12.20.24 – SSI Staff –
The National Electric Code is the most widely used installation safety code in the U.S., utilized globally to safeguard people and property.
QUINCY, Mass. – The National Fire Protection Association‘s National Electrical Code (NEC) Correlating Committee is seeking feedback on its proposed reorganization of the 2029 edition of NFPA 70, better known as the National Electrical Code.
The National Electric Code is “the most widely used installation safety code in the U.S. and utilized globally to safeguard people and property from electrical hazards,” according to the NFPA announcement.
Since its establishment in 1937, the current structure of the NEC has been utilized and has provided a stable platform for electricians, contractors, engineers and training program professionals.
However, as the installation and use of electrical systems and equipment has evolved, particularly over the past two decades, industry trends, advancements in technology, and increasingly complex terminology have created a need for workers to more efficiently learn and quickly apply and inspect new and uniquely designed electrical systems, which the current structure no longer efficiently supports.
To address this need, the NEC Correlating Committee is seeking feedback on the proposed reorganization of the 2029 National Electric Code. Restructuring the existing document, according to NFPA, will “enhance the ease of learning, understanding and applying NEC requirements in today’s rapidly advancing energy landscape,” according to the association announcement.
“Over time, new technologies and innovative concepts have been added to the code where they best fit based on the limitations of the existing code structure,” says Jeff Sargent, NFPA principal specialist and staff liaison for the National Electrical Code, in the announcement.
“Gathering feedback from stakeholders who regularly use the NEC is essential to ensure we all share a common vision for developing a more robust layout, ultimately creating the best possible document for many decades to come,” he says.
Inside the NFPA’s National Electric Code Reorganization
The reorganization changes will only affect the structure and organization of the NEC and will not impact technical content, says Sargent. However, the normal NEC revision process, where technical changes can be made, will continue to occur concurrently with the reorganization changes.
The restructure process has already begun with the 2023 edition, introducing significant changes in areas such as medium voltage, limited energy, and multidirectional power flow. More foundational changes are proposed for the 2026 edition in preparation for the 2029 revision cycle, which will involve adding new chapters and restructuring existing content.
As feedback is submitted, the NEC Correlating Committee will continue to review code-making panels scopes and monitor for conflicting language and any correlation issues. The NEC Correlating Committee will also review all feedback on the proposed reorganization.
As is the case each time the National Electric Code is revised, stakeholders will have the opportunity to participate in the 2029 NEC revision process and are encouraged to submit public inputs and comments for consideration by the NEC Code-Making Panels.
To learn more about the revised organizational structure of the 2029 NEC, visit nfpa.org/NEC_reorg and download the free PDF to review the proposed changes. Submit feedback to the NEC restructure team before July 1, 2025, at NECrestructure@nfpa.org.