The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards have completed the Electrical Subcode review process. Effective May 7, 2001, the 2011 National Electrical Code with amendments became the electrical standard for all new electrical installations in the state.
A summary of the 2011 amendments are as follows:
Section 210.12(B) Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications Dwelling Units will be deleted, because it is regulated by the Rehabilitation Subcode.
The amendment to NEC 334.10(1), which permits the use of Type NM cable in accessory buildings or structures of dwellings will be deleted, because the text is now included in the 2011 NEC.
The amendment to 300.4(A)(1) will be retained. This amendment references the building subcode for the placement of cable- or raceway-type wiring methods installed through bored holes in joists, rafters, or other wood members.
The amendment to 334.12(A)(2) will be retained. This amendment deletes this item and permits exposed Type NM cable in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings.
The amendments to the support requirements in 342.30(C) Intermediate Metal Conduit, 344.30.(C) Rigid Metal Conduit, 352.30(C) Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit, 355.30(C) Metallic Tubing Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit and 358.30(C) Electrical Metallic Tubing, will be deleted, because the 2011 deleted these requirements.
Section 406.4(D)(4), which requires arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) receptacles to be installed when receptacles are being replaced in a dwelling unit will be deleted, because additions, alterations and modifications are regulated by the Rehabilitation Subcode.
All amendments to Chapter 5 Special Occupancies will be retained.
The amendment to 645.17, Power Distribution Units will be deleted, because the text is contained in the 2011NEC.
Section 680.42(B) will be deleted and replaced with the text from Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) issued by the NFPA. This section addresses the bonding requirements for spas and hot tubs. The amendments will not require equipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces for listed self-contained spas or hot tubs that meet certain conditions.
The amendment to 800.156 will be retained. This amendment deletes the requirement for a communications outlet in dwelling units.
Informative Annex H entitled "Administration and Enforcement," will be retained. This amendment deletes this Annex in its entirety.
Contact: Gil Moniz at gilmoniz@nema.org

The Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board voted to adopt the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) for new-home construction and the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for commercial construction. With this adoption new homes built in Alabama will become safer and finally conform to a statewide, nationally recognized standard.
Effective October 1, 2012, these new codes will be in effect and represent the first time the State of Alabama ever had a statewide code standard. It is important to note that a few municipalities have already moved forward and adopted the 2012 International Residential Code and the 2011 National Electrical Code.
Alabama is adopting the 2009 IRC with some amendments to its energy section. For example, compliance with the national standard for producing a certificate stating the insulation R-values, U-factors, and the solar heat-gain coefficients (SGHC) for windows remains voluntary in Alabama. The state deleted the requirement for the installation of programmable thermostats as well as requirements for insulation for slab-on-grade floors and to protect exposed foundations. It also moved up the requirements for R-8 duct insulation and testing for duct leakage to July 1, 2013.
The State of Alabama will allow county and local governments to amend specific provisions within the code where local conditions may warrant. However, the state is against any mandatory fire-sprinkler installation standard for one- and two story homes. This was one area that made the passage of the 2009 IRC so very controversial in many states.
The Alabama Energy and Residential Code Board is made of 17 representatives from construction firms, trade groups, associations, utilities, licensing boards, municipal building departments, and legislators. The states governors office appointed 15 board members, and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs provided consultation on portions of the codes related to energy efficiency.
Contact: Paul W. Abernathy, Paul.Abernathy@NEMA.org