Electrical Code

See also: Electrical Inspections

The effective date for the 2021 Seattle codes is November 15, 2024. Until then, applicants may use either the 2018 or draft 2021 Seattle codes. Please visit the 2021 Seattle Code Adoption webpage for updates.

What Is It?

The Seattle Electrical Code provides minimum standards to protect people and property from the hazards of electricity. The code regulates the construction, installation, quality of materials, location, and operation of equipment and systems using electricity in the City of Seattle’s built environment.

The code does not include design specifications or instructions like those found in installation manuals. It applies to all electrical wiring and equipment, including communications systems, installed or used within Seattle.

Exemptions to the code exist in the following areas:

• Ship
• Railway
• Communication utility equipment
• Electrical utility installations, and mining equipment

See section 80.3 for details.

Read the Code

• 2020 National Electrical Code (Free Read Only Version)
• 2020 Seattle Electrical Code Replacement Pages
• 2020 Seattle Electrical Code Quick Reference
• Tip 317, Smoke Detectors in Residences and Family Day Care Homes
• Tip 339, Emergency and Standby Power Systems

Previous Versions

• 2017 Seattle Electrical Code Replacement Pages
• 2017 Seattle Electrical Code Quick Reference
• 2014 Seattle Electrical Code Replacement Pages
• 2014 Seattle Electrical Code Quick Reference
• 2008 Seattle Electrical Code Quick Reference
• 2008 Seattle Electrical Code Replacement Pages
• 2005 Seattle Electrical Code Quick Reference

Proposed Changes

We are updating the Seattle codes to the 2021 editions. See our 2021 Seattle Code Adoption web page for more information.