Despite the name, the NEC is not U.S. law. Each state and/or local government determines adoption. In January of this year, North Carolina updated its electrical code for all new installations but implementation has been delayed due to Hurricane Helene impacts.

Many older homes may not have an adequate electrical system to meet the electrical demands of today. If you’re renovating your home, make sure to have the following electrical safety devices installed to maintain an electrically safe, code compliant home.

Safety Devices

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI): Available as circuit breakers and receptacles. AFCIs protect against electrical fires from malfunctions. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 50% of home electrical fires can be prevented by proper AFCI protection.

Surge Protective Devices (SPD): Surge Protective Devices protect against surges that can damage or reduce the lifespan of your electrical system and devices.

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI): Available as a circuit breaker and receptacle. GFCIs protect against electric shock and are required in areas where water and electricity may come in contact.

Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRR) function like normal receptacles but they include an internal shutter system to prevent foreign objects from being inserted into the outlets.

Renovating?

The following protection is required in these areas:

• Bathrooms
  GFCI protection
• Basements & Crawl Spaces
  AFCI protection (finished basements)
  GFCI protection (crawl space at or below grade)
• Bedrooms and Common Rooms (Family, dining, parlor, libraries, dens, recreation, and similar rooms)
  AFCI protection Garages
  GFCI protection
• Hallways & Closets
  AFCI protection
• Kitchens
  AFCI protection
  GFCI protection (where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces or where receptacles are installed within 6 feet of a sink)
• Laundry Area
  AFCI protection
  GFCI protection
• Outdoor
  GFCI protection

Additional Highlights

• All receptacles in homes, garages, accessory buildings, and common areas of multifamily homes must be protected by TRRs
• New and replaced service equipment are now required to be protected by listed Type 1 or Type 2 Surge Protective Devices
• Outdoor emergency disconnects are required for new construction and homes having their service replaced.