NEC 2026 Adoption by State: Tracker and Timeline

The 2026 National Electrical Code brings significant changes for low voltage and limited-energy contractors—but those changes don't affect you until your state adopts the new code. This tracker monitors NEC 2026 adoption status across all 50 states.

Last updated: January 2026

Understanding NEC Adoption

The NEC is published by NFPA, but it has no legal force until adopted by state or local governments. Each jurisdiction decides:

• Whether to adopt the NEC
• Which edition to adopt
• When the adoption takes effect
• What amendments to include

Some states adopt quickly (within months of publication). Others lag years behind. A few adopt with significant amendments that modify key provisions.

Current Adoption Status

States That Have Adopted NEC 2026

As of January 2026, most states have not yet adopted NEC 2026. Check back for updates.

State	Effective Date	Notes
Updates pending	-	NEC 2026 recently published

States Currently on NEC 2023

State	Effective Date	Expected 2026 Adoption
Colorado	2024	2027 (estimated)
Oregon	2024	2027 (estimated)
Utah	2024	2027 (estimated)
More states updating	-	-

States Currently on NEC 2020

State	Notes
Multiple states	Still transitioning to 2023

States with No Statewide Code

State	Notes
Alabama	Local adoption only
Arizona	No statewide requirement
Kansas	Local adoption only
Mississippi	Local adoption only
Missouri	Local adoption only
Oklahoma	Local adoption only
Texas	No statewide code; major cities adopt independently

State-by-State Details

Alabama

• Current code: Local jurisdiction
• Statewide adoption: None
• Major cities: Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville adopt independently
• 2026 outlook: Check local jurisdictions

Alaska

• Current code: NEC 2020 (as amended)
• Adoption cycle: ~3 years
• 2026 outlook: Likely 2027-2028

Arizona

• Current code: No statewide requirement
• Major jurisdictions: Phoenix, Tucson adopt independently
• 2026 outlook: Local adoption varies

Arkansas

• Current code: NEC 2020
• Authority: Arkansas Fire Prevention Code
• 2026 outlook: Typically 2-3 years behind

California

• Current code: Based on NEC 2023 (California Electrical Code)
• Adoption process: California Building Standards Commission
• Cycle: Triennial code cycle (2025, 2028)
• 2026 outlook: May adopt 2026 provisions in 2028 cycle
• Note: California significantly amends the NEC

Colorado

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Colorado State Electrical Board
• 2026 outlook: Typically adopts within 1-2 years

Connecticut

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: State Building Inspector
• 2026 outlook: Watch for 2027 adoption

Delaware

• Current code: NEC 2020
• Authority: Office of State Fire Marshal
• 2026 outlook: Likely 2027-2028

Florida

• Current code: NEC 2023 (Florida Building Code Electrical)
• Authority: Florida Building Commission
• Cycle: Updates on 3-year cycle
• 2026 outlook: 2027 Florida Building Code likely

Georgia

• Current code: NEC 2020
• Authority: DCA Construction Codes
• 2026 outlook: Typically 2-3 years behind

Hawaii

• Current code: NEC 2020
• Authority: State of Hawaii
• 2026 outlook: Watch for updates

Idaho

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Division of Building Safety
• 2026 outlook: Typically quick adopter

Illinois

• Current code: Varies by jurisdiction
• Statewide: Limited
• Chicago: Own code
• 2026 outlook: Check local jurisdictions

Indiana

• Current code: NEC 2020
• Authority: Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission
• 2026 outlook: 2027-2028 estimated

Iowa

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: State Fire Marshal
• 2026 outlook: Watch for 2027 adoption

Kansas

• Current code: Local jurisdiction
• Statewide: None
• 2026 outlook: Check local jurisdictions

Kentucky

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Department of Housing
• 2026 outlook: Typically 1-2 years after publication

Louisiana

• Current code: NEC 2020
• Authority: State Uniform Construction Code Council
• 2026 outlook: 2027-2028 estimated

Maine

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Electricians' Examining Board
• 2026 outlook: Watch for 2027 adoption

Maryland

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Maryland Codes Administration
• 2026 outlook: Typically adopts within 1-2 years

Massachusetts

• Current code: NEC 2023 (as amended)
• Authority: Board of Fire Prevention Regulations
• 2026 outlook: Watch for 2027
• Note: Massachusetts amends significantly

Michigan

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Bureau of Construction Codes
• 2026 outlook: 2027 estimated

Minnesota

• Current code: NEC 2023 (Minnesota Electrical Code)
• Authority: Board of Electricity
• 2026 outlook: 2027-2028 estimated
• Note: Minnesota amends the NEC

Mississippi

• Current code: Local jurisdiction
• Statewide: None
• 2026 outlook: Check local jurisdictions

Missouri

• Current code: Local jurisdiction
• Statewide: None (except state buildings)
• 2026 outlook: Check local jurisdictions

Montana

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Building Codes Bureau
• 2026 outlook: 2027 estimated

Nebraska

• Current code: NEC 2020
• Authority: State Electrical Board
• 2026 outlook: May adopt 2023 first

Nevada

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: State Fire Marshal
• 2026 outlook: 2027 estimated

New Hampshire

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: State Fire Marshal
• 2026 outlook: Watch for 2027

New Jersey

• Current code: NEC 2020
• Authority: DCA Division of Codes
• 2026 outlook: 2027-2028

New Mexico

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Construction Industries Division
• 2026 outlook: 2027 estimated

New York

• Current code: Varies (NYC own code)
• NYC: NYC Electrical Code
• State: NEC 2020
• 2026 outlook: NYC and state adopt independently

North Carolina

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: NC Building Code Council
• 2026 outlook: 2027 estimated

North Dakota

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: State Electrical Board
• 2026 outlook: Quick adopter typically

Ohio

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Board of Building Standards
• 2026 outlook: 2027-2028

Oklahoma

• Current code: Local jurisdiction
• Statewide: None
• 2026 outlook: Check local jurisdictions

Oregon

• Current code: NEC 2023 (Oregon amendments)
• Authority: Building Codes Division
• 2026 outlook: 2027 estimated

Pennsylvania

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: L&I Bureau
• 2026 outlook: 2027-2028

Rhode Island

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: State Building Commissioner
• 2026 outlook: Watch for 2027

South Carolina

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Building Codes Council
• 2026 outlook: 2027 estimated

South Dakota

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: State Electrical Commission
• 2026 outlook: Quick adopter

Tennessee

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Fire Marshal
• 2026 outlook: 2027-2028

Texas

• Current code: No statewide code
• Major cities: Adopt independently
• Houston: NEC 2020
• Dallas: NEC 2023
• Austin: NEC 2023
• 2026 outlook: Check your city

Utah

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Division of Occupational Licensing
• 2026 outlook: 2027 estimated

Vermont

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Fire Safety Division
• 2026 outlook: Watch for 2027

Virginia

• Current code: NEC 2020
• Authority: DHCD Building Codes
• 2026 outlook: May adopt 2023 then 2026

Washington

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: L&I Electrical Section
• 2026 outlook: 2027 estimated

West Virginia

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: Fire Commission
• 2026 outlook: 2027-2028

Wisconsin

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: DSPS
• 2026 outlook: 2027 estimated

Wyoming

• Current code: NEC 2023
• Authority: State Fire Marshal
• 2026 outlook: Quick adopter typically

How to Track Your State

Official Sources

1. State electrical board website - Primary source
2. State fire marshal - Often involved in adoption
3. Building codes division - Handles adoptions in some states
4. Secretary of State - Administrative rules filings

Industry Resources

• NFPA - Tracks adoption nationally
• IAEI - State chapter updates
• State electrical associations - Local intelligence

What to Watch For

• Public hearing announcements
• Proposed rule changes
• Comment periods
• Effective date announcements

Why Timing Matters

Before Adoption

• Existing permits continue under current code
• New skills/training can wait
• Specifications should note code edition

During Transition

• Confirm which code applies to your project
• Plans submitted before effective date may use old code
• Inspectors may need education on changes

After Adoption

• All new work must comply
• Inspections against new requirements
• Update your code references and training

Stay Ahead of Code Changes

Tracking code adoption is just part of staying competitive. Know when projects hit permits before your competition.

LVN Signal monitors permit activity and alerts you to opportunities in real-time.

Explore Signal

This tracker is updated regularly. Confirm all adoption dates with official state sources before relying on this information for project planning.

Last updated: January 2026