Always confirm locally. States adopt the NEC on their own schedules, often with amendments, and many cities and counties adopt different editions or add local rules. This table compiles two published trackers as of early November 2026. Before you bid, permit, or install, confirm the edition with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Quick answer (November 2026)
- 2026 NEC is in force or adopted in: Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, and Wyoming, with Washington set for December 31, 2026.
- 2023 NEC is the most common edition, in force in about 20 states including California, Georgia, New York, Ohio, and New Jersey.
- Several states are still on 2020 or older, including Florida (moving to 2023 on Dec. 31, 2026), Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Tennessee (2017).
- No statewide adoption in Arizona, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, and Nevada; cities and counties decide.
On this page
The National Electrical Code is updated every three years, but no state is required to adopt the newest edition on any schedule. The result: in late 2026, electricians in Texas work to the 2026 NEC, electricians in Florida work to the 2020 NEC, and electricians in Tennessee work to the 2017 NEC. Cross a state line, or sometimes just a city line, and the rules change.
How NEC adoption works
- NFPA publishes the NEC (NFPA 70) every three years: 2020, 2023, 2026.
- States adopt it by statute, rule, or as part of a state building code, often with amendments that delete or change specific sections.
- Effective dates lag. A state can “adopt” an edition months before it takes effect.
- Local adoption: in states without a statewide code, each city or county picks its edition.
- The AHJ has the last word. The inspector enforces what the jurisdiction adopted, including local amendments.
NEC edition by state
| State | Edition in force | Effective | What’s next / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2020 | Jul 1, 2022 | — |
| Alaska | 2020 | Apr 16, 2020 | Per Mike Holt list |
| Arizona | Local | — | No statewide adoption |
| Arkansas | 2020 or 2026 | — | Sources disagree: one lists 2026 effective Sep 3, 2026; another lists 2020 with 2023 proposed. Confirm with the state. |
| California | 2023 (with CA amendments) | Jan 1, 2026 | 2026 NEC expected Jan 1, 2029 |
| Colorado | 2026 | Mid-2026 | Sources list Jul 15 or Aug 1, 2026 |
| Connecticut | 2020 (with CT amendments) | Oct 1, 2022 | 2023 update underway |
| Delaware | 2023 | Jan 1, 2026 | — |
| District of Columbia | 2014 | May 29, 2020 | Update proposed |
| Florida | 2020 | Dec 31, 2023 | 2023 NEC pending, Dec 31, 2026 |
| Georgia | 2023 | Jan 1, 2025 | — |
| Hawaii | 2020 | Mar 14, 2023 | Per Mike Holt list |
| Idaho | 2023 | 2024 | — |
| Illinois | Local | — | No statewide adoption; 2008 NEC for non-building-code jurisdictions |
| Indiana | 2008 (commercial) | 2009 | 2017 for one- and two-family dwellings; 2023 adopted, not yet in force |
| Iowa | 2023 (with IA amendments) | Jul 1, 2025 | 2026 proposed |
| Kansas | Local | — | 2008 NEC for state-owned buildings only |
| Kentucky | 2023 | Jan 1, 2025 | 2026 proposed |
| Louisiana | 2020 | Jan 1, 2023 | 2023 proposed for Jan 1, 2027 |
| Maine | 2026 | Jul 1, 2026 | — |
| Maryland | 2017 or 2020 | — | Sources disagree; 2023 proposed. Confirm locally. |
| Massachusetts | 2026 | Apr 24, 2026 | — |
| Michigan | 2023 (commercial) | Mar 12, 2024 | 2023 for one- and two-family dwellings; 2026 proposed |
| Minnesota | 2026 | Aug 17, 2026 | — |
| Mississippi | Local | — | No statewide adoption |
| Missouri | Local | — | No statewide adoption |
| Montana | 2020 or 2023 | — | Sources disagree; newer tracker lists 2023 effective Sep 26, 2026 |
| Nebraska | 2023 | Aug 1, 2024 | — |
| Nevada | Local | — | State Public Works uses 2017 |
| New Hampshire | 2023 | Jul 1, 2025 | — |
| New Jersey | 2023 | Aug 17, 2026 | — |
| New Mexico | 2020 | Mar 28, 2023 | — |
| New York | 2023 | Dec 31, 2025 | NYC has its own electrical code |
| North Carolina | 2020 (with NC amendments) | Nov 1, 2021 | 2023 adopted, not yet in force |
| North Dakota | 2026 | Jul 1, 2026 | — |
| Ohio | 2023 | Mar 1, 2024 (commercial) | Residential with OH amendments Apr 15, 2024 |
| Oklahoma | 2023 | Sep 14, 2024 | 2026 proposed |
| Oregon | 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 | — |
| Pennsylvania | 2020 | Jan 1, 2026 | — |
| Rhode Island | 2023 | Dec 1, 2025 | — |
| South Carolina | 2020 (with SC amendments) | Jan 1, 2023 | 2023 effective Jan 1, 2027 |
| South Dakota | 2023 (with SD amendments) | Nov 12, 2024 | — |
| Tennessee | 2017 (with TN amendments) | Oct 1, 2018 | — |
| Texas | 2026 | Sep 1, 2026 | — |
| Utah | 2023 | Jul 1, 2025 | — |
| Vermont | 2023 | Nov 5, 2025 | — |
| Virginia | 2020 | Jan 18, 2024 | 2023 update underway |
| Washington | 2023 | Apr 1, 2024 | 2026 effective Dec 31, 2026 |
| West Virginia | 2020 (with WV amendments) | Aug 1, 2022 | — |
| Wisconsin | 2023 | Sep 1, 2026 | — |
| Wyoming | 2026 | Jul 1, 2026 | — |
Sources: CodesOfRecord NEC adoption tracker (data as of November 1, 2026, citing state records) and Mike Holt Enterprises’ NEC Adoption List, both checked November 2026. Where they disagree, both values are shown.
States on the 2026 NEC
The 2026 edition has been picked up fast. As of November 2026:
- In force: Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Wyoming.
- Adopted, coming soon: Washington (December 31, 2026).
- Proposed: Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma.
If you work in these states, get the 2026 code book and your state’s amendments. Texas electricians: TDLR handles electrical licensing; see electrician license requirements by state.
Changes coming in 2027 and beyond
| State | Change | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 2023 → 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 |
| Florida | 2020 → 2023 | Dec 31, 2026 |
| South Carolina | 2020 → 2023 | Jan 1, 2027 |
| Louisiana | 2020 → 2023 (proposed) | Jan 1, 2027 |
| California | 2023 → 2026 | Jan 1, 2029 (expected) |
Local-adoption states
In Arizona, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, and Nevada (and largely Kansas), there’s no single statewide NEC. Phoenix, Chicago, Kansas City, Las Vegas, and their neighbors each set their own edition and amendments. Chicago in particular has long run its own electrical code. In these states, check every new city before you bid.
Code changes that show up on service calls
Most residential service work runs into the same handful of newer requirements. Depending on which edition your jurisdiction has adopted:
- Surge protection for dwelling services (230.67, added in the 2020 NEC): a service upgrade or replacement may require a surge protective device.
- Outdoor emergency disconnect for one- and two-family dwellings (230.85, added in 2020): affects meter and panel replacements.
- Expanded GFCI requirements in dwellings (210.8), which have grown with each edition. The outdoor-outlet GFCI rule has caused nuisance tripping on some HVAC equipment; check your state’s exact language and amendments.
- Arc-fault protection (210.12) for branch circuits being extended or modified.
A service call to replace a panel can turn into a code-upgrade conversation. Quote the whole scope and photograph the existing install before you start.
Running crews in more than one state
Shops near a state line, like Kansas City, the DC area, or Texarkana, can have techs working under three different editions in one week. What helps:
- Keep a jurisdiction sheet for every city and county you work in, with the edition and amendments.
- Licensing follows the state. Techs need the right license for each state they work in.
- Route jobs by license. Only send techs into states where they’re licensed.
- Photograph existing conditions on every panel and service job for the inspector and your records.
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NEC Edition in All 50 States (+ DC)
Every state and D.C., with the edition in force and what’s next. Tap a state above or use the lookup at the top of the page.
Jump to your state
Alabama 2020 NEC
In force: 2020 NEC effective Jul 1, 2022.
Alaska 2020 NEC
In force: 2020 NEC effective Apr 16, 2020.
Notes: Per Mike Holt list.
Arizona Local Adoption
Arizona has no statewide NEC adoption for most work. The edition is whatever your city or county building department has adopted, so check with the local authority having jurisdiction before you bid.
No statewide adoption.
Arkansas Confirm Locally
Published trackers list Arkansas as the 2020 or 2026 NEC. Sources disagree: one lists 2026 effective Sep 3, 2026; another lists 2020 with 2023 proposed. Confirm with the state.
Confirm the edition with the state electrical board or your local inspector before you design to it.
California 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC (with CA amendments) effective Jan 1, 2026.
Notes: 2026 NEC expected Jan 1, 2029.
California adopts the NEC as part of the California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3), with state amendments.
Colorado 2026 NEC
In force: 2026 NEC effective Mid-2026.
Notes: Sources list Jul 15 or Aug 1, 2026.
Connecticut 2020 NEC
In force: 2020 NEC (with CT amendments) effective Oct 1, 2022.
Notes: 2023 update underway.
Delaware 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Jan 1, 2026.
District of Columbia 2014 NEC
In force: 2014 NEC effective May 29, 2020.
Notes: Update proposed.
Florida 2020 NEC
In force: 2020 NEC effective Dec 31, 2023.
Notes: 2023 NEC pending, Dec 31, 2026.
Florida’s 9th Edition building code brings the 2023 NEC. See Florida Building Code 9th Edition.
Georgia 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Jan 1, 2025.
Hawaii 2020 NEC
In force: 2020 NEC effective Mar 14, 2023.
Notes: Per Mike Holt list.
Idaho 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective 2024.
Illinois Local Adoption
Illinois has no statewide NEC adoption for most work. The edition is whatever your city or county building department has adopted, so check with the local authority having jurisdiction before you bid.
No statewide adoption; 2008 NEC for non-building-code jurisdictions.
Indiana 2008 NEC
In force: 2008 NEC (commercial) effective 2009.
Notes: 2017 for one- and two-family dwellings; 2023 adopted, not yet in force.
Iowa 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC (with IA amendments) effective Jul 1, 2025.
Notes: 2026 proposed.
Kansas Local Adoption
Kansas has no statewide NEC adoption for most work. The edition is whatever your city or county building department has adopted, so check with the local authority having jurisdiction before you bid.
2008 NEC for state-owned buildings only.
Kentucky 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Jan 1, 2025.
Notes: 2026 proposed.
Louisiana 2020 NEC
In force: 2020 NEC effective Jan 1, 2023.
Notes: 2023 proposed for Jan 1, 2027.
Maine 2026 NEC
In force: 2026 NEC effective Jul 1, 2026.
Maryland Confirm Locally
Published trackers list Maryland as the 2017 or 2020 NEC. Sources disagree; 2023 proposed. Confirm locally.
Confirm the edition with the state electrical board or your local inspector before you design to it.
Massachusetts 2026 NEC
In force: 2026 NEC effective Apr 24, 2026.
Michigan 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC (commercial) effective Mar 12, 2024.
Notes: 2023 for one- and two-family dwellings; 2026 proposed.
Minnesota 2026 NEC
In force: 2026 NEC effective Aug 17, 2026.
Mississippi Local Adoption
Mississippi has no statewide NEC adoption for most work. The edition is whatever your city or county building department has adopted, so check with the local authority having jurisdiction before you bid.
No statewide adoption.
Missouri Local Adoption
Missouri has no statewide NEC adoption for most work. The edition is whatever your city or county building department has adopted, so check with the local authority having jurisdiction before you bid.
No statewide adoption.
Montana Confirm Locally
Published trackers list Montana as the 2020 or 2023 NEC. Sources disagree; newer tracker lists 2023 effective Sep 26, 2026.
Confirm the edition with the state electrical board or your local inspector before you design to it.
Nebraska 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Aug 1, 2024.
Nevada Local Adoption
Nevada has no statewide NEC adoption for most work. The edition is whatever your city or county building department has adopted, so check with the local authority having jurisdiction before you bid.
State Public Works uses 2017.
New Hampshire 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Jul 1, 2025.
New Jersey 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Aug 17, 2026.
New Mexico 2020 NEC
In force: 2020 NEC effective Mar 28, 2023.
New York 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Dec 31, 2025.
Notes: NYC has its own electrical code.
New York City enforces its own electrical code, separate from the state’s.
North Carolina 2020 NEC
In force: 2020 NEC (with NC amendments) effective Nov 1, 2021.
Notes: 2023 adopted, not yet in force.
North Dakota 2026 NEC
In force: 2026 NEC effective Jul 1, 2026.
Ohio 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Mar 1, 2024 (commercial).
Notes: Residential with OH amendments Apr 15, 2024.
Oklahoma 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Sep 14, 2024.
Notes: 2026 proposed.
Oregon 2026 NEC
In force: 2026 NEC effective Oct 1, 2026.
Pennsylvania 2020 NEC
In force: 2020 NEC effective Jan 1, 2026.
Rhode Island 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Dec 1, 2025.
South Carolina 2020 NEC
In force: 2020 NEC (with SC amendments) effective Jan 1, 2023.
Notes: 2023 effective Jan 1, 2027.
South Dakota 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC (with SD amendments) effective Nov 12, 2024.
Tennessee 2017 NEC
In force: 2017 NEC (with TN amendments) effective Oct 1, 2018.
Texas 2026 NEC
In force: 2026 NEC effective Sep 1, 2026.
Cities can adopt local amendments, so confirm with the local inspector.
Utah 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Jul 1, 2025.
Vermont 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Nov 5, 2025.
Virginia 2020 NEC
In force: 2020 NEC effective Jan 18, 2024.
Notes: 2023 update underway.
Washington 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Apr 1, 2024.
Notes: 2026 effective Dec 31, 2026.
West Virginia 2020 NEC
In force: 2020 NEC (with WV amendments) effective Aug 1, 2022.
Wisconsin 2023 NEC
In force: 2023 NEC effective Sep 1, 2026.
Wyoming 2026 NEC
In force: 2026 NEC effective Jul 1, 2026.
Sources: NFPA adoption map and published state trackers, as summarized in the table above. Checked November 2026. Local amendments are common; the authority having jurisdiction enforces what it has adopted.
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