---
title: "What Is NEC? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "The NEC, or National Electrical Code, is the model rule book for safe electrical installation, published by NFPA and updated every three years."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nec
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Codes and permits

# NEC

The NEC, or National Electrical Code, is the model rule book for safe electrical installation, published by NFPA and updated every three years.

NFPA says the NEC is not a federal law but a foundational code that is often incorporated by reference into law at the state or local level. A new edition is released every three years through a consensus process.

Texas adopted the 2026 NEC effective September 1, 2026, according to TDLR. Some city pages still list older editions, so ask your city which edition it enforces. See [NFPA 70](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nfpa-70) and [code compliance](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/code-compliance). For a project, see how to [hire a licensed electrician in Texas](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/hire-a-licensed-electrician-texas).

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [NFPA 70](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nfpa-70)
-   [Code compliance](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/code-compliance)
-   [TDLR](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/tdlr)
-   [Electrical inspection](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/electrical-inspection)

## Sources

1.  [NFPA: Understanding NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC)](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/electrical/understanding-nfpa-70-national-electrical-code)
2.  [Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation: Commission adopts rules](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/news/rulemaking/2026/09/01/commission-adopts-rules-12/)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

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