Electrical Code Timeline
From the first National Electrical Code in 1897 to the 2023 edition — the milestones that shaped how America is wired.
1897
First National Electrical Code
Five rival codes merge into one national standard.
1911
NFPA becomes NEC sponsor
The three-year revision cycle begins.
1926
NM cable recognized
'Romex' enters the code with support and protection rules.
1962
Pool safety article
Article 680 addresses water-and-electricity hazards.
1971
GFCI protection begins
Required first for swimming-pool equipment.
1971
Aluminum wiring reckoning
CO/ALR terminations respond to connection fires.
1984
Solar PV article
Article 690 recognizes photovoltaic systems.
1996
EV charging article
Article 625 covers electric-vehicle supply equipment.
1999
AFCI protection begins
Arc-fault breakers required for bedrooms.
2008
Tamper-resistant receptacles
Shuttered receptacles required in dwellings.
2014
Solar rapid shutdown
Rooftop arrays must de-energize for firefighters.
2020
GFCI expansion
Coverage extends to most 125–250 V dwelling receptacles.
2023
NEC 2023 edition
Current edition; adoption rolling out state by state.
Codex is an independent educational reference. Not the National Electrical Code® and not affiliated with the NFPA. Always verify against the adopted code and your AHJ. · Privacy