The planned July, 1, 2020, implementation of the 2020 National Electrical Code in Minnesota has been delayed due to Housing First Minnesota and members’ calls for a public hearing.
During the public comment period on the adoption of the 2020 NEC as the Minnesota Electrical Code (Building Code Chapter 1315), Housing First Minnesota expressed concerns with the adoption of the code without amendment. More than two dozen Housing First Minnesota members also contacted the Board, requesting a public hearing.
Unlike other model building codes adopted in Minnesota, the Board of Electricity has never adopted any Minnesota-specific amendments.
As proposed, the 2020 NEC will add roughly $2,000 to the cost of new home construction. Key provisions include:
- Exterior power disconnects
- Surge protection devices
- All ceiling lights setup for paddle fans
- Limitations on placement of receptacles in bathrooms
Housing First Minnesota voiced concerns with new provisions in the 2020 NEC and existing provisions, including the nuisance tripping in arc fault interrupters during this comment period.
Read Housing First Minnesota’s full letter here.
Due to the ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19, the Board of Electricity has delayed the hearing, originally set for May 4, to Aug. 19. With this three-month delay, changes to Chapter 1315 cannot be enacted on July 1 as originally planned.
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