Code Updates

August 18, 2025

Six New Amendments to the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)

1. NEC 210.8(D) GFCI’s for specific appliances

• GFCI’s will no longer be required for electric ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter mounted cooking units, clothes dryers, and microwave ovens.

2. NEC 210.8(A) GFCI’s in dwelling units

• Code is clarified to eliminate GFCI’s in kitchens except “where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces”, eliminating the mandate on REFRIGERATORS and ending confusion in open-floor plan designs where the kitchen is a part of a larger living space.

3. NEC 210.12(B) AFCI’s in dwelling units

• AFCI’s will no longer be required for kitchens and laundry areas.

4. NEC 210.52(C) Island countertops

• Receptacle outlets will be permitted to be installed on the side of the kitchen island or peninsula. This amendment reverses the new “pop up countertop” outlet requirement, reverting to previous code requirements.

Other members of the SCAC offered additional amendments which were adopted:

1. NEC 210.8(F) GFCI’s in outdoor outlets

• A temporary amendment exempting HVAC equipment from GFCI requirements was made permanent.

2. NEC 215.18(A), 225.42(A), and 230.67(A) Surge-protective devices

• One-and-two family dwellings are exempt from mandates for whole-house surge-protective devices.

The following new code editions were approved for adoption:

• 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) with Georgia Amendments
• 2024 International Building Code (IBC) with Georgia Amendments
• 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) with Georgia Amendments
• 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with Georgia Amendments
• 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Georgia Amendments
• 2024 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC) with Georgia Amendments

All new code editions and amendments have an effective date of January 1, 2026.