The short answer
Arkansas enforces NEC 2026, the current edition there, statewide, in effect since September 3, 2026. The state record lists three amendments to know: 210.8, 210.12, 210.8, 210.12 and 210.52(C)(2).
- Current edition
- NEC 2026 (current)
- Adoption
- Statewide
- In effect since
- September 3, 2026
- Licensing board
- Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas, Department of Labor and Licensing
- Primary source
- codeofarrules.arkansas.gov
Code adoption cycles change. Always confirm the edition and amendments in force with your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before permitting work.
How does Arkansas adopt the NEC?
Arkansas adopts the NEC statewide through the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas (17 CAR § 210-601), with Arkansas amendments: AFCI and GFCI protection is not required on dwelling-unit circuits over 130 volts, except for the requirements in Articles 680 and 682; it does not apply to dwelling laundry areas, except convenience outlets within 6 ft of a sink, or to a refrigerator or microwave appliance; and islands and peninsulas have minimum receptacle outlet requirements.
What are Arkansas's amendments to the NEC?
210.8, 210.12: AFCI and GFCI protection is not required on dwelling-unit circuits over 130 volts, except for the requirements in Articles 680 and 682 (17 CAR § 210-601(b)(2)).
210.8, 210.12: Within a dwelling unit, AFCI and GFCI protection does not apply to laundry areas, except convenience outlets within 6 ft of a sink, or to a refrigerator or microwave appliance (17 CAR § 210-601(b)(3)).
210.52(C)(2): An island or peninsula needs at least one receptacle outlet for the first 9 sq ft of countertop or work surface and one more for each additional 18 sq ft, plus one within 2 ft of a peninsula's outer end. A peninsula is measured from the connected perpendicular wall, and other required outlets may go where the installer, designer or building owner decides (17 CAR § 210-601(b)(4) and (5)).
Who issues electrical permits in Arkansas?
Local permits come from city or county building code enforcement authorities; a job site without such a permit must display a sign with the responsible master electrician's license number and the company name (17 CAR § 210-702). Where no city or county inspected the work, a Department of Labor and Licensing inspector who finds serious violations may require it to be exposed for inspection (17 CAR § 210-1301).
Who licenses electricians in Arkansas?
Statewide licensing through the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas: master, journeyman, residential master, residential journeyman, industrial maintenance, air conditioning and specialist sign electricians (17 CAR § 210-101, § 210-403); the board also registers electrical apprentices. Licensing board: Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas, Department of Labor and Licensing.
Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas, Department of Labor and Licensing
Is Arkansas moving to a newer NEC edition?
On the current NEC 2026 since 2026-09-03 (17 CAR § 210-601), which replaced NEC 2020. The Board adopts later editions after notice and public hearing (17 CAR § 210-601(c)).
Is Arkansas on NEC 2026?
Yes. NEC 2026 is the newest edition, and Arkansas is one of the nine jurisdictions where it is current.