The short answer
Illinois has no statewide adoption of the National Electrical Code: cities and counties adopt their own edition. The edition the app cites for Illinois is NEC 2020, labelled current, varies locally.
- Current edition
- NEC 2020 (current, varies locally)
- Adoption
- No statewide adoption: cities and counties adopt their own
- Source
- www.ecmag.com (secondary: there is no statewide rule to cite)
Code adoption cycles change. Always confirm the edition and amendments in force with your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before permitting work.
How does Illinois adopt the NEC?
Illinois is one of only four states with no statewide electrical code adoption for private construction; each municipality and county adopts and amends independently, so two neighboring jurisdictions can enforce different NEC editions at once. The Illinois State Electrical Board has separately adopted NEC 2023 (effective 2023-08-01) as the reference for state-funded construction and the licensing exam, even though most local jurisdictions still enforce 2017 or 2020.
What are Illinois's amendments to the NEC?
The app's record for Illinois lists no individual amendments; the adoption summary above says how the state applies the code.
Who issues electrical permits in Illinois?
Permits and inspections are local, and code questions go to the city, village or county code official; since 2025-01-01 the Capital Development Board's state code applies to commercial buildings in jurisdictions that have not adopted a building code.
Who licenses electricians in Illinois?
No statewide electrician license for most private work; Chicago and many municipalities license and examine electricians independently. Licensing board: Illinois - no statewide electrician licensing board; IDFPR does not regulate electricians, and the Capital Development Board sets the codes for state-funded buildings.
Is Illinois moving to a newer NEC edition?
No statewide electrical code for private construction; municipalities adopt independently, and Chicago enforces its own Chicago Electrical Code (based on NEC 2017). The Capital Development Board requires the current or most recent preceding NEC for state-funded work.
Is Illinois on NEC 2026?
Not statewide: Illinois has no statewide adoption, so the edition depends on the city or county. The edition the app cites, NEC 2020, is two editions older than NEC 2026; check with the local building department.