Electrical codes and standards

2020 NEC update

The Board of Electricity adopted the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) with an effective date of Nov. 17, 2020. Accordingly, the Department of Labor and Industry began enforcing the 2020 NEC on Nov.17, 2020. Electrical work authorized by permits issued on or after this date must comply with the 2020 NEC. Electrical license examinations are based on the requirements of the 2020 NEC beginning Jan. 1, 2021.

However, due to concerns regarding the availability of 2-pole GFCI circuit breakers, until further notice, the department is delaying enforcement of the requirements for 250-volt GFCI receptacles and outlet requirements found in NEC 210.8(A) and 210.8(F).

GFCI circuit breakers may be commercially available, but the COVID-19 pandemic has created major manufacturing and supply-chain challenges, thus limiting the availability of these devices and the ability to complete work and obtain inspections. Section 90.4, of the NEC allows the authority having jurisdiction to refer to the most recent previous edition of the NEC adopted by the jurisdiction when materials are not yet available at the time the Code is adopted. 

Chapter 1315 of the Minnesota State Building Code adopts a national standard for the installation of electrical wiring, apparatus and equipment for electric light, heat, power, technology circuits and systems, and alarm and communication systems. Minnesota's electrical code consists of the National Electrical Code (NEC) as published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

• 2020 NEC Frequently Asked Questions

• 2017 NEC Frequently Asked Questions

• Chart of 2017 NEC Errata and Tentative Interim Amendments

  • 2017 NEC Errata (NFPA)

  • 2017 NEC Tentative Interim Amendments (NFPA)

• Residential Inspection Checklist

• Free access to the National Electrical Code (must create a free NFPA account for access)

• Electrical laws and rules

Bulletins and code resources

Agriculture buildings

• Article 547: agriculture buildings

• Equipotential plane for livestock confinement

• Livestock waterers and equipotential planes

• Minnesota Stray Voltage Guide 

Building codes

• Building code fact sheets

• Minnesota State Building Codes

General safety

• Electric Shock Drowning Minnesota

• Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association

• NFPA Tip Sheet: Marina and Boating Safety

General wiring

• Cable bracing requirements

• Circuit breakers in low ambient temperatures

• Coordination of overcurrent protective devices

• Determining the electrical datum plane elevation

• Electrical code requirements for accessory dwelling units (ADU)

• Extension of circuitry in manufactured homes

• Flexible cords used for connecting luminaires

• Grounding and bonding for detached buildings or structures

• History of residential wiring practices

• Impressed current cathodic protection

• Moved buildings or structures

• Number of services to a building

• Primary injection testing

• Residential Electrical Inspection Checklist

• Type SE and USE cable

• Type TC cable for the interconnection of mini-split air conditioning units

• Use of Type NM cable in garages and accessory buildings at multi-family dwellings

• Warning ribbons for service conductors

• Wiring methods for Class 2 LED drivers

Hazardous (classified) locations

• Bulk storage dispenser classifications

• Fuel dispensing: installations, retrofits and replacements

• Woodworking shop classification

Licensing and inspections

• Electrical work – Minor repair work

• Electrical work – Electrical maintenance work

• LED inspection fee calculation

• Manufactured home parks

• Minnesota school superintendents

• Radon fan installation

• Siding replacement licensing requirements

• Technology systems – General summary of licensing and inspections

• Technology systems – Electrical licensing and inspection chart

• Technology systems – Important information for power-limited technicians

• Technology systems – Important information for technology system contractors

Questions?

Contact us at dli.electricity@state.mn.us or 651-284-5026.