Arkansas vs Texas Electrical Code
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Arkansas | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| NEC edition | NEC 2020 | NEC 2023 |
| Compliance score | 82/100 (Moderate) | 80/100 (Moderate) |
| Electrician license | Required | Required |
| License name | Electrical License | Master/Journeyman Electrician License |
| Permits required | Yes | Yes |
| State amendments | Yes | No |
| Homeowner exempt | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
- Texas uses a more recent NEC edition (2023 vs 2020), meaning it has the latest safety requirements including expanded GFCI coverage and updated load calculation methods.
- Arkansas has state-specific amendments to the NEC, indicating active code review and oversight.
Licensing requirements
Arkansas
Arkansas requires a Electrical License through the Arkansas Department of Labor. Homeowners are exempt for work on their own primary residence.
Texas
Texas requires a Master/Journeyman Electrician License through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Homeowners are exempt for work on their own primary residence.
Wire sizing is identical. NEC Table 310.16 ampacity values have not changed since NEC 2017. Whether you are wiring in Arkansas or Texas, a 20A circuit uses 12 AWG copper and a 30A circuit uses 10 AWG copper. The differences between states are in code enforcement, not in the wire sizing itself.
GFCI requirement differences
Because Texas uses NEC 2023 and Arkansas uses NEC 2020, there are differences in GFCI coverage:
| Location | Texas (NEC 2023) | Arkansas (NEC 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | All receptacles including refrigerator | Countertop within 6 ft of sink only |
| Basement | All areas (finished and unfinished) | Unfinished areas only |
| Laundry | All laundry receptacles | Within 6 ft of sink |
| Bathroom | All receptacles (same in both) | |
| Outdoor | All receptacles (same in both) | |
| Garage | All receptacles (same in both) | |
Frequently asked questions
Which state has stricter electrical codes, Arkansas or Texas?
Arkansas has stricter enforcement with a score of 82/100 vs 80/100. The score reflects NEC edition recency, licensing requirements, permit enforcement, and state amendments.
Is my electrician license from Arkansas valid in Texas?
Electrician licenses are generally not transferable between states. If you hold a license in Arkansas, you will typically need to apply separately in Texas. Some states offer reciprocity agreements, but these vary. Contact the licensing authority in Texas directly for requirements.
Is the wire size different in Arkansas vs Texas?
No. Wire sizing per NEC Table 310.16 is identical regardless of which NEC edition a state enforces. A 20A circuit requires 12 AWG copper in both Arkansas and Texas. The ampacity values have not changed since NEC 2017.
Do both Arkansas and Texas require electrical permits?
Both states require electrical permits for most work. Common permit-required projects in both states include new circuits, panel upgrades, service changes, and EV charger installations.
Does the NEC edition difference between Arkansas and Texas matter for my project?
For most residential work (circuits, outlets, fixtures), the NEC edition difference has minimal practical impact because wire sizing tables are unchanged. The biggest difference is GFCI coverage: NEC 2023 requires GFCI in all kitchen outlets and finished basements, while older editions are narrower. If you are doing a kitchen or basement remodel, the edition difference matters.
NEC 2023 references verified April 2026