The short answer
Vermont enforces NEC 2023, the current edition there, statewide, in effect since November 5, 2025. The state record lists six amendments to know: 210.8(A)(11), 210.12(E), 210.8(F), 230.70(A)(1), 210.8, 210.12 and NFPA 73 5.1.
- Current edition
- NEC 2023 (current)
- Adoption
- Statewide
- In effect since
- November 5, 2025
- Licensing board
- Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety - Electricians' Licensing Board
- Primary source
- firesafety.vermont.gov
Code adoption cycles change. Always confirm the edition and amendments in force with your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before permitting work.
How does Vermont adopt the NEC?
Vermont's Electricians' Licensing Board and Commissioner of Public Safety adopt the 2023 NEC with amendments through the 2025 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules (Division of Fire Safety), effective November 5, 2025. The rules do not apply to a single-family owner-occupied dwelling; single-family rentals and rental accessory dwelling units are covered. The NEC amendments limit laundry-area GFCI to receptacles within 6 feet of a washing machine or sink, add a 210.8(F) outdoor-outlet exception, waive AFCI when existing conductors are extended only to hardwire single-station smoke or CO alarms in an existing dwelling or dormitory unit, and limit an inside service disconnect to 10 feet of conductor from the point of entrance. Separate amendments to NFPA 73 apply to inspections of existing dwellings.
What are Vermont's amendments to the NEC?
210.8(A)(11): Laundry areas and rooms: GFCI is required for receptacles within 6 feet of a washing machine or sink. No other part of 210.8(A) is amended for NEC installations (2025 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules, section 5(a)).
210.12(E): AFCI is not required where existing conductors are extended solely to hardwire single-station smoke or CO alarms in an existing dwelling or dormitory unit; the rule cites this as a 210.12(D)(2) exception, the 2020 number (2025 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules, section 5(a)).
210.8(F): Exception No. 3 exempts water wells, sewer discharge pumps and hardwired EV chargers with integral GFCI protection and a properly terminated equipment grounding conductor from the dwelling outdoor-outlet GFCI requirement (2025 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules, section 5(a)).
230.70(A)(1): The service disconnecting means must be outside, or inside nearest the point of entrance with no more than 10 feet of service conductor inside; a service disconnect labeled "Emergency Service Disconnect" can serve as the emergency disconnect (2025 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules, section 5(a)).
210.8, 210.12: General note: a manufacturer's NRTL listing on AFCI or GFCI use for an appliance may be accepted by the AHJ in place of the code requirement, with supporting documents, added labeling and a report of unwanted tripping; replacing the appliance or altering the circuit requires the current NEC (2025 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules, section 5(a)).
NFPA 73 5.1: Existing-dwelling inspections under NFPA 73: GFCI follows 2023 NEC 210.8(A)(1) through (10) for 125-volt 15- and 20-ampere receptacles only, laundry GFCI applies within 6 feet of the washer or sink, and AFCI need not be added to existing finished-basement receptacles until the circuit is modified or the receptacles are replaced (2025 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules, section 5(a)).
Who issues electrical permits in Vermont?
The Division of Fire Safety inspects directly in most areas; a few larger municipalities run delegated programs.
Who licenses electricians in Vermont?
Statewide licensing of master and journeyman electricians through the Division of Fire Safety. Licensing board: Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety - Electricians' Licensing Board.
Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety - Electricians' Licensing Board
Is Vermont moving to a newer NEC edition?
2025 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules (NEC 2023 with Vermont amendments) since 2025-11-05; no move to 2026 announced.
Is Vermont on NEC 2026?
No. NEC 2026 is the newest edition; the one current in Vermont is NEC 2023, one edition older. NFPA publishes a new edition every three years and each state adopts on its own schedule.