State Electrical Code and Interpretations

The North Carolina State Electrical Code consists of an adopted version of the National Electrical Code (NEC) supplemented by State Amendments. The dates corresponding to the edition of the NEC in effect during specific intervals, including links to the electrical amendments for that edition are provided below.

All editions of the NEC can be accessed through the NFPA website at NEC Access.

(Note: NFPA requires an user account be created prior to viewing the Codes)

2020 State Electrical Code

(2020 NEC with State Amendments; excluding one- and two-family dwellings, see Amendments 10.1 & 10.2)

Effective: November 1, 2021

The 2020 State Electrical Code (2020 NEC with State Amendments) was accepted by the Building Code Council on June 8, 2021 and accepted by the Rules Review Commission on October 21, 2021. Below are the State Amendments for the 2020 NEC.

2020 State Electrical Code Amendments Compact Version - v3

2020 Electrical Code Interpretations

Sections 10.1 and 10.2 - One- and Two-Family Exception Scope

Section 210.11(C) - Required v. Non-Required Receptacles

Section 314.27(C) - Ceiling Boxes for Paddle Fans

2017 State Electrical Code

(2017 NEC with State Amendments)

Effective: June 12, 2018 - October 31, 2021

2017 NEC State Amendments (Original Code Adoption)

2017 Additional NEC State Amendments (Post Code Adoption)

2017 Electrical Interpretations

Interpretation
110.14 - Tightening Torque Inspection and Responsibility
110.26 - Working Space and Clearances
2020 State Electrical Code Amendments Compact Version
210.11 - Number of Outlets on Circuits in Dwellings
210.52(A) & 210.12(A) - Sunroom Requirements
210.52(A) - Wall Space v. Wall Countertop Space
210.52(C)(3) - Dwelling Kitchen Peninsular Required Receptacle(s)
210.52(E) - Outdoor Receptacle Requirements for Dwellings
210.8(A)(4) - GFCI Protection in a Crawl Space
210.8(B) - General Rules for GFCI Protection of Receptacles in Non-Dwelling Applications
230.7 - Meter Enclosures with Generator Feed-Through Feeders
230.70(A)(1) - Length of Service-Entrance Conductors
250.104(B) - Bonding of Gas Piping
250.24(A) - Grounding Electrode Conductor Bonding to Neutral
250.52(A) - Engineered Electrodes Permitted for Grounding
250.53 - Grounding Electrodes For Single Family Dwellings
250.64(B) - Exterior Grounding Electrode Conductors Exposed to Physical Damage
300.4 - General Protection Against Physical Damage
310.16(B)(7) - Feeders in One- and Two- Family Dwelling Units
400.12 - Altering Appliance Cords
406.4(D)(2) - GFCI Stickers
440.6 - Air-Cond. & Refrigerating Equip. Branch Circuit Ampacity & Protection
440.8 - Mini Split Disconnecting Means
550.33 - Mobile Home Feeders and Equipment Grounding Conductors
90.2(B)(5) - Electrical Utility Conductors and Equipment
Article 100 - Structures Defined
Article 550 - Mobile and Manufactured Homes
Article 551 - Recreational Vehicles and RV Parks
Section 210.11(C) - Required v. Non-Required Receptacles
Section 314.27(C) - Ceiling Boxes for Paddel Fans

2014 NEC

Effective: April 1, 2016 through June 11, 2018

2014 NC Amendments

2014 NC Additional Amendments

2014 Electrical Interpretations

2011 NEC

Effective: July 3, 2012 through March 31, 2016

2011 NC Amendments

2008 NEC

Effective: June 1, 2008 through July 2, 2012

2008 NC Amendments

2008 Electrical Interpretations

2005 NEC

Effective: March 1, 2005 through May 31, 2008

2005 NC Amendments

2005 Electrical Interpretations (send a request to joseph.starling@ncdoi.gov)