Massachusetts Electrical Code

Here you'll find information relating to the Massachusetts Electrical Code.

The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations voted to approve the Amendments to 527 CMR 12.00 Massachusetts Electrical Code based on the 2023 edition of NFPA 70 National Electrical Code.  The Electrical Code is effective as of February 17, 2023.  A link to unofficial 2023 Massachusetts Electrical Code is available here:

527 CMR 12.00 Massachusetts Electrical Code (Effective 2/17/23)

For an official version please visit the Secretary of State's website.

Massachusetts Electrical Code

The current State Electrical Code currently in effect is based upon NFPA 70, 2023 edition. To view this code free of charge, go to www.nfpa.org, click on "Codes and Standards", select NFPA 70, Free Access, select the 2023 edition, click on "view". The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations also adopted Massachusetts amendments to the code to address situations unique to our Commonwealth.

A proposed emergency amendment was approved by the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations on January 19, 2023.  This emergency amendment took effect on January 26, 2023, the language is available at the link below.  It relates to Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters. 

Advisory - Electrical Code (527 CMR 12) 

Notice of Public Hearing

In accordance with M.G.L. c. 22D, s. 4; c. 148, s.10; c.30A, s.2 and s.3 and c. 143, s. 3L, notice is hereby given of a public hearing to be held by the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations (BFPR) at the Department of Fire Services, State Road, Stow, MA., in A-117 on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. for the purpose of hearing public comment on proposed amendments to the Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00), including the adoption of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70, 2026 Edition), with amendments particular to Massachusetts. 527 CMR 12.00 establishes standards for the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical wires, fixtures, equipment and related items throughout the Commonwealth. The proposed regulation adopts nationally recognized standards and assures that the Commonwealth promulgates regulations that keep up with industry advancements and assures the highest level of public safety. Written or oral comments may be submitted at the time and place of the hearing. One may also submit written comments by mailing or e-mailing comments to Mary Ann Smith, Executive Director of the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations ([e-mail]) P.O. Box 1025, State Rd, Stow, MA 01775 (Tel. [phone]). To be considered by the Board, mailed or emailed comments must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026. Copies of the proposed regulations can be provided by emailing Mary Ann Smith or at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-electrical-code

Proposed Amendments to 527 CMR 12.00 MA Electrical Code 2026 Edition

GFCI Unwanted Tripping

The GFCI Unwanted Tripping Form is for the documentation of equipment in normal operating conditions that are incompatible with GFCI protective devices.  

All forms must be submitted electronically.  GFCI Unwanted Tripping Forms have a ‘submit’ button at the bottom of the form.  Please scroll all the way down.  Paper forms will not be accepted.

GFCI Unwanted Tripping Form

To view all GFCI Unwanted Tripping form submissions, please select the link below.

GFCI Unwanted Tripping Report Submissions

Past Editions of the State Electrical Code

Code enforcement officials, architects, and engineers often to need to refer to previous editions of the State Electrical Code that were in effect when a building was built or occupied. NFPA

National Electrical Code:
To view the Base Code - NFPA -70, go to the NFPA 70 Standard and Development page. Scroll down and select "View Free Access." You will need an account, which is free to create.

Below are the previous Massachusetts Amendments to NPFA 70.  Each document will tell you which edition of NFPA 70 was in effect at the time.