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The National Electrical Code (NEC) is one of the most critical tools supporting electrical safety in the United States. Published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and updated every three years, the NEC sets the minimum safety requirements for residential, commercial and industrial electrical installations to protect lives and property.
Yet, NEC adoption is fragmented across America. Despite the 2023 version of the code being available for some time and the 2026 update right around the corner, a couple of jurisdictions still follow the 2008 code – which was developed in an era when modern energy applications like distributed energy resources (DERs) and electric vehicle (EV) charging were far less common than they are today.
These discrepancies in electrical safety standards can lead to increased insurance rates in states that fall behind and create significant technical challenges for electricians, contractors, designers and builders who work across state lines. Plus, electrification is transforming energy systems everywhere, meaning a lack of up-to-date standards is creating the risk of improper installations and missed opportunities to optimize energy systems for the future, ultimately causing many projects to land short of what’s required.
To put it simply, when the latest code requirements are not considered, projects miss out on critical safety improvements and new approaches that enhance electrical installations. In my opinion, this is a serious issue. Take, for example, the rapid expansion of EV charging infrastructure – without updated NEC guidelines, professionals lack clear guidance which can ultimately create liability risks and compromise safety.
Further, I cannot stress enough how important it is to recognize that the NEC only establishes the minimum requirements for safety. As a result, guiding projects based on outdated code often means the bare minimum safety requirements cannot be met. To fully understand my perspective, let’s take a deeper look into the state of NEC adoption and the obstacles preventing the optimal safety and performance of electrical installations.
As of October 1, 2025
The NEC’s three-year update cycle is a critical process that helps the electrical industry keep up with evolving safety risks and innovations. Outdated codes create gaps in safety and missed opportunities for the implementation of the latest strategies, increasing the risk of accidents and improper installations.
Safety should always be the primary driver of NEC updates, but in my opinion, industry stakeholders can hinder progress. Some oppose new safety measures due to perceived cost increases, despite their long-term benefits. This resistance can slow down adoption and put lives at risk.
Adopting the latest NEC brings significant benefits, including enhanced safety, reduced liability, improved compatibility with new technologies and increased clarity in electrical installations.
The complexity of the adoption process, resistance due to cost concerns or lack of awareness and inconsistency across jurisdictions all compound to complicate industry operations. However, in my opinion, these challenges should not be an excuse to delay critical safety improvements.
From my perspective, allowing outdated codes to persist is a dangerous oversight. These gaps expose communities to unnecessary risks, particularly as electrification and EV adoption accelerate, and homeowners and businesses integrate DERs and new electric loads. For example, the proven benefits intelligent load management highlight the importance of staying current and guidance in this area is constantly being refined. NEC 2023 Article 220 prescribes the rules and methods for calculating branch circuit, feeder and service loads, including a new section for EV chargers. If your jurisdiction is not guided by the most recent version of the code, it is extremely difficult to ensure that these new loads are being installed safely.
Additionally, I believe the argument that NEC adoption is too costly is shortsighted. There are many recent code updates that make it more affordable when designing commercial and residential environments. For example, the 2023 NEC removed receptacle requirements from kitchen islands and peninsulas to prevent accidents involving kitchen appliances. In other cases, the safety benefits far outweigh marginal cost increases. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reports that as the NEC’s Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) requirements expanded, electrocution rates dropped significantly. The organization reports an 80% decline in electrocutions since GFCI protection was introduced in bathrooms and a 93% decrease in consumer product electrocutions from 1975 to 2020.
Plus, standardized electrical safety codes create value for homebuyers, reduce liability for professionals and ensures consistent installation requirements across state lines. Investing in safety today prevents costly legal and insurance issues down the road. Furthermore, I believe standardized NEC adoption benefits the industry by reducing complexity for contractors by ensuring education remains on a consistent cycle and promoting innovation that enhances electrical safety for everyone.
With the next NEC update cycle nearing completion, I believe it is crucial to stay informed about upcoming changes and when to consider exceeding local adoption requirements to enhance electrical safety and optimize installations. Electrical professionals should take proactive steps to go beyond the minimum requirements, prioritize safety and quality in installations, and stay engaged in NEC adoption advocacy.
From my perspective, participating in local chapters of industry organizations such as the Independent Alliance of the Electrical Industry (IAEI), the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) offers valuable insights and opportunities for engagement. Encouraging local and state authorities to adopt the latest NEC in full, or at least consider the latest directives, will go a long way to support a unified safety approach nationwide.
The fragmented landscape creates unnecessary risks and challenges, leaving many regions operating under outdated and potentially unsafe standards. As the electrical industry continues to evolve, a unified approach to NEC adoption will ensure that communities, businesses and electrical professionals can work with confidence – supported by the latest safety innovations and best practices.
Staying up to date on the latest NEC updates and actively advocating for consistent adoption at the state and local levels is essential to creating a safer future. I encourage electrical professionals to stay engaged and champion NEC adoption in their communities. Now is the time to lead the charge in prioritizing electrical safety across America.
