NYC Electrical Code Update 2025: Key Changes

New York City’s NYC electrical code update, effective December 21, 2025, introduces sweeping technical and administrative changes. The update replaces the legacy 2011 electrical code with the 2025 NYC Electrical Code, which is based on NFPA 70-2020 and amended extensively through Local Law 128 of 2024 (LL128). This condensed overview highlights the some of the key changes affecting engineers, architects, contractors, and building owners.

What’s Included in the 2025 NYC Electrical Code Update

NEC-2020 Adoption + NYC Amendments (28-1101.1)

NYC now adopts the 2020 NEC as the base standard, with amendments across Articles 80–87, 100, and 110–800.This modernizes requirements for services, wiring, grounding, disconnects, and dwelling-unit circuits.

New Administrative Articles EC 80–87

For the first time, the Electrical Code includes its own administrative chapter:

• EC 80–EC 81: Applicability & rules for existing installations

• EC 82–EC 83: Enforcement & DOB plan approvals

• EC 84: Electrical permits & selective coordination submittals

• EC 86–EC 87: Inspections, testing, and unsafe condition authority

This replaces the more limited enforcement structure in the 2011 code.

New Service Room Requirements (230.64)

One of the most impactful updates:

• 2-hour fire-rated service rooms for ≥1000 kVA

• Two means of egress

• 5 ft minimum working clearance

• Rear-access & barrier requirements

These requirements did not exist in the 2011 code and significantly influence building core planning.

Branch Circuit & Dwelling-Unit Updates (210.52(J), 210.11(C)(5))

NYC now requires:

• Dedicated AC receptacle circuits in each habitable room

• Updated AFCI exemptions in larger multifamily buildings(kitchen receptacles and laundry equipment circuits — 210.12(A) Exception 2)

• Mandatory voltage-drop limits of 5% total (210.19 & 215.2 amendments)

Wiring Method Restrictions Above 3 Stories (330.12, 334.12, 352, 356, 362)

The 2025 update substantially tightens wiring allowances:

• NM cable fully prohibited

• MC cable restricted in certain occupancies

• PVC/ENT/LFNC only permitted where fire-rated or encased

These changes replace many of the more permissive allowances found in the 2011 code.

Flood Zone Requirements (110.11(B))

Newly explicit requirements mandate locating:

• Service equipment

• Panelboards

• Disconnects

Above the design flood elevation, unless dry-floodproofing rules are met.

Licensing, Permitting & Low-Voltage Changes (LL128 of 2024)

LL128 updates Title 28 with major administrative reforms:

• Defines low-voltage electrical work (<50V) with a new permit exemption (§28-105.4.7)

• Establishes minor electrical work definitions (§28-101.5)

• Integrates electrical permits into §28-105 / §28-112

• Rewrites licensing requirements for master & special electricians (Title 28 Chapter 4)

These changes affect who may perform work, file jobs, and certify compliance.

Key Deadlines & Early Adoption

• Effective Date: December 21, 2025

• Applicability: Applies to applications filed on or after this date

• Early Adoption:

  • Allowed for new buildings filed before the effective date

  • Allowed for existing buildings within 120 days prior to the effective date

BUILT Engineers Can Help

At BUILT Engineers, we guide project teams through every step of the new NYC electrical code update. We assist architects with early-stage service room layouts, support electrical design and permitting requirements, and work closely with owners and contractors to ensure designs meet DOB expectations.

Ensure your electrical designs are compliant before the new code takes effect, reach out to BUILT Engineers for expert support.