01-23 12:34 H.B. 313
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State Construction and Electrical Standards Amendments
2025 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Thomas W. Peterson
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LONG TITLE
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General Description:
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This bill modifies the State Construction Code.
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Highlighted Provisions:
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This bill:
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▸ amends the State Construction Code to:
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● align with updated standards in the International Residential Code (IRC);
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● align with the updated standards in the National Electric Code (NEC); and
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▸ makes technical changes.
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Money Appropriated in this Bill:
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None
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Other Special Clauses:
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None
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Utah Code Sections Affected:
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AMENDS:
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15A-2-103, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 505
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15A-3-206, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 505
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15A-3-601, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 15
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Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
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Section 1. Section 15A-2-103 is amended to read:
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15A-2-103 . Specific editions adopted of construction code of a nationally
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recognized code authority.
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(1) Subject to the other provisions of this part, the following construction codes are
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incorporated by reference, and together with the amendments specified in Chapter 3,
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Statewide Amendments Incorporated as Part of State Construction Code, and Chapter 4,
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Local Amendments Incorporated as Part of State Construction Code, are the
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construction standards to be applied to building construction, alteration, remodeling, and
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repair, and in the regulation of building construction, alteration, remodeling, and repair H.B. 313 01-23 12:34
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in the state:
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(a) the 2021 edition of the International Building Code, including Appendices C and J,
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issued by the International Code Council;
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(b) the 2021 edition of the International Residential Code, issued by the International
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Code Council;
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(c) Appendix AQ of the 2021 edition of the International Residential Code, issued by the
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International Code Council;
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(d) the 2021 edition of the International Plumbing Code, issued by the International
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Code Council;
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(e) the 2021 edition of the International Mechanical Code, issued by the International
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Code Council;
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(f) the 2021 edition of the International Fuel Gas Code, issued by the International Code
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Council;
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(g) the [2020] 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code, issued by the National Fire
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Protection Association;
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(h) the 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code, issued by the
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International Code Council;
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(i) the 2021 edition of the International Existing Building Code, issued by the
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International Code Council;
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(j) subject to Subsection 15A-2-104(2), the HUD Code;
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(k) subject to Subsection 15A-2-104(1), Appendix AE of the 2021 edition of the
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International Residential Code, issued by the International Code Council;
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(l) subject to Subsection 15A-2-104(1), the 2005 edition of the NFPA 225 Model
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Manufactured Home Installation Standard, issued by the National Fire Protection
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Association;
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(m) subject to Subsection (3), for standards and guidelines pertaining to plaster on a
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historic property, as defined in Section 9-8a-302, the U.S. Department of the Interior
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Secretary's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic
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Buildings; [and]
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(n) the residential provisions of the 2021 edition of the International Swimming Pool
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and Spa Code, issued by the International Code Council; and
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(o) Modular Building Institute Standards 1200 and 1205, issued by the International
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Code Council, except as modified by provisions of this title governing modular units.
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(2) Consistent with Title 65A, Chapter 8, Management of Forest Lands and Fire Control,
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the Legislature adopts the 2006 edition of the Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code,
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issued by the International Code Council, with the alternatives or amendments approved
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by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, as a construction code that may
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be adopted by a local compliance agency by local ordinance or other similar action as a
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local amendment to the codes listed in this section.
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(3) The standards and guidelines described in Subsection (1)[(n) ] (m) apply only if:
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(a) the owner of the historic property receives a government tax subsidy based on the
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property's status as a historic property;
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(b) the historic property is wholly or partially funded by public money; or
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(c) the historic property is owned by a government entity.
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Section 2. Section 15A-3-206 is amended to read:
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15A-3-206 . Amendments to Chapters 36, 37, 39, and 44 and Appendix F of IRC.
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(1) In IRC, Section E3601.6.2, a new exception is added as follows: "Exception: An
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occupant of an accessory dwelling unit is not required to have access to the disconnect
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serving the dwelling unit in which they reside."
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(2) IRC, Section E3606.5, is deleted.
82 (3) IRC, Section E3601.7, is deleted and replaced with the following:
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"3601.7 Maximum number of disconnects. The service disconnecting means shall consist of
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not more than six switches or six sets of circuit breakers mounted in a single enclosure or in a
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group of separate enclosures."
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(4) In IRC, Section E3705.4.4, the following sentences are deleted:
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"Where more than two NM cables containing two or more current-carrying
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conductors are installed, without maintaining space between the cables, through the
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same opening in wood framing should be sealed with thermal insulation, caulk or
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sealing foam. The allowable ampacity of each conductor shall be adjusted in accordance
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with Table E3705.3 and the provisions of Section E3701.3. Exception. may not apply."
92 (5) IRC, Section E3901.4.2, is deleted and replaced with the following:
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"E3901.4.2 Island and Peninsular Countertops and Work Spaces. Receptacle outlets, if
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installed to serve an island or peninsular countertop or work surface, shall be installed in
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accordance with E3901.4.3. If a receptacle outlet is not provided to serve an island or
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peninsular countertop or work surface, provisions shall be provided at the island or peninsula
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for future addition of a receptacle outlet to serve the island or peninsular countertop or work
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surface."
99 [(5)] (6) IRC, Section E3901.4.3, is deleted and replaced with the following:
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"E3901.4.3 Receptacle Outlet Location. [Receptacle] When installed, receptacle outlets
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shall be located in one or more of the following:
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1. On or above, but not more than 20 inches (508 mm) above a countertop or work
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surface.
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2. In a countertop using receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in countertops.
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3. In a work surface using receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in work surface or
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listed for use in countertops.
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Receptacle outlets rendered not readily accessible by appliances fastened in place,
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appliance garages, sinks, or range tops as covered in the exception to Section E3901.4.1 or
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appliances occupying assigned spaces shall not be considered as these required outlets.
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4. Under the countertop not more than 14 inches from the bottom leading edge of the
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countertop."
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[(6)] (7) In IRC, Section 3902.1, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20
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ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
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[(7)] (8) In IRC, Section 3902.2, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20
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ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
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[(8)] (9) In IRC, Section 3902.3, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20
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ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
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[(9)] (10) In IRC, Section 3902.4, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20
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ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
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[(10)] (11) In IRC, Section 3902.5, after the word "125-volt" add the words "single phase 15
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and 20 ampere in unfinished portions of the basement shall have ground-fault
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circuit-interrupter protection for personnel" and delete the rest of the section.
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[(11)] (12) In IRC, Section 3902.6, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20
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ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
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[(12)] (13) In IRC, Section 3902.7, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20
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ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
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[(13)] (14) In IRC, Section 3902.8, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20
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ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
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[(14)] (15) In IRC, Section 3902.9, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20
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ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
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[(15)] (16) IRC, Section 3902.10, is deleted.
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[(16)] (17) In IRC, Section 3902.12, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20
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ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
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[(17)] (18) In IRC, Section 3902.13, after the word "125-volt" add "single phase 15 and 20
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ampere" and strike the words "through 250 volt."
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[(18)] (19) IRC, Section 3902.15, Crawl space lighting outlets, is deleted.
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[(19)] (20) IRC, Section 3902.16, Equipment requiring servicing, is deleted.
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[(20)] (21) IRC Section 3902.17, Outdoor outlets, is deleted.
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[(21)] (22) IRC, Section 3902.19, Location of arc-fault circuit interrupters, is deleted.
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[(22)] (23) IRC, Section E3902.20, Arc-fault circuit interrupter protection, is deleted.
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[(23)] (24) IRC, Section E3902.21, Arc-fault circuit interrupter protection for branch circuit
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extensions or modification, is deleted.
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[(24)] (25) IRC, Section 4002.11, is deleted and replaced with the following: "4002.11
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Bathtub and Shower Space. Receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a
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bathtub or shower stall."
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[(25)] (26) IRC, Chapter 44, is amended by deleting the standard for "ANCE."
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[(26)] (27) In IRC, Chapter 44, the standard for ASHRAE is amended by changing
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"34-2013" to "34-2019."
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[(27)] (28) In IRC, Chapter 44, the standard for CSA, is amended by changing the:
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(a) standard reference number "UL/CSA/ANCE 60335-2-40-2012" to "UL/CSA
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60335-2-40-2019"; and
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(b) title "Standard for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances, Part 2: Particular
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Requirements for Motor-Compressors" to "Standard for Household and Similar
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Electrical Appliances, Part 2-40, Requirements for Electric Heat Pumps, Air
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Conditioners and Dehumidifiers-3rd Edition."
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[(28)] (29) In IRC, Chapter 44, the standard for UL, is amended by changing the:
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(a) standard reference number "1995-2011" to "1995-2015";
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(b) standard reference number "UL/CSA/ANCE 60335-2-40-2012" to "UL/CSA
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60335-2-40-2019"; and
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(c) title "Standard for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances, Part 2: Particular
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Requirements for Motor-Compressors" to "Standard for Household and Similar
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Electrical Appliances, Part 2-40, Requirements for Electric Heat Pumps, Air
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Conditioners and Dehumidifiers-3rd Edition."
164 [(29)] (30) In IRC, Chapter 44, the standard for ANSI/RESNET/ICC 201-2019 Section 4.4.4 is
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added as follows: "4.4.4. Air Source Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners. For Heat Pumps and
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Air Conditioners with the more recent Manufacturers Equipment Performance Ratings (HSPF2
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or SEER2) available, and HSPF and SEER are not available, these ratings shall be converted
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to HSPF and SEER values by dividing HSPF2 or SEER2 by the conversion factors in Table
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4.4.4.1(1). If the type of equipment is not determined, the conversion shall default to the
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Ducted Split System factors. All calculations, including Equation 4.1-1a shall use HSPF or
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SEER values as made available by the Manufacturer or converted as specified in this section.
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Table 4.4.4.1(1) SEER2 and HSPF2 Conversion Factors3.
173 Equipment Type SEER2/SEEREER/EER4 HSPF/HSPF174
Ductless Systems 1.00 1.00 0.90
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Ducted Split System 0.95 0.95 0.85
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Ducted Package System 0.95 0.95 0.84
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Small Duct High Velocity System 1.00 not applicable0.85
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Ducted Space-Constrained Air Conditioner 0.97 not applicablenot applicable
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Ducted Space-Constrained Heat Pump not applicable0.85"
180 [(30)] (31) IRC, Chapter 44, is amended by adding the following reference standard:
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182 "Standard reference numberTitle Referenced in code
section number
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USC-FCCCHR 10th
Edition Manual of Cross
Connection Control
Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and
Hydraulic Research University of Southern
California Kaprielian Hall 300 Los Angeles
CA 90089-2531
Table P2902.3"
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[(31)] (32) IRC, Chapter 44, is amended by adding the following reference standard: "UL
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9540-20: Energy Storage Systems and Equipment; R328.1, R328.2, and R328.6."
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[(32)] (33)(a) When passive radon controls or portions thereof are voluntarily installed,
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the voluntary installation shall comply with Appendix F of the IRC.
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(b) An additional inspection of a voluntary installation described in Subsection [(27)(a) ]
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(28)(a) is not required.
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Section 3. Section 15A-3-601 is amended to read:
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15A-3-601 . General provisions.
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The following are adopted as amendments to the NEC to be applicable statewide:
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(1) The IRC provisions are adopted as the residential electrical standards applicable to
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residential installations under the IRC. All other installations shall comply with the
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adopted NEC.
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(2) In NEC, Section 210.8(A), the words "through 250-volt" are deleted.
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(3) In NEC, Section 210.8(A) number (5), the word "Basements" is deleted and replaced
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with the following:
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"Unfinished portions or areas of the basement not intended as habitable rooms."
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(4) In NEC, Section 210.8(A), number (6), the following is added after the word "Kitchens":
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"where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces."
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(5) In NEC, Section 210.8(A), number (7) is deleted.
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(6) In NEC, Section 210.8(D), numbers (8) through (12) are deleted.
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(7) NEC, Section 210.8(F), is deleted.
205 [(5)] (8) NEC, Sections 210.52(C) number (2) and number (3) are deleted and replaced with the
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following:
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"210.52(C)(2) Island and peninsular countertops and Work Surfaces. Receptacle outlets,
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if installed to serve an island or peninsular countertop or work surface, shall be installed in
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accordance with 210.52(C)(3). If a receptacle outlet is not provided to serve an island or
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peninsular countertop or work surface, provisions shall be provided at the island or peninsula
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for future addition of a receptacle outlet to serve the island or peninsular countertop or work
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surface.
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210.2(C)(3) Receptacle outlet location. Receptacle outlets shall be located in one or
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more of the following:
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(a) On or above, but not more than 500 mm (20 inches) above a countertop or work
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surface.
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(b) In a countertop using receptacle assemblies listed for use in countertops.
218 (c) In a work surface using receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in work surfaces or listed
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for use in countertops.
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Receptacle outlets rendered not readily accessible by appliances fastened in place,
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appliance garages, sinks, or range tops as covered in the exception to 210.52(C)(1), occupying
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assigned spaces shall not be considered as these required outlets.
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Exception: In dwelling units designed to be accessible to persons with disabilities,
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receptacles shall be permitted to be installed not more than 300 mm (12 inches) below the
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countertop or work surface. Receptacles installed below a countertop or work surface shall not
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be located where the countertop or work surface extends more than 150 mm (6 inches) beyond
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its support or base."
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[(6)] (9) NEC, Section 210.12, is deleted.
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[(7)] (10) NEC, Section 210.65, is deleted.
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(11) NEC, Section 215.18, is deleted.
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(12) NEC, Section 225.42 is deleted.
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[(8)] (13) NEC, Section 230.67, is deleted.
233 [(9)] (14) NEC, Section 230.71, is deleted and replaced with the following:
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"230.71 Maximum Number of Disconnects.
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(A) General. The service disconnecting means for each service permitted by 230.2, or for
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each set of service-entrance conductors permitted by 230.40, Exception No. 1, 3, 4, or 5 shall
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consist of not more than six switches or sets of circuit breakers, or a combination of not more
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than six switches and sets of circuit breakers, mounted in a single enclosure, in a group of
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separate enclosures, or in or on a switchboard or in switchgear. There shall be not more than
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six sets of disconnects per service grouped in any one location. For the purpose of this section,
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disconnecting means installed as part of listed equipment and used solely for the following
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shall not be considered a service disconnecting means:
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(1) Power monitoring equipment;
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(2) Surge-protective device(s);
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(3) Control circuit of the ground-fault protection system; or
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(4) Power-operable service disconnecting.
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(B) Single-Pole Units. Two or three single-pole switches or breakers, capable of individual
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operation, shall be permitted on multiwire circuits, one pole for each ungrounded conductor, as
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one multipole disconnect, provided they are equipped with identified handle ties or a master
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handle to disconnect all conductors of the service with no more than six operations of the hand.
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(C) Beginning on July 1, 2027, Section 230.71(B) is no longer in effect."
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[(10)] (15) NEC, Section 314.27(C), is deleted and replaced with the following: "314.27(C)
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Boxes at Ceiling-Suspended (Paddle) Fan Outlets. Outlet boxes or outlet box systems
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used as the sole support of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan shall be listed, shall be
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marked by their manufacturer as suitable for this purpose, and shall not support
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ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans that weigh more than 32 kg (70 lb). For outlet boxes or
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outlet box systems designed to support ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans that weigh more
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than 16 kg (35 lb), the required marking shall include the maximum weight to be
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supported."
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(16) In NEC, Section 334.24, the last sentence is deleted and replaced with the following:
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"For flat cables, the minor diameter dimension of the cable shall be used to determine
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the bending radius when bending on the flat side of the cable. For all other bends, the
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major diameter dimension shall be used."
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[(11) NEC, Section 406.9(C), is deleted and replaced with the following: "406.9(C) Bathtub
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and Shower Space. Receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or
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shower stall."]
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(17) In NEC, Section 334.80, the second paragraph is deleted.
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(18) In NEC, Section 338.24, the last sentence is deleted and replaced with the following:
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"For flat cables, the minor diameter dimension of the cable shall be used to determine
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the bending radius when bending on the flat side of the cable. For all other bends, the
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major diameter dimension shall be used."
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(19) In NEC, Section 406.9(B) number (2), the following words are deleted:
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"be listed weather-resistant type, and installation shall".
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(20) NEC, Section 700.3(A) is deleted and replaced with the following:
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"700.3(A) Conductor Witness Test.
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The authority having jurisdiction shall conduct or witness a test of the complete
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system upon installation and periodically afterward."
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Section 4. Effective Date.
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This bill takes effect on May 7, 2025.
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