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BEE 9 Adopt Latest National Electric Code to Prevent Water-Related Electrocution

Key area

Barriers

Adopt the most recent edition of the National Electric Code (NEC) for construction and maintenance of residential pools, spas, other home aquatic venues, marinas, boat docks, and boat yards, to prevent water-related electrocution.

Spectrum level: Changing Organizational Practices Influencing Policy and Legislation

Evidence level: Low

Implementation levels: Community County State

Rationale:

The adoption of the most recent edition of the National Electric Code (NEC) for construction and maintenance of residential pools, spas, other home aquatic venues, marinas, boat docks, and boat yards, will help prevent water-related electrocution.

Anticipated Impact:

After implementing this recommendation, you can expect to experience the following outcome.

  • A reduction in water-related electrocution in residential pools, spas, other home aquatic venues, marinas, boat docks, and boat yards.

Evidence:

Stakeholders agree that adoption of the National Electric Code (NFPA 70) for pools and spas (residential and commercial) will help prevent electrocution. Additionally, the PHTA standards require compliance with the National Electric Code (NEC). Finally, the ISPSC also requires compliance with the NEC.

Evidence Sources:

National Fire and Prevention Association. (2023). National Electric Code. (NFPA 70). https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=70

International Residential Code. (2018). Chapter 42 Swimming Pools. (E4201-4209). https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2018/chapter-42-swimming-pools

High Risk Populations Addressed:

All populations can benefit from implementation of this recommendation, especially children.

Evaluation Metrics:

Indicators of long-term impact:

  • Increase in the number of jurisdictions adopting the National Electric Code.
  • Increase in the number of jurisdictions adopting the National Electric Code through other codes or standards that incorporate by reference.
  • Increase in the number of jurisdictions that require triggers for maintenance on existing aquatic venues to ensure compliance with the Code (e.g., Florida Existing Building Code provisions, Section 302.6)

Implementation:

Consider the following to ensure successful implementation:

  • Utilize states and localities that have already adopted codes that include the NEC/NFPA70 or the International Residential Code as models for implementation efforts.
  • Engage the broad and reputable stakeholder community that currently supports and recommends the use of the NEC and the other codes that incorporate the NEC (or equivalent) by reference. (ANSI, PHTA, ASTM, NFPA, UL)

Challenges to Implementation:

When implementing this recommendation, you might encounter challenges related to the following factors.

  • The patchwork of adoptions throughout the country may make it confusing for policymakers to get a full understanding of the extent of current adoption of the the NEC.
  • The substantive issue is may be difficult to understand (i.e. electrical engineering).
  • Enforcement of the adoption of the NEC will require inspectors and building code officials to be educated on the requirements of the NEC.
  • Compliance efforts may also require the help of an electrician.

GAP Recommendation:

None