The NFPA Standards Council issued the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) in August 2022. As with each edition, states and local jurisdictions will adopt it on their own schedules.
Changes worth knowing
- GFCI protection expands to more receptacles and outlets rated up to 250 volts, including kitchen receptacles and certain listed appliances.
- Surge protection requirements extend to more dwelling types, as well as feeders and outside feeders.
- Kitchen islands and peninsulas no longer require a receptacle, but provision must be made to add one later.
What it means for residential projects
For multi-unit residential buildings, including student housing, the GFCI and surge protection changes affect device selection, panel layouts and cost. They also matter for testing: more GFCI-protected circuits mean more devices to verify before occupancy.
Because adoption varies, projects in different states may be working to the 2017, 2020 or 2023 NEC at the same time. We confirm the adopted edition and local amendments at the start of each project.
