NEC Adoption & Compliance Scores by State

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is updated every 3 years, but each state adopts editions on its own schedule. WireRef rates each state on a 0 -100 compliance scale based on NEC edition recency, licensing requirements, permit enforcement, and active amendments.

The core ampacity values in Table 310.16 have been unchanged since NEC 2014, so wire sizing is the same regardless of edition. However, GFCI requirements vary significantly between NEC 2017, 2020, and 2023 - click any state to see edition-specific GFCI rules.

23
NEC 2023+
18
NEC 2020
6
NEC 2017 or older
3
Local only
StateNEC EditionScoreLicensePermits
Alabama202067 Permissive✓✓
Alaska202067 Permissive✓✓
ArizonaLocal45 Permissive✓✓
Arkansas202082 Moderate✓✓
California202395 Strict✓✓
Colorado202380 Moderate✓✓
Connecticut202082 Moderate✓✓
Delaware202067 Permissive✓✓
Florida202082 Moderate✓✓
Georgia202380 Moderate✓✓
Hawaii202375 Moderate✓✓
Idaho202395 Strict✓✓
Illinois200847 Permissive✓✓
Indiana201772 Moderate✓✓
Iowa202395 Strict✓✓
Kansas200822 Minimal -✓
Kentucky202380 Moderate✓✓
Louisiana202067 Permissive✓✓
Maine202395 Strict✓✓
Maryland202067 Permissive✓✓
Massachusetts202395 Strict✓✓
Michigan202395 Strict✓✓
Minnesota202380 Moderate✓✓
MississippiLocal20 Minimal -✓
MissouriLocal20 Minimal -✓
Montana202082 Moderate✓✓
Nebraska202380 Moderate✓✓
Nevada201757 Permissive✓✓
New Hampshire202395 Strict✓✓
New Jersey202082 Moderate✓✓
New Mexico202067 Permissive✓✓
New York202380 Moderate✓✓
North Carolina202082 Moderate✓✓
North Dakota202380 Moderate✓✓
Ohio202380 Moderate✓✓
Oklahoma202380 Moderate✓✓
Oregon202395 Strict✓✓
Pennsylvania202067 Permissive✓✓
Rhode Island202067 Permissive✓✓
South Carolina202082 Moderate✓✓
South Dakota202395 Strict✓✓
Tennessee201772 Moderate✓✓
Texas202380 Moderate✓✓
Utah202395 Strict✓✓
Vermont202082 Moderate✓✓
Virginia202067 Permissive✓✓
Washington202380 Moderate✓✓
West Virginia202082 Moderate✓✓
Wisconsin201772 Moderate✓✓
Wyoming202380 Moderate✓✓
Wire sizing is the same regardless of NEC edition. All WireRef ampacity values, calculators, and wire sizing guides produce correct results under NEC 2014 through NEC 2026 because Table 310.16 ampacity values are identical across all these editions.

Compliance scores are for informational purposes only. A lower score does not mean electrical work in the state is unsafe. Many local jurisdictions enforce strict standards independently of statewide policy. Data verified February 2026.

Important: For reference only. Not a substitute for a licensed electrician. Electrical work can cause serious injury, death, fire, or property damage if performed incorrectly. Always hire a licensed electrician for electrical work, especially for service upgrades, panel work, and 240V circuits. Values are derived from NFPA 70 (NEC) for educational purposes. Always verify against your locally adopted NEC edition and amendments - local jurisdictions may enforce stricter requirements. WireRef provides reference information only and is not responsible for work performed based on this content. NEC® is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association. Free NEC access via NFPA · OSHA Electrical Safety · Terms of use.

NEC 2023 references verified April 2026