Interesting changes to the NEC for home electrical requirements

[SwampNut]

I believe all of these took effect in February.

 

ALL receps in kitchens AND other dedicated food/drink prep areas with a sink must have GFCI.  This used to apply to counter top outlets only, so things like the under-counter dishwasher and disposal, or a wall mount microwave, were not covered.  Now it applies to all of them, even 240v outlets.  There's an exception for an outlet in a dedicated space for appliances, and the cords are locked in place.  Not sure what that means.  But around here, the dishwashers and disposals usually share an outlet under the sink which is not "dedicated" space.

 

You are allowed to put an outlet within 6 feet of a sink, the limit was removed.  

 

The minimum branch circuit size is no longer 15a.  In recognition of low-consumption LED lighting, you can have 10a lighting, exhaust fan, and fireplace circuits.  This is for hardwired only, no outlets.

 

Kitchen islands are no longer required to have outlets.  So a new build could have an island with no power.  Something to look for on new homes.

 

EV chargers over 120v/16a must have a dedicated circuit.  EVs that can back-feed power are specifically allowed with proper isolation from the grid.

[JoWhee]

On 3/11/2024 at 4:43 AM, SwampNut said:

 There's an exception for an outlet in a dedicated space for appliances, and the cords are locked in place.

Sounds like it's for an electric range. For the cost of a GFI receptacle it's not a bad idea to have them everywhere in a kitchen or bathroom. 

[SwampNut]

Especially since the new thing, at least here, is GFCI breakers.  We also require AFCI on some of them, but I can't remember where exactly from memory.  I have a few of both, 2006 house.  Combo G/AFCI used to be crazy expensive, wonder if they are cheap now.