Are you wondering about the changes in the 2023 edition of the National Electric Code? In this article, we go over every significant change in the context of residential dwellings.

Article 100: Definitions

• All definitions are now consolidated in Article 100, including those that were previously scattered sections (e.g., XXX.2) of their respective chapters. This change simplifies the code and makes it easier to reference definitions.
• New terms:
• Work Surface vs. Countertop: The difference now depends on potential spillage, affecting the type of electrical equipment required. For instance, countertops may need sealed, pop-up receptacles for extra protection. A work surface refers to an area designed for tasks that are less likely to involve spills or liquids.

110.17 & 110.20: Equipment Servicing and Reconditioning

• 110.17 (New): Differentiates between reconditioning, servicing, and maintenance. It mandates that:
• Only qualified personnel can perform servicing or maintenance.
• Replacement parts and equipment must be identified and approved.
• 110.20 (New): Clarifies when equipment can or cannot be reconditioned and whether it needs to be listed or labeled, based on AHJ approval.

110.26(A)(4): Working Space Around Electrical Equipment

• The article now requires working depth to be maintained all the way to the floor. Open equipment doors must leave at least 24 inches of clear egress space, and the maximum side reach for work within panels is now limited to 6 inches.

210.8: GFCI Protection Updates

• NEC Section 210.8(A)(6): Expands GFCI protection to all 125- to 250-volt kitchen receptacles, even if they’re not adjacent to the sink or serving countertops like before.
• NEC Section 210.8(A)(7) & 210.8(B)(3): Adds GFCI requirements to “areas with sinks and permanent provisions for food preparation or cooking,” such as wet bars or beverage prep stations.
• NEC Section 210.8(D): Expands the list of appliances requiring GFCI protection to include:
• Electric ranges
• Wall-mounted ovens
• Counter-mounted cooking units
• Clothes dryers
• Microwaves
• Applies to both hardwired and plug-connected appliances.
• NEC Section 210.8(F): Adds an exception for HVAC equipment, exempting it from GFCI protection to avoid nuisance tripping. However, GFCI protection is still required for garages, accessory buildings, and boathouses, including replacement or previously unprotected equipment. It has been expanded to include garages with floors at or below grade level.

210.12(F): AFCI Protection for Sleeping Quarters

• Sleeping areas in firehouses, police stations, and similar locations now require AFCI protection, treating them like dormitories. This ensures safety for essential personnel during downtime.

210.17: Guest Rooms and Suites

• The 2023 edition clarifies that rooms and suites in hotels, motels, and assisted living facilities with permanent cooking provisions must now meet the same branch circuit requirements as dwelling unit kitchens.

210.18 & 210.23: Branch Circuits

• 210.18 (New): Introduces 10-amp branch circuits for specific low-power loads like lighting and exhaust fans.
• 210.23: Prohibits loads such as receptacle outlets, fixed appliances, garage door openers, and laundry equipment from being placed on 10-amp circuits.

210.52: Kitchen Receptacle Updates

• Section (C)(2): Removes the requirement for receptacles on kitchen islands and peninsulas but mandates provisions for future receptacle installations. If a receptacle isn’t installed initially, the wiring or conduit infrastructure must be in place to allow for easy installation later.
• Section (C)(3): Receptacles serving countertops must now be located above the surface or use approved pop-up designs. Below-surface receptacles are no longer allowed. This has been added to protect from water spills.

215.18: Surge Protection for Feeders

• A new section of the 215 article requires surge protection for feeders, particularly those located far from the main service, to prevent damage from voltage spikes.

220.12 and 220.57: Load Calculations for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

• Now, when performing load calculations, EVSE loads must be calculated at either 7,200 watts or the equipment’s nameplate rating—whichever is larger.
• The floor area of garages must now be included when calculating the minimum lighting load for dwelling units. This ensures garages—often used for more than just vehicle storage—have adequate lighting for their multifunctional use.

406.9(C): Receptacles Around Tubs and Showers

• The article's clarification defines zones around tubs and showers where receptacles are prohibited. The "zone" typically includes the space within 3 feet horizontally from the edge of a tub or shower and 8 feet vertically from the top of the tub or shower threshold.
• The updated article clarifies that these prohibited zones do not include spaces separated by barriers such as:
• Walls
• Floors
• Ceilings
• Room doors
• Windows or fixed partitions
• For example, if a wall or a sliding glass door separates the tub or shower from the adjacent space, the restricted zone does not extend beyond that barrier.

406.12: Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

• Tamper-resistant receptacles are now required in more locations, including:
• Boathouses
• Mobile homes
• Detached garages and accessory structures serving dwellings.

445.18(A) & 445.19: Generator Disconnects

• The revised article now allows the disconnecting means for generators to be located inside the generator, provided proper labeling is in place for emergency responders.

625.40: Electric Vehicle Branch Circuit

• The article now permits multiple EVSE units (drawing 16A or less, at 120V) to share a single circuit when operating in island mode.

680.54(C): Splash Pad Bonding

• A new section clarifies bonding requirements for splash pads, ensuring proper safety measures for these increasingly popular features. This includes all metallic components, structural reinforcing steel, and related equipment in splash pads.

Article 690: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

• The new term, "PV String Circuit," refers to a series-connected group of photovoltaic modules forming a single circuit. This term replaces broader references to PV source circuits in order to differentiate from parallel arrays or other DC circuits.
• 690.7: Maximum Voltage:  PV circuits over 1,000Vdc must use enhanced insulation, increased spacing, and approved conduit systems (e.g., RMC or IMC) to mitigate arcing risks.