Delaware Electrical Code & NEC Adoption
This guide covers everything you need to know about electrical code in Delaware, including the current NEC edition (2020), wire sizing requirements, GFCI rules, electrician licensing, permit costs, and city-specific regulations. Delaware scores 67/100 on WireRef's compliance scale, placing it in the permissive tier for code enforcement and safety oversight.
How Delaware scores on electrical code compliance
WireRef rates each state's electrical code environment on a 0-100 scale based on four factors: NEC edition recency, licensing requirements, permit enforcement, and active state amendments. Delaware scores 67/100, rated Permissive.
This score is 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.
Wire sizing requirements in Delaware
The core ampacity values in NEC Table 310.16 have been unchanged since NEC 2017. Whether your Delaware jurisdiction uses NEC 2017, 2020, 2023, or 2026, the wire sizing for residential circuits is identical. The table below covers the most common residential circuits:
| Circuit | Wire (Cu) | Breaker | Insulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen 20A outlet Required for all kitchen receptacle circuits per NEC 210.11(C)(1) | 12 AWG | 20A | NM-B (Romex) |
| Bathroom 20A outlet Dedicated 20A circuit required per NEC 210.11(C)(3) | 12 AWG | 20A | NM-B (Romex) |
| General lighting 15A Standard for bedroom, living room, hallway lighting circuits | 14 AWG | 15A | NM-B (Romex) |
| Electric dryer 240V 10/3 NM-B for cable; 10 AWG THHN in conduit | 10 AWG | 30A | NM-B or THHN |
| Electric range 240V 6/3 NM-B for cable run; dedicated circuit required | 6 AWG | 50A | NM-B or THHN |
| EV charger (48A) 48A continuous load x 1.25 = 60A breaker minimum | 6 AWG | 60A | THHN in conduit |
| Central A/C (3-5 ton) Sized per unit nameplate MCA and MOCP values | 10-6 AWG | 30-50A | THHN |
| 200A dwelling service 2/0 copper or 4/0 aluminum per Table 310.15(B)(7) for dwelling services | 2/0 AWG | 200A | USE-2 or THHN |
For long wire runs in Delaware (over 50 feet), voltage drop becomes the limiting factor before ampacity. Use our voltage drop calculator to verify your wire size keeps voltage drop under 3% for branch circuits or 5% total (feeder + branch).
GFCI requirements in Delaware
Under NEC 2020 (enforced in Delaware), GFCI was expanded to include basements (finished and unfinished) and laundry areas. However, kitchen GFCI is limited to countertop outlets within 6 feet of a sink - the refrigerator outlet is typically exempt.
| Location | GFCI requirement |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Kitchen countertop receptacles within 6 feet of the sink require GFCI. Wall receptacles behind the refrigerator are usually exempt. Section 210.8(A)(6). |
| Bathroom | All bathroom receptacles require GFCI. Section 210.8(A)(1). |
| Outdoor | All outdoor receptacles require GFCI. In-use covers are required at grade level. Section 210.8(A)(3). |
| Garage | All garage receptacles require GFCI. Section 210.8(A)(2). |
| Basement | All basement receptacles require GFCI - expanded in 2020 to include finished basements. Section 210.8(A)(5). |
| Laundry | Laundry area receptacles within 6 feet of a sink require GFCI. Section 210.8(A)(10). |
See detailed GFCI rules by room: Kitchen · Bathroom · Garage · Outdoor · Basement · Laundry · Bedroom · Pool & Spa
Key differences: NEC 2020 vs NEC 2023
Delaware currently enforces NEC 2020. Here are the major differences between your state's code and the latest NEC 2023 that may affect your project:
| Change | What it means |
|---|---|
| GFCI Requirements Expansion | Before: Kitchen GFCI required only for countertop receptacles (6-ft rule from sink) Now: ALL kitchen receptacles must be GFCI protected, plus hardwired appliances per 210.8(D) |
| General Lighting Loads Table Renumbering | Before: Table 220.12: Office = 1.5 VA/sqft (multiply by 1.25 for continuous) Now: Table 220.42(A): Office = 2.0 VA/sqft (already includes 1.25) |
Even though Delaware enforces NEC 2020, your local inspector may require compliance with newer rules for new work. Always confirm with your local AHJ before starting a project.
Electrician licensing & permits in Delaware
Delaware requires electricians to be licensed. The primary license is the Electrical License, administered by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. Visit the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation website for application requirements and fees. Homeowners are generally exempt from licensing requirements when performing electrical work on their own primary residence - but permits and inspections are still required.
Verify a license: Check whether an electrician is properly licensed in Delaware using the official license verification portal. Always verify before hiring.
Permits: Electrical permits are required for most new circuits, panel upgrades, and service changes. Homeowners may pull permits for their own primary residence in most jurisdictions.
Typical permit costs: Residential electrical permits in Delaware generally range from $50-$150 depending on the scope of work and jurisdiction.
Permit costs are approximate and vary by jurisdiction. Contact your local building department for exact fees. Costs shown are for residential electrical permits and may not reflect commercial rates.
Common electrical projects that require a permit in most Delaware jurisdictions:
- New circuits - adding any new branch circuit to the panel
- Panel upgrades - replacing or upsizing the main electrical panel
- Service changes - upgrading from 100A to 200A service
- EV charger installation - new 240V circuit for Level 2 charging
- Hot tub or pool wiring - Article 680 requirements apply
- Detached structure wiring - garage, shed, or ADU subpanel
Work that typically does not require a permit includes replacing switches, outlets, and light fixtures on existing circuits (no new wiring). However, rules vary - when in doubt, call your local Delaware building department before starting.
License types in Delaware
| License Type | Experience | Exam | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Electrician | 8,000 hours | Yes | 4 years supervised experience under Master Electrician |
| Master Electrician | 12,000 hours | Yes | Must hold Journeyman license plus additional experience |
Continuing education in Delaware
Delaware does not require continuing education for electrician license renewal. No CE currently required for license renewal
Homeowner exemption: Yes. Homeowners may perform electrical work on their own residence
Major cities: building departments & local codes
While Delaware's statewide code provides the baseline, individual cities may have additional requirements, different permit fees, or local amendments. Below are the building department contacts for Delaware's largest cities.
| City | Building Department | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | Licenses & Inspections | Follows state NEC adoption |
| Dover | Planning & Inspections | Follows state NEC adoption |
City-specific information last verified Apr 2026. Contact the building department directly for current fees and requirements. WireRef is not affiliated with any municipal building department.
EV charger permit requirements in Delaware
Most jurisdictions in Delaware require an electrical permit for Level 2 EV charger installation. A Level 2 charger typically requires a dedicated 240V circuit with a 50A or 60A breaker and 6 AWG copper wire (for a 48A charger at continuous load).
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Typical circuit | 240V, 50A or 60A breaker, 6 AWG copper THHN |
| Permit required | Yes, in most jurisdictions |
| Continuous load rule | 48A charger x 1.25 = 60A breaker (NEC 210.20) |
| GFCI/disconnect | Disconnect within sight of charger per NEC 625. GFCI protection per NEC 625.54 (outdoor) or manufacturer requirements |
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
See our complete EV charger wiring guide for detailed installation requirements. For state incentives and rebates, check the DSIRE database for Delaware-specific programs.
Frequently asked questions: Delaware electrical code
What NEC edition does Delaware currently use?
Delaware currently enforces NEC 2020. It became effective on September 01, 2021. This determines the baseline electrical safety requirements for all new electrical work in the state. Local jurisdictions may adopt more recent editions or add amendments.
Do I need an electrician license to do electrical work in Delaware?
Yes - Delaware requires a Electrical License for professional electrical work through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. However, homeowners are generally exempt when working on their own primary residence.
Do I need a permit for electrical work in Delaware?
Yes - most electrical work in Delaware requires a permit, including new circuits, panel upgrades, and service changes. Typical residential permit costs range from $50-$150. Homeowners can typically pull permits for their own residence.
How much does an electrical permit cost in Delaware?
Residential electrical permits in Delaware typically cost $50-$150 depending on the scope of work and specific jurisdiction. Costs vary significantly between cities - contact your local building department for exact fees.
What wire size do I need for a 20-amp kitchen circuit in Delaware?
12 AWG copper is required for all 20-amp circuits regardless of which NEC edition Delaware enforces - the ampacity tables in Table 310.16 have been unchanged since NEC 2017. Use 12/2 NM-B (Romex) for standard cable runs or 12 AWG THHN in conduit. See our kitchen wiring guide for complete requirements.
Does Delaware require GFCI in the kitchen?
Under NEC 2020 (currently enforced in Delaware), kitchen GFCI is required for countertop receptacles within 6 feet of the sink. The refrigerator outlet may be exempt. However, your local inspector may require broader GFCI coverage for new work.
Do I need a permit for an EV charger in Delaware?
Yes - most Delaware jurisdictions require an electrical permit for Level 2 EV charger installation since it involves a new 240V circuit. The typical installation requires a 60A breaker with 6 AWG copper wire for a 48A charger. See our EV charger wiring guide for complete specs.
How do I verify an electrician's license in Delaware?
You can verify any electrician's license status through the official Delaware license verification portal. Always verify before hiring an electrician for your project. Ask for the license number upfront and confirm it is active and in good standing.
How does Delaware's electrical code compare to other states?
Delaware scores 67/100 (Permissive) on WireRef's compliance scale. This is a moderate score - the state has licensing and permit requirements but may be one NEC cycle behind the latest edition.
Related guides
Compare Delaware to other states
Head-to-head comparisons
All states
States are color-coded by NEC edition: 2023+ current, 2020 one cycle behind, older/local two+ cycles behind.
NEC 2023 references verified April 2026