As anyone who works in the electrical arena knows all too well, NPFA 70, otherwise known as the National Electrical Code or NEC, is updated by the National Fire Protection Association every three years. That means it’s that time again — time for individual states and local jurisdictions to consider adopting the 2023 Code and putting it into practice.
To say a lot has changed in the world over the past three years (since the 2020 Code was introduced in late 2019) is certainly an understatement. But despite unprecedented challenges, the electrical industry has remained resolute and resilient. With the recent unveiling of the 2023 edition, I have no doubt electrical professionals everywhere will adapt to the latest document, studying its revisions, learning the new requirements, and staying on top of even the most subtle changes. With 4,006 Public Inputs, 1,805 First Revisions, 1,956 Public Comments, 900 Second Revisions, 164 Correlating Revisions, and 55 Certified Amending Motions, you could say the 2023 NEC cycle was very lively, resulting in the addition of several new Articles, many revised rules, moving ALL definitions into Article 100, and the relocation of medium-voltage requirements into their own Articles.
We’re pretty much Code crazy here at EC&M to be honest. That’s because hands down the NEC is consistently the most in-demand subject EC&M readers seek out and consume on a daily basis, as evidenced by the extreme popularity of our regular Code content offerings, including What’s Wrong Here?, Illustrated Code Catastrophes, Code Quiz of the Week galleries, Code Basics, Code Quandaries, Code Q&A, Code Quiz, CodeWatch enewsletter four Thursdays a month, and our monthly Code Conversations podcast, which discusses difficult-to-decipher Code concepts in 10 minutes or less. We’ve also introduced several new Tech Talk tutorial videos as well as EC&M Asks videos that incorporate NEC questions, answers, and best practices, all of which can be found on our website under “Premium Content.”
To usher in the latest Code cycle, EC&M has once again teamed up with nationally recognized Code expert and longtime EC&M contributor Mike Holt to update our readers on the most important changes made to the 2023 NEC that affect the largest number of our readers. First, take a look at the online gallery for short summaries of each change. Considering the fact that (as of this writing) this gallery had already garnered more than 90,000 page views on our website in less than a week, this subject matter is obviously a must-read for our entire audience. Then, carve out some time to sit down, focus, and fully take in the comprehensive coverage of our cover story, which offers in-depth analysis and expert commentary on each change.
In addition to the gallery and special report, don’t forget one last important component. The EC&M team knows keeping up with current codes and standards is paramount. That’s why once again we’re presenting the infamous in-person training seminars led by Code guru Mike Holt. There’s simply no better way to learn the intricacies of the 2023 Code than by attending one of these sessions. Kicking off December 6-7 in Seattle, this event will offer two full days of comprehensive Code learning and continuing education. Click here for more information and to register. EC&M Workplace Learning, the training group that puts on these events, is certified as an approved provider by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) through that organization’s Registered Continuing Education Provider Program (RCEPP). Therefore, registered professional engineers who attend will be granted 16 professional development hours (PDHs) to help meet their state’s requirement for re-licensing. Featuring the same format and continuing education credits, next up will be the Boston conference, to be held January 25-26. For more information and to register, click here. Whether you’re an electrician, electrical contractor, consulting engineer, inspector, or plant/facility maintenance professional, you’ll learn about major NEC changes that will impact your work going forward. Note: Attendance at these events includes a copy of Mike Holt’s "Changes to the NEC 2023" book, a continental breakfast, and box lunch each day.
So whether it’s next week, next year, or in the even more distant future, as an electrical professional, sooner or later you’ll be tasked with ensuring electrical systems are designed, installed, and inspected in accordance with the changes contained in the 2023 NEC. Take this opportunity to get ahead of the game. Happy reading.
About the Author
Ellen Parson
Editor-in-Chief - EC&M
Ellen Parson is the Editor-in-Chief for EC&M. She has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She's been a business-to-business writer and editor for more than 25 years, most of which have been covering the construction and electrical industries. Contact her at [email protected].