Topic: Proposal (CR-102) – Electrical Rule - Code Adoption
Brief Description: The purpose of this rulemaking is to amend Chapter 296-46B WAC, Electrical safety standards, administration, and installation, to adopt the 2023 edition of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and other related codes for electrical. The 2023 NEC (NFPA 70-2023) would replace the current 2020 NEC (NFPA 70-2020) adopted standards.
The Electrical Program reviewed the existing rules and 2023 NEC (NFPA 70-2023) to update rules for consistency with the latest national safety standards and industry practice. The 2023 edition of the code presents the latest comprehensive regulations for electrical wiring, overcurrent protection, grounding and installation of equipment.
Washington’s electrical stakeholders and other interested parties were invited to participate in the review process, submit proposals and provide recommendations to L&I for possible rule amendments. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of industry experts and the Electrical Board reviewed the proposals and provided recommendations on adoption of the rules. This rulemaking is necessary to adopt the latest safety codes, and other amendments to the rules identified during the formal review process and recommended by stakeholders to improve public safety.
Public hearing date: January 9, 2024 (Tumwater/virtual/telephonic) Written comments due: January 9, 2024 Intended adoption date: February 20, 2024
Additional information about this rulemaking: CR-102 Proposal Proposal Language Preliminary Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA)