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2024 NEC Electrical Code Changes: What Homeowners Need to Know

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2024 NEC Electrical Code Changes: What Homeowners Need to Know

If you’re planning an electrical project for your home or business in, you may notice some updates in both the work being done and the cost estimates you receive. That’s because, as of Summer 2024, the National Electrical Code (NEC) has implemented new requirements that affect how licensed electricians perform installations, repairs, and upgrades.

At Hi-Tech Electric Company, our priority is to ensure every project we complete meets the latest safety standards and is fully code-compliant. While these changes are designed to improve safety and reliability, they also affect the materials, equipment, and labor needed, which means you may see a slight increase in pricing for certain services.

What’s Changed in the NEC Electrical Code for 2024?

The NEC updates its standards every three years to reflect advancements in technology, safety practices, and electrical system reliability. The 2024 Updates include two important changes that directly affect residential and commercial electrical work:

  1. Surge Protection on Every Electrical Panel
    All electrical panels now require surge protection devices to safeguard your appliances, electronics, and sensitive equipment from voltage spikes. This means that whether you’re upgrading an existing panel or installing a new one, surge protection must be built in.

  2. Exterior Service Disconnect Requirement
    Every home and building must now have a service disconnect switch located outside the property. This allows emergency responders and electricians to quickly shut off power in case of an electrical hazard, fire, or other urgent situation, significantly improving safety.

How These Changes Affect Electrical Work & Costs

Implementing these new NEC requirements means additional materials, installation steps, and time on the job. For example:

  • Surge protection devices add an extra layer of equipment to each panel installation or upgrade.

  • Exterior disconnect switches require careful placement, wiring adjustments, and compliance with both NEC and local building codes.

  • Electricians must undergo updated training to ensure they’re following the 2024 standards to the letter.

While these changes may result in a slight increase in project costs, they also bring long-term benefits—reducing the risk of electrical damage, improving emergency access, and enhancing overall system reliability.

Why NEC Compliance Matters for Your Home or Business

Ignoring NEC requirements isn’t just unsafe—it’s illegal. Non-compliant work can:

  • Fail inspections, delaying your project.

  • Put your property at risk of fire or electrical hazards.

  • Void your insurance coverage in the event of damage.

  • Require costly rework later.

By choosing Hi-Tech Electric Company, you can rest assured that all work is performed to the highest safety standards and complies with the most current regulations.

Serving Portage, MI & Fort Wayne, IN With Transparency & Trust

We believe in keeping our customers informed every step of the way. That means:

  • Upfront pricing—you’ll know about any changes before work begins.

  • Clear communication—we’ll explain exactly how these new code requirements affect your project.

  • Quality workmanship—our electricians are fully trained and certified in the 2024 NEC standards.

We proudly serve Portage, Kalamazoo, and surrounding Southwest Michigan communities, as well as Fort Wayne, Auburn, New Haven, and the Greater Northeast Indiana area.

Plan Your Next Electrical Project With Confidence

Whether you need a panel upgrade, electrical repairs, or new wiring installations, Hi-Tech Electric Company is here to make sure the work is done right. Safely, efficiently, and to code.