How to Interpret Our Chart
After finding your state, use the other columns to understand the following:
- Code Edition: The version of NFPA 70 adopted by the state or applicable jurisdiction. Requirements may differ by construction type or location.
- Adoption Date: When the listed standards took effect. States establish their own adoption schedules.
- Notes: Details about amendments, enforcement authority, and pending updates.
NEC Adoption by State
| State | Code Edition | Adoption Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2020 | July 1, 2022 | Adopted by the Alabama Division of Construction Management |
| Alaska | 2020 | April 16, 2020 | |
| Arizona | Varies | N/A | No statewide enforcement. Local regulations apply. |
| Arkansas | 2020 | August 1, 2022 | Enacted with amendments. 2026 update in progress. |
| California | 2023 | January 1, 2026 | The 2025 California Electrical Code Title 24, Part 3 includes amended NEC material. |
| Colorado | 2026 | August 1, 2026 | |
| Connecticut | 2020 | October 1, 2022 | Enacted with amendments. 2023 update in progress. |
| Delaware | 2023 | January 1, 2026 | |
| Florida | 2020 | December 31, 2023 | 2023 update in progress. |
| Georgia | 2023 | January 1, 2025 | |
| Hawaii | 2020 | March 14, 2023 | |
| Idaho | 2023 | July 1, 2023 | Enacted with amendments, which also allow the use of the 2017 edition in some cases. |
| Illinois | Varies | July 1, 2011 | Local municipalities have adoption authority. The 2008 edition is used for commercial occupancies not under local jurisdiction. The 2018 Chicago Electrical Code is based on the 2017 edition. |
| Indiana | 2008/2017 | August 26, 2009 and December 26, 2019 | Enacted with amendments. 2008 is for commercial projects and 2017 for one- and two-family dwellings. 2023 update in progress. |
| Iowa | 2023 | July 1, 2025 | Enacted with amendments. 2026 update in progress. |
| Kansas | 2008 | N/A | No statewide requirement. Local municipalities enforce or modify the 2008 edition. |
| Kentucky | 2023 | January 1, 2025 | 2026 update in progress. |
| Louisiana | 2020 | January 1, 2023 | |
| Maine | 2026 | July 1, 2026 | Includes amendments. |
| Maryland | 2020 | July 1, 2025 | Includes local amendments. 2023 update in progress. |
| Massachusetts | 2026 | April 24, 2026 | Enacted with local amendments. |
| Michigan | 2023/2014 | March 12, 2024 and February 8, 2016 | 2023 edition applies to commercial occupancies; 2014 edition applies to one- and two-family dwellings. 2026 update in progress for commercial. |
| Minnesota | 2026 | August 17, 2026 | |
| Mississippi | Varies | N/A | No statewide adoption. Incorporated locally by reference only. |
| Missouri | Varies | N/A | No statewide adoption. Incorporated locally by reference only. |
| Montana | 2020 | June 10, 2022 | Includes amendments. 2023 update in progress. |
| Nebraska | 2023 | August 1, 2024 | 2026 update in progress. |
| Nevada | 2017/Varies | July 1, 2018 | 2017 edition adopted by the Nevada State Public Works Division for public projects. Jurisdictions handle local enforcement. |
| New Hampshire | 2023 | July 1, 2025 | Includes local amendments. |
| New Jersey | 2020 | September 6, 2022 | Approved version includes local revisions. |
| New Mexico | 2020 | March 28, 2023 | |
| New York | 2023 | December 31, 2025 | The 2025 NYC Electrical Code uses an amended 2020 edition. |
| North Carolina | 2020 | November 1, 2021 | Includes revisions for occupancies other than one- and two-family dwellings. |
| North Dakota | 2026 | July 1, 2026 | |
| Ohio | 2023 | March 1, 2024 and April 15, 2024 | 2023 edition effective for commercial occupancies; residential occupancies adopted with state amendments. |
| Oklahoma | 2023 | September 14, 2024 | |
| Oregon | 2023 | October 1, 2023 | Includes local revisions. 2026 update in progress (projected October 1, 2026). |
| Pennsylvania | 2020 | January 1, 2026 | |
| Rhode Island | 2023 | December 1, 2025 | |
| South Carolina | 2020 | January 1, 2023 | Includes specific revisions. 2023 update process complete; effective January 1, 2027. |
| South Dakota | 2023 | November 12, 2024 | Revised for local needs. |
| Tennessee | 2017 | October 1, 2018 | Amended for unique needs. |
| Texas | 2023 | September 1, 2023 | |
| Utah | 2023 | January 1, 2025 | |
| Vermont | 2020 | January 1, 2023 | 2023 update in progress. |
| Virginia | 2020 | January 18, 2024 | 2023 update in progress (effective date not established). |
| Washington | 2023 | April 1, 2024 | 2026 update in progress (projected December 31, 2026). |
| West Virginia | 2020 | August 1, 2022 | Amended for local requirements. |
| Wisconsin | 2023 | September 1, 2026 | Revised for specific situations. |
| Wyoming | 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
Last update: September 2026. Confirm applicable requirements and amendments with your state or local authority before beginning electrical work.
State Adoption and Enforcement
Some states adopt the NEC statewide, while others leave adoption and enforcement to local authorities. Arizona and Missouri, for example, have no single statewide adoption requirement, so electricians must follow applicable local regulations.
Requirements can also vary by construction type. Michigan uses the 2023 NEC for commercial occupancies but the 2014 edition for one- and two-family dwellings.
Jurisdictional Changes
States and municipalities can amend nationally published standards to address local construction and safety needs.
For example, California incorporates the 2023 NEC into its 2025 California Electrical Code with state-specific modifications. New York City maintains its own electrical requirements, based on an amended 2020 edition rather than the version adopted statewide.
Before beginning a project, review any amendments issued by the applicable authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), such as your state electrical board or local building department.
What Happens When a State Adopts a New NEC Edition?
Adoption can affect projects already in development as well as the training electricians need to obtain or maintain their licenses. The timing and requirements depend on the jurisdiction.
How Does Adoption Affect Existing Projects?
Projects permitted before an adoption date may be allowed to continue under previous requirements, while new permit applications must follow the updated standards.
For example, when Minnesota adopted the 2026 NEC, the applicable version depended on when an electrical permit was filed. Projects filed before August 17, 2026, remained subject to the previous requirements, while newer permits had to comply with the updated standards.
Local transition procedures may differ. In Aurora, Colorado, existing single-family master plans automatically transitioned to the 2026 NEC for subsequent permits. Multifamily master plans, however, required revisions before additional permits could be issued.
How Does Adoption Affect Training and Licensing?
Newly adopted requirements can change what electricians need to study for licensing exams and continuing education (CE).
For example, Texas adopted the 2023 NEC on September 1, 2023, and updated its electrical licensing exams to reference that version beginning October 1. Applicants taking an exam after the transition needed to prepare using the newer material.
Washington requires electricians to complete eight hours of training on changes to the currently adopted NEC as part of their 24-hour CE requirement. After the 2023 NEC took effect on April 1, 2024, electricians could meet this requirement through approved courses covering those changes. With the 2026 NEC set to take effect on December 31, 2026, electricians renewing afterward should verify which approved update course satisfies their renewal requirements.
Adoption does not automatically invalidate previously completed training or require every electrician to take additional courses immediately. Requirements depend on the license type, renewal period, and state rules.
JADE Learning offers state-approved electrical continuing education and electrical exam preparation courses to help electricians meet licensing requirements and understand applicable standards.
Accessing the NFPA 70 Code
The National Electrical Code is available in print and digital formats directly from the NFPA. You can also access its standards through an NFPA LiNK subscription.
To view available NEC editions for free:
- Visit the NFPA 70 page.
- Select the edition you want to review.
- Click View Free Access.
- Sign in to your NFPA account or create one if needed.