Page 10 - April 2024 Builder Brief

2024 PRESIDENT
HOW TO ADDRESS AND CONFORM TO THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE 2023 NATIONAL ENERGY CODE (NEC)
One of the hottest topics in the building industry, as it relates to codes, is the National Electrical Code (NEC), which updates every three years. The NEC, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), sets the foundation for electrical safety in the residential, commercial, and industrial industries. The 2023 NEC is the most recent version and is in the process of being adopted in San Antonio and other municipalities in our 22-county region. There are a few changes that are going to be challenging to deal with and San Antonio has unique interpretations of how their changes are to be done.
In the 2020 NEC, only kitchen receptacles serving countertops required ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection. This provision has changed. In the new 2023 NEC, ALL 125- to 250-volt receptacles located inside a kitchen require GFCI protection. There is a lot of confusion about this new coderequirement. Section210.8(A)(6)inthe2023NEC,requiresground-fault protection for all receptacles installed in the kitchen, regardless of their location or purpose.
Until the release of the 2023 NEC, the smallest branch circuit recognized by the NEC for power and lighting loads was 15 amps, but that too has changed for the 2023 Code cycle. The NEC now recognizes 10-ampere branch circuits forselectpowerandlightingloads. ThistransitionbytheNECtorecognize10- amp branch circuit conductors and overcurrent devices is likely in response to theavailabilityofnewhigher-efficiencylightingsystems. Thisisamajorchange to our industry.
In addition to this new Code section, NEC Section 210.23, Permissible Loads, Multiple-Outlet Branch Circuits, clarifies the topic further by granting permission for 10-amp branch circuits to supply one or more of the following loads:
1. Lighting outlets
2. Dwelling unit exhaust fans on bathroom or laundry room lighting circuits
3. Gas fireplace units supplied by an individual branch circuit
The Section expressly prohibits receptacle outlets, fixed appliances (except as permitted elsewhere), garage door openers, and laundry equipment from utilizing these newly recognized 10-amp branch circuits.
In the 2020 NEC, electricians were required to go the extra mile, installing one outlet to serve the first nine square feet of island or peninsula countertop, and an additional outlet for every 18 square feet after that. In the 2023 NEC, the Code section has been radically altered to say:
Receptacle outlets, if installed to serve an island or peninsular countertop or work surface, shall be installed under 210.52(C)(3).
If a receptacle is not provided to serve an island or peninsular countertop or work surface, provisions shall be provided at the island or peninsular for future addition of a receptacle outlet to serve the island or peninsular countertop or worksurface. Itwillbeuptotheauthorityhavingjurisdiction(AHJ)astowhat
TIM PRUSKI
constitutes “provisions” for adding a future receptacle outlet since the NEC doesn’t specify. But it will be up to the homeowner to accept and not challenge the idea of not having a receptacle outlet on their new kitchen island or peninsula. Our members need to be prepared on how to comply and make the necessary changes to meet the NEC code.
GSABA will host a class on Thursday, May 9th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm with David Yelovich, a certified trainer for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and the International Code Council (ICC) on the 2023 NEC and the 2021 Energy Code.
Dave will address the 2021 Energy Code as complying with the code in cities that have adopted it has been challenging. The Energy Star program and House Bill 3215 provide paths to get there, and Davewillcoverthesepaths. DavehasaConstruction Science degree from Texas A&M University and teaches multiple classes including building science, job site safety, concrete, framing the envelope, roofing, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and more. The cost of the class is $20 and includes a hearty buffet lunch. Thank you to Burgess Construction Consultants for being our Lunch Partner.
Over the next few months, GSABA will be offering a seriesofconstructionandcode-relatedclasses. Ifyou or your company have a specific need for education or training, please call Kristi at 210-696-3800.
April is Membership Month, and we invite you to get involved. Call Darlene, our Director of Membership tofindouthowyoucanmakeadifference. Ihopeto see you at the Membership Mixer at Factory Builders Store on Thursday, April 18th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Sincerely, Tim Pruski
10 APRIL 2024 | GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION