The short answer
Massachusetts enforces NEC 2026, the current edition there, statewide, in effect since April 24, 2026. The state record lists five amendments to know: 210.8(A)(9), 210.8(D), 210.12(B), 230.70(A)(1) and 230.70(E).
- Current edition
- NEC 2026 (current)
- Adoption
- Statewide
- In effect since
- April 24, 2026
- Licensing board
- Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Occupational Licensure)
- Primary source
- www.mass.gov
Code adoption cycles change. Always confirm the edition and amendments in force with your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before permitting work.
How does Massachusetts adopt the NEC?
Massachusetts adopts the NEC statewide as 527 CMR 12.00 through the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations, with a substantial set of state amendments. Several are stricter than the base NEC: AFCI protection for every 120-volt, 10-, 15- and 20-ampere dwelling branch circuit that supplies outlets or devices, and GFCI protection for receptacles within a cabinet supporting a sink. Listed cooking equipment that is incompatible with the available GFCI devices may omit GFCI protection if it is installed and inspected under Rule 11, under an exception that expires on January 1, 2029.
What are Massachusetts's amendments to the NEC?
210.8(A)(9): Sink receptacles need GFCI protection within 6 ft of the top inside edge of the bowl or where located within a cabinet supporting a sink (the same wording at 210.8(B)(7)).
210.8(D): Listed cooking equipment that is incompatible with the GFCI devices available for the installed circuit protection may omit GFCI protection if it is installed and inspected under Rule 11 of the Massachusetts code; the exception expires on January 1, 2029.
210.12(B): AFCI protection for all 120-volt, 10-, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices in dwelling units.
230.70(A)(1): The outdoor service-disconnect rule covers one- and two-family dwellings and new double-occupancy buildings, including two-family units created by subdividing a one-family dwelling. Exception No. 2: an indoor service disconnect fed by a service lateral or underground service conductors may be disconnected remotely from a readily accessible outdoor location, marked EMERGENCY ELECTRICAL DISCONNECT and NOT SERVICE EQUIPMENT, with the control wiring in raceway.
230.70(E): Replacing only meter sockets, service-entrance conductors, service main breakers, or related raceways and fittings does not trigger 230.70(A)(1) or 230.70(B)(2).
Who issues electrical permits in Massachusetts?
Local wiring inspectors, appointed under state law in every city/town, issue permits and inspect under the statewide code.
Who licenses electricians in Massachusetts?
Statewide licensing of master and journeyman electricians through the Board of State Examiners of Electricians. Licensing board: Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Occupational Licensure).
Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Occupational Licensure)
Is Massachusetts moving to a newer NEC edition?
On NEC 2026 (527 CMR 12.00) with Massachusetts amendments, for installations whose permit was granted after April 24, 2026. The 2020 emergency amendment to 230.85 no longer applies: the 2026 amendments put the state's emergency-disconnect changes in 230.70(A)(1) and 230.70(E).
Is Massachusetts on NEC 2026?
Yes. NEC 2026 is the newest edition, and Massachusetts is one of the nine jurisdictions where it is current.