2020 Electric Code Changes You Should Know

When installing motorized products, it’s important to stay up to date on all current guidelines and codes. Recently the National Electric Code (NEC) made some changes that took effect on January 1st, 2020 for the United States. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these changes, especially if you install exterior products like motorized awnings. 

You can find the 2020 edition of the NEC on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website here. One of the relevant code changes for installers for exterior motorized products can be found below: 

N 210.8(F) Outdoor Outlets. All outdoor outlets for dwellings, other than those covered in 210.8(A)(3), Exception to (3), that are supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less, shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.

Exception: Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection shall not be required on lighting outlets other than those covered in 210.8(C).

This new guidance means that all outdoor outlets that are connected to any sort of electrical component (with some exceptions) will now need to have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection. Exterior products will need to be wired to GFCI protections in order to be compliant with this updated NEC code. 

While previous NEC guidelines emphasized the requirement around receptacles, this one focuses on outlets. Unlike receptacles, the NEC defines outlets as, "A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment."

This new 2020 guideline means that the NEC now requires GFCI protection whether plugging into a receptacle or hard wiring to an outlet. 

It’s also important to note that these are just the changes made to the NEC guidelines. Depending on the location of your installation, there might be different guidelines at the state or local level you’ll also need to follow. Continue to follow best practices in being current and fluent in all requirements for the area in which you’re installing. You’ll need to install products to NEC and all other prevailing electrical codes.  

Other Best Practices to Keep in Mind When Installing Exterior Motorized Products

Other important best practices to keep in mind when installing exterior motorized products include using drip loops and coverings to reduce exposure. Drip loops are important for wet environments, and all cables leaving the device must be routed down as they leave the device to prevent water collection. It’s also important to make sure motors have covers and/or hoods to protect from direct rain exposure. 

Be mindful of where you mount exterior controls and try to mount in locations that are as protected as possible. For example, mount LED receivers under the awning. This will not only reduce exposure but will also reduce the amount of metal between the receiver and transmitter, greatly improving range. 

Staying current with all best practices, as well as guidelines, will keep your exterior installations protected from the elements and compliant with all codes.