QIS Contruction News

Effective September 1, 2014, the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration will adopt the 2014 National Electrical Code (NEC) as the electrical code for the State thereby establishing the NEC 2014 as the “minimum standard” for all electrical work in Texas. The new code supersedes the 2011 edition of the NEC, which was implemented in 2011.

There are several changes to the 2014 National Electrical Code that immediately impact the Texas homebuilder. A discussion of these revisions is noted below:

2014 NEC – 210.8(A)(7) GFCI – Dwelling Unit Sinks

A revision of 210.8(A)(7) GFCI for GFCI protection for dwelling unit sinks removes the words “located in areas other than kitchens” to require GFCI protection for all 125-volt, single phase, 15 – 20-ampere receptacles installed within six feet of the outside edge of dwelling unit sinks (including kitchen sinks).

2014 NEC – 210.8(A)(9) GFCI – Bathtub and Shower Stalls

A new addition 210.8(A)(9) for bathtubs or shower stalls will now require GFCI protection for all 125-volt, single phase, 15 - 20-ampere receptacles within six feet of the outside edge of a dwelling unit bathtub or shower stall, even if these bathtub and shower stalls are not located in a defined bathroom.

2014 NEC – 210.8(A)(10) GFCI – Laundry Rooms

A new addition 210.8(A)(10) for laundry areas will now require GFCI protection for all 125-volt, single phase, 15 - 20-ampere receptacles installed in a laundry room. The presence of a laundry room sink is no longer the driving factor as to whether GFCI protection is required or not.

2014 NEC – 210.8(D) GFCI - Dishwashers

A new addition 210.8(D) will now require GFCI protection for outlets that supply dishwashers installed in dwelling units. This would include a receptacle outlet or direct wired outlet for a dishwasher.

2014 NEC – 210.12(A) – AFCI – Kitchen and Laundry Areas

The list of areas in a dwelling unit that will now be required to be provided with AFCI protection was expanded to include kitchens and laundry areas. AFCI protection is now required for all 125-volt, single phase, 15 - 20-ampere branch circuits supplying not just outlets but also devices installed in the list of areas requiring ADFCI protection at 210.12 (A).

2014 NEC – 210.52(E)(3) – Balconies, Decks and Porches

The requirement for a receptacle located at Balconies, Decks and Porches has been revised to require the balcony, deck or porch to be attached to the dwelling, and to eliminate the requirements for the outdoor receptacles outlet to be within the perimeter of the balcony deck or porch.

2014 NEC – 210.52(G) – Dwelling Unit Garages

A branch circuit supplying garage receptacles is to supply only the garage. Receptacles are required for each car space in the garage.

Please contact us should you require assistance on these or other code related issues. Qualified Inspection Services provides third party residential inspection services designed to keep builders code compliant. To find out how our services may benefit your company, contact us today.