When do new codes take effect? 4

[xJAyx]

The main NFPA code which I work with was revised for 2011, and there were a few major changes. I obviously have no problem complying with these changes, but I wonder when the code officially takes effect.
In Canada, our national electrical code gets revised every 4 years, however it doesn't get accepted by the provinces until about a year later. This varies province by province, and a few write their own code entirely. Is there a practice like this with NFPA?

 

[stookeyfpe]

The code takes effect based on the regulation promulgating its adoption by the jurisdiction. That will most likely be documented in an act or ordinance prepared by the provincial authorities.

Here in the US, codes and standards are generally adopted at the state or local level. In my community, we adopt the various codes and standards by local ordinance.

The International Code Council and NFPA publish many codes and standards. However, they do not have the force of law until they are adopted by a governmental jurisdiction.

 

[JLSeagull]

As an engineer and not a lawyer or inspector, I regard the current standard as the latest issued upon the date of the contract award unless otherwise specified within the contract documents. This criteria would not likely be acceptable to an OSHA or local electrical inspector.

 

[LCREP]

From an insurance AHJ point of view as soon as NFPA releases the code we start using it.

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Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[rbulsara]

In the USA, applicable NFPA and other standards become legally binding only when they are adopted by respective state lesiglatures or federal laws. There is no uniformity among states as to when they get adopted. Some states like MA (where NFPA is published) adopts them almost right away, but some, like my neighboring state of CT, happily (and probably justifiably) wait for 3 to 5 years. Most states also have Addenda to the basic adopted standards, noting the exception and addition of requirements.

Local town jurisdictions or even insurance companies may have further regulations, but they cannot be in violation of the state legislature.

Having said that complying with the latest published edition is generally acceptable to state officials, and where needed you may have to apply for necessary "variance" from the applicable codes.

Key to remembers is that not all standards are adopted as laws. Making right design decisions is still the design professional's responsibility.


Rafiq Bulsara

http://www.srengineersct.com

 

[NJ1]

To my understanding once a standard is adopted by a jurisdiction it becomes the law. Insurance companies can by their own rules require much more strict regulations than those in the standard.
In my opinion every state is screw up. Like rbulsara said one state adopts one thing when the next door state is far behind.

In NJ if you perform inspections by the latest standard is ok but it will not be enforceable by law. Kind of tricky right!

 

[pipesnpumps]

For any US users reading this, from a DoD perspective, the governing standard is the one that was in place on the effective date of the contract award.

When it comes to what codes/standards are 'in place', that depends on the subject matter. e.g. new ICC codes are adopted whenever the General Building Information UFC is updated. Applicable NFPA codes/standards are the very latest versions, per the fire protection UFC.. So DoD is already using the 2011 versions for new contracts.

 

[dbaird]

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) keeps an updated U.S. display map of NEC adoption by state but the 2011 is not out yet.

http://www.necplus.org/Lists/Around the Circuit/DispForm.aspx?ID=15

David Baird

Sr Controls Designer
EET degree.
Journeyman Electrician.

 

[rbulsara]

Thanks David, for the link.

Rafiq Bulsara

http://www.srengineersct.com

 

[byrnesf]

The I-codes have a chapter dedicated to referenced standards. Once an I-code is adopted, the standard listed in that chapter is adopted by reference and is enforcable as part of the adopted code.

 

[desnov74]

California is adopitng NFPA 72 2010 effective january first, and I forget which east coast state by February. There are a lot of changes in this last cycle.