serving 250-volt appliances to have GFCI protection.
- Section 230.67(A-D) would require all services supplying dwelling units to be provided with a surge-protective device.
- Section 230.85 would require an emergency disconnect accessible in an outdoor location for one and two-family dwellings.
These significant changes, in addition to others, would impact the cost of construction for single-family and multifamily residential projects. Home Innovation Research Labs published an estimated cost analysis for NEC changes outlining the differences in costs between the 2014, 2017 and the 2020 NEC.
As a response to the increase in construction cost, NAHB has published the National Electrical Code Suggested Amendments for state and local HBAs as consideration to maintain cost-effective and affordable code provisions.
To find out if your state has adopted the 2020 NEC, or is in the process of adopting the latest edition of electrical codes, see the map published by the National Fire Protection Association.
Latest from NAHBNow
Sep 02, 2025
NAHB International Builders’ Show Registration Opens for Final Time in OrlandoThe National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) officially opened online registration and housing today for the 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show@reg; (IBS), the largest annual light construction trade show in the world.
Sep 02, 2025
Single-Family Construction Down in Large Metros, Up in Rural AreasIn a sign of a soft housing market, single-family construction posted declines in nearly every geographic region in the second quarter of 2025, with the largest percentage drop of 3.8% occurring in large metro, suburban counties where most permit activity occurs. And while multifamily output also fell in large metro core counties, most other markets posted multifamily growth in the second quarter, according to the latest NAHB Home Building Geography Index (HGBI) for the second quarter of 2025 released today.
Latest Economic News
Aug 29, 2025
Multifamily Absorption Rises in the Second QuarterThe percentage of new apartment units that were absorbed within three months after completion rose in the second quarter, according to the Census Bureau’s latest release of the Survey of Market Absorption of New Multifamily Units (SOMA).
Aug 28, 2025
Mortgage Rates Move Lower, Hitting 10-Month LowAverage mortgage rates in August continued their steady decline and are now at their lowest rate since last November.
Aug 27, 2025
Wood-Framed Home Share Increased in 2024Wood framing continues to dominate the U.S. single-family home construction market, according to NAHB analysis of 2024 Census Bureau data.