[1]
Editor's Note: AO No. 2023-44, 5-9-2023 repealed AO No. 2020-85; further repealed by AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026.
Municipal electrical inspectors may contact any electrical worker performing work for which a certificate of fitness is required by AS 18.62.070 and request the person to exhibit their certificate of fitness or trainee certificate of fitness. The inspector may immediately serve upon that person a notice to cease any further work in that occupation until the person has demonstrated possession of the required certificate.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add the following definition to article 100: Kitchen.
Add the following sentence at the end of the definition: Microwaves that are not fastened in place do not constitute permanent provision for cooking.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add to end of paragraph:
Equipment shall be marked with clear direction on any specific required replacement components (e.g., type of time delay fuses or GFCI protection).
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Replace in the first paragraph 100 amperes with 30 amperes. Delete item (10) in its entirety and replace with the following text:
(10) 
Garages, accessory buildings, service bays, Group F, M and S open areas of less than 5,000 square feet that include overhead doors where vehicles could be stored, and similar areas other than vehicle exhibition halls and showrooms.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Replace Exception No. 2 with the following:
Exception No. 2: GFCI Protection shall not be required for listed HVAC equipment and well and septic equipment. This exception shall expire January 1, 2028.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
In subsection (A), delete items (3) and (4).
In subsection (B), replace Exception No. 1 with the following:
Exception No. 1: AFCI protection shall not be required where an individual branch circuit supplies the following:
• A fire alarm system installed in accordance with section 760.41(B) or 760.121(B).
• A dedicated appliance on a single rated receptacle yoke.
Branch circuits shall be installed in RMC, IMC, EMT, or steel-sheathed cable, Type AC or Type MC, meeting the requirements of section 250.118, with metal outlet and junction box. All circuits using this exception shall be clearly identified in the panel they originate from.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add subsection (F) as follows:
(F) 
Outlets Per Circuit. In dwelling units, no more than (15) outlets are allowed on one branch circuit. All smoke detectors on a circuit may be counted as a total of one outlet. Appliance circuits are limited to six (6) duplex receptacles per circuit.
Exception: Fixed lighting circuits designed to meet the appropriate sections of the code.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
A. 
In section 210.52, add to the end of the first paragraph:
In existing dwellings when wall surfaces are removed or need to be repaired due to damage or remodel or when walls are added, removed or relocated, the electrical installations in the work area shall be installed to meet the current requirements of section 210.52.
B. 
Replace section 210.52(C)(2) with the following:
(2) 
Island and Peninsular Countertops and Work Surfaces. A minimum of one receptacle outlet shall be installed to serve island or peninsular countertops. This requirement applies to island or peninsulas with a dimension greater than 3 feet in any direction. The one required receptacle outlet shall comply with one of the following conditions:
(1) 
Located in accordance with section 210.52(C)(3).
(2) 
Installed not more than 12 inches below the countertop and not located where a countertop extends more than 6 inches beyond its support base.
C. 
Add subsection (J) as follows:
(J) 
Parking Spaces. For each dwelling unit and mobile home, there shall be at least one (1) exterior GFCI protected duplex receptacle outlet on a separate 20-ampere circuit adjacent to on-site parking locations. The conductors for the circuit shall be 10 AWG copper minimum.
Exception: For multi-family dwelling units, nine-plex and larger, the required number of exterior duplex receptacles on separate 20-ampere circuits may be reduced to a minimum of 50% of the total number of units or the number of parking spaces provided, whichever is less.
D. 
Add subsection (K) as follows:
(K) 
Under-Floor Crawl Spaces. A receptacle shall be provided in each unconnected space; the receptacle shall be located adjacent to a sump when one is provided. This receptacle shall be a GFCI protected duplex outlet.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add to the end of the paragraph as follows:
Each dwelling unit shall have the 7200-watt EVSE continuous load included in the load calculations for the service, feeders and panels of less than 200 amps that would be supplying the EVSE. This applies to new Detached One- and Two-Family Dwellings or Townhouses if an EVSE is not being install at the time of initial construction.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add the following text at the end of the paragraph:
Where the disconnect is located inside a commercial building an exterior mounted remote device shall be provided to actuate the interior disconnecting means. The control device shall meet the same requirements of NEC section 230.71(A)(3).
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add the following sentence:
The service installation shall also conform to the current written electric service requirements of the utility serving the area.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add the following text at the end of the paragraph:
Identification of the switching mechanism to be 8"x8" minimum with 1" minimum white lettering on red background and permanently affixed to enclosure or adjacent when too large for enclosure.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add the following paragraph:
Physical protection of underground service laterals for residential services of 200 amperes and less shall consist of not more than nine feet of liquid tight flexible metal conduit.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add the following paragraph:
The service disconnecting means for commercial facilities shall be lockable per section 110.25 and operable from the exterior of the building if the service disconnect is within the building. A fire pump service disconnect is not required to be operable from the exterior of the building.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Replace subsection (3) with:
(3) 
Remote Control. Where a remote-control device(s) is used to actuate the service disconnecting means, the service disconnecting means shall be located in accordance with section 230.70(A)(1). The control device shall meet the requirements of the electrical utility.
Service disconnection by use of shunt trip device is acceptable. The shunt trip switch may be either the safety switch type or a switch inside an enclosure.
Safety switch: Shall be suitable for the environment and be lockable in either the "on" or "off" position. Interlock contacts may be used to provide correct handle location. The "off" position must disconnect the power.
Inside an enclosure: the shunt switch must be place within an enclosure suitable for the environment and the hinged cover. The enclosure shall be large enough for the required sign to be mounted on it. The enclosure must have a padlock hasp with the padlock accessible for removal with bolt cutters by emergency responders. No hardened steel shackles are permitted. Shackle diameter shall not exceed 5/16." The shunt trip switch shall be a maintained contact with "off" and "on" clearly identified. The "off" position must disconnect the power.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Delete items (2) through (14) and replace with:
(2) 
The copper sheath of mineral insulated, metal-sheathed cable Type MI.
(3) 
Metal enclosures of busways listed for grounding.
(4) 
Armor of Type AC cable as provided in section 320.108.
(5) 
Type MC cable that provides an effective ground-fault current path in accordance with one or more of the following:
(A) 
It contains an insulated or uninsulated equipment grounding conductor in compliance with section 250.118(1).
(B) 
The combined metallic sheath and uninsulated equipment grounding/bonding conductor of inter-locked metal tape-type MC cable that is listed and identified as an equipment grounding conductor.
(C) 
The metallic-sheath and equipment grounding conductors of the smooth or corrugated tube-type MC cable that is listed an identified as an equipment grounding conductor.
(6) 
Cable trays as permitted in sections 392.10 and 392.60.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Delete the exception and add the following to the end of the paragraph:
Increase in size shall not be required for circuits less than 100 feet in length. Circuits 100 amps or less may use the 60 degree C column for determining smallest conductor size with sufficient ampacity in accordance with section 110.14. Rounding up shall not be considered as the smallest conductor size with sufficient ampacity.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add subsection (L) as follows:
(L) 
Separation from Other Systems. When direct buried cables or conductors cross or are installed parallel to sewers, water lines, gas or other fuel lines, steam lines, communication and utility electric cables or conductors, a minimum 12-inch radial separation shall be maintained.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add section 300.24 as follows:
300.24 Cold Temperature Installations. Thermoplastic type insulated wires or cables, or non-metallic tubing shall not be installed when ambient temperatures are less than 20°F.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Replace the text in the second paragraph with the following:
A minimum of one outlet box of any mounted in the ceilings of bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms, dens, sunrooms, and dining rooms of dwelling occupancies in a location more than 4 feet from adjacent walls and acceptable for the installation of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan shall comply with one of the following:
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add section 330.40 as follows:
330.40 Boxes and Fittings. An insulated bushing shall be provided between the conductors and the outer metal sheath and must be visible for inspection.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Replace permitted uses (2) and (3) with the following:
(2) 
Multi-family dwellings of Type III, IV and V construction having wood-wall-stud framing.
(3) 
AFCI protected branch circuits in Group R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and I-1 occupancies of Type III, IV or V construction having wood-wall-stud framing. Cables shall be concealed in walls, floors, or ceilings that provide a thermal barrier of material that has at least 15-minute finish rating as identified in listings of fire-rated assemblies.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Replace section 334.40(B) with:
334.40(B) Devices of Insulating Material. Self-contained switches, self-contained receptacles, and nonmetallic-sheathed cable interconnector devices of insulating material that are listed shall be permitted to be used without boxes in exposed cable wiring and for repair wiring in existing buildings where the cable is concealed. Openings in such devices shall form a close fit around the outer covering of the cable, and the device shall fully enclose the part of the cable from which any part of the covering has been removed. Where connections to conductors are by binding-screw terminals, there shall be available as many terminals as conductors.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Replace section 334.104 with:
334.104. Conductors. The insulated power conductors shall be sizes 14 AWG through 2 AWG with copper conductors or sizes 10 AWG through 2 AWG with aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors. Circuits supplying receptacles shall be minimum size 12 AWG copper conductors or sizes 10 AWG with aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors. The communication conductors shall comply with Part V of Article 800.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add section 410.17 as follows:
410.17 Other Closet or Storage Spaces. Luminaires shall meet the location requirements for clothes closets or be of a totally enclosed fluorescent or LED type.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add the following item (3) to subsection (A):
3. 
Emergency shutdown for commercial generator facilities that are not located immediately adjacent to the exterior power service equipment or feeder disconnect(s), a lockable emergency shutdown shall be located adjacent to the exterior disconnecting means. Each generator shut down shall be labeled denoting the system supplied. The emergency shutdown for the generator shall not be in the same enclosure as the utility power or other shutdown operators.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add the following informational note:
Informational Note: The requirement for elevation of ignition source in the International Mechanical Code section 304.3 and the International Fuel Gas Code does not constitute a hazardous classification in accordance with this code. The requirement for elevation of ignition source may apply to both classified and unclassified areas. The requirement reads as follows:
IMC 304.3:
Elevation of ignition source. Equipment and appliances having an ignition source and located in hazardous locations and public garages, private garages, repair garages, automotive motor fuel-dispensing facilities and parking garages shall be elevated such that the source of ignition is not less than 18 inches above the floor surface on which the equipment or appliance rests.
IMC 304.3 MOA Amendment added to text:
Rooms and spaces that are not part of the living space of a dwelling unit shall include but not be limited to utility, storage, mud, laundry, toilet, and bathing rooms. Group F, M and S occupancies with open spaces less than 5,000 square feet that include overhead doors providing access to vehicles and equipment containing combustible fuel shall comply with this section. Communicating spaces separated by a door are not considered part of this space. Delete exception to IMC 304.3.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add article as follows:
Article 508 Lift Stations
508.1 Definition. For the purposes of this article, a lift station is defined as an assembly designed to keep wastewater in a sealed environment, preventing exposure to the surrounding atmosphere.
508.2 Installation. Lift stations are required to be installed in accordance with NFPA 820. Lift stations that are not included in the scope of NFPA 820 shall be installed in accordance with the following requirements:
(A) 
Closed lift stations fed from 10 toilets or less and only other plumbing fixtures that have wet wells with submerged pumps are not classified. These system shall be considered closed sewage systems.
(B) 
Closed lift stations with flow rates of up to 5,000 gallons per day (GPD) that have wet wells with submerged pumps and the space above the well can be considered unclassified where it is mechanically ventilated at a rate of 4 or more air changes per hour. These lift stations shall be in rooms specifically provided for enclosing the lift station and lift station access. No other equipment unrelated to the lift station shall be in this room. The GPD flow rate shall be based on table 2.4.2 Commercial Facilities in the 2024 State of Alaska DEC Onsite Wastewater System Installation Manual or shall be provided by an Alaska licensed mechanical or civil engineer.
(C) 
Closed lift stations not meeting A or B shall be considered at minimum Class 1, Division 1 in the wet well, and Class 1, Division 2 in the space above the wet well. The space above the wet well if it does not have larger than man-door access can be considered unclassified where it is mechanically ventilated at a rate of 6 or more air changes per hour.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add to the end of paragraph:
The use of mechanical ventilation at the rate of four or more air changes per hour in the table is not permitted.
The areas adjacent to classified spaces with doorways, separation for those spaces shall be by means of a vestibule providing a two-door separation.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add to the end of paragraph:
The use of mechanical ventilation at the rate of four or more air changes per hour in the table is not permitted.
The areas adjacent to classified spaces with doorways, separation for those spaces shall be by means of a vestibule providing a two-door separation.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Replace subsection (1) with:
(1) 
Specific Areas Adjacent to Classified Locations. Areas adjacent to classified locations in which flammable vapors are not likely to be released such as offices, stock rooms, switchboard rooms, and other similar locations shall be unclassified where any of the following parameters apply:
(A) 
Adjacent areas less than 300 square feet and mechanically ventilated at a rate of four or more air changes per hour.
(B) 
Adjacent areas designed with positive air pressure.
(C) 
Adjacent areas effectively separated by unpierced walls or partitions. Doorways shall be by means of a vestibule providing a two-door separation.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Replace subsection (D) with:
(D) 
Areas Suitably Separated and Ventilated. Areas adjacent to classified locations in which flammable liquids or vapors are not likely to be released such as offices, stock rooms, electrical control rooms, and other similar locations shall be unclassified where designed with positive air pressure and effectively separated by unpierced walls. Doorways shall be by means of a vestibule providing a two-door separation.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add the following paragraph to (A):
The separate circuits shall be one or more lighting circuits and one or more receptacle circuits that are separated from each other and from building circuits but may be comingled between machine room, control room, machine space, control space, hoist way and pit. If the elevator is powered by a generator these circuits shall also be fed by the generator.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add the following to (A):
The separate circuits shall be one or more lighting circuits and one or more receptacle circuits that are separated from each other and from building circuits but may be comingled between machine room, control room, machine space, control space, hoist way and pit.
If the elevator is powered by a generator, then these circuits shall also be fed by the generator.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add to the end of item (1) the following paragraph:
The disconnecting means shall be provided with a sign to identify the location of the supply side overcurrent protective device. Where there is more than one driving machine or motor controller in a machine room, machine space, control room or control space the disconnecting means shall be numbered to correspond to the identifying number of the driving machine they control.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add the following to (A) Motor controllers:
Unless specifically addressed in the adopted elevator code (ASME A17.1), motor controllers that are recessed mounted in a wall with less than 1¼ inch clearance between the back of the cabinet and the inside surface of the wall sheathing shall be protected by 1/16-inch-thick steel plate, or equivalent. This plate is in addition the cabinet construction.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add the following exception:
Exception: Existing installations on multiwire branch circuits where retrofit kits, unit equipment or same type replacements are installed, or no more than 6 new luminaires with associated branch wiring are added to each existing circuit.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)
Add the following subsection:
(E) 
Dwelling Unit Manual Transfer Switches.
Manual transfer equipment for portable generator use at dwelling units shall comply with items 1 or 2 below.
1. 
Feeder switching applications require installation of a listed, 3-pole transfer switch. The feeder neutral shall be switched or unswitched as required by the generator configuration. The transfer switch shall be labeled to match the generator configuration as required by section 702.7(C). The service disconnect shall be labeled per section 702.7(B) if applicable.
2. 
Single circuit switching applications require installation of listed, single-circuit transfer switches. Single circuit transfer switches shall not require provision to switch the neutral conductor.
(AO No. 2026-33, 4-14-2026)