2023 NEC Changes Contractors Must Know (GFCI, EV, Interconnections & More)

‍TL;DR:

• Appliance GFCI (210.8(D)) now calls out specific appliances and clarifies protection lives in the branch circuit/outlet, not the appliance. Think ranges, wall ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, dryers.
• EV charging & bidirectional (Art. 625): Plug-in EVSE ≠ backfeeding. Bidirectional today = hardwired EVSE + paperwork.
• Interconnections (Art. 705): Clearer rules for parallel sources (PV/ESS/gens), interactive listings, islanding, labeling.
• Emergency disconnects (230.85): Not new in 2023—started in 2020; still required outdoors for 1- & 2-family dwellings.
• New tech: Class 4 / Fault-Managed Power (Art. 726) + consolidated cable rules (Art. 722)—coming to smart buildings and long-run DC.

Adoption is local. Some AHJs are on 2023; others not yet. Check before you order gear.

Let's get to it

Code cycles move fast. Miss one and an inspector turns your day into a “learning opportunity.” The 2023 NEC tightens rules that hit kitchens, EVs, and anything that talks to the grid. Here’s the no-fluff version—what changed, why it exists, and exactly how to stay out of callback purgatory.

1) Appliance GFCI gets specific (210.8(D))

What changed: 2023 explicitly lists specific appliances that require GFCI and says the protection belongs in the branch circuit or outlet—not hidden in the appliance.

Why you care: It closes loopholes where shock risk was high but the requirement wasn’t obvious.

Plain-English take: If it cooks, cleans, or spins, assume it wants GFCI unless your AHJ says otherwise.

Gotcha: Don’t bury protection in the appliance. Put it at the breaker, receptacle, or upstream device so it’s obvious and testable.

Related reads: Speed up plan takeoffs that flag those circuits with Stop Squinting at Blueprints: How AI Reads Electrical Plans & PDFs, and protect your margin when specs change with How AI Instantly Decodes Electrical Addendums.

Field checklist:

• Provide GFCI at the breaker/receptacle/upstream device serving the listed appliance.
• Flag range/dryer circuits during service changes and remodels.
• Update panel schedules and labels; document on closeout.

2) EV charging & bidirectional realities (Article 625)

What changed: 2023 clarifies EV charging, export power, and bidirectional operation. Cord-and-plug EVSE with integral GFCI aren’t for backfeeding; hardwired EVSE is the viable route for V2H/V2G today.

Why you care: Homeowners want backup-from-the-car. Your choices (hardwired vs. cord-and-plug, labeling, disconnects) decide what’s actually permissible.

Plain-English take: Bidirectional today = hardwired EVSE + interconnection paperwork. Plug-in backfeed isn’t the hill to die on.

Gotcha: Coordinate with the utility interconnection program; exporting without approval becomes an expensive story.

Related reads: Market and pricing strategy in EV Gold Rush. Designing quotes for common-area chargers? See Bidding Multi-Unit Residential.

Field checklist:

• Confirm utility + AHJ stance on export (V2H/V2G).
• Specify listed hardwired EVSE for bidirectional; size/disconnect/label accordingly.
• Add clear shutdown steps and labels to your turnover docs.

3) Interconnected sources cleaned up (Article 705)

What changed: Article 705 (parallel sources: PV, ESS, gens) was reorganized and clarified. Interactive equipment must be listed for the function; islanding/shutdown/labeling line up more cleanly across articles.

Why you care: Cleaner rules = fewer plan-review arguments, clearer one-lines, smoother inspections.

Plain-English take: If sources run in parallel, make the one-line and labels so clear a tired inspector can’t miss them.

Related read: Business upside and service packaging in How Electricians Can Capitalize on the Growing Demand for Renewable Energy.

Field checklist:

• Verify interactive listings for anything that parallels the service.
• Coordinate disconnect locations/labels across PV, ESS, generator, service gear.
• Show islanding behavior explicitly on the one-line.

Download the NEC 2023 Submittal & Comms Pack

4) Exterior emergency disconnects were new in 2020 (230.85), still required

Reality check: This isn’t “new for 2023.” The outdoor, readily accessible emergency disconnect for 1- and 2-family dwellings started in 2020; 2023 keeps/clarifies it. First-responder safety is the driver.

Field checklist:

• Provide a labeled outdoor disconnect on new services and service replacements.
• Confirm location/visibility with AHJ before rough-in.

5) New tech you’ll start seeing: Class 4 / Fault-Managed Power (Article 726) + cable rules (Article 722)

What changed: The 2023 NEC adds Article 726 for Class 4 (fault-managed power)—electronically current-limited, higher-power DC—and consolidates cable rules into Article 722 for Class 2/3/PLFA/Class 4.

Why you care: Expect Class 4 in smart buildings and long-run DC lighting/controls; listings/markings and shared raceways now have a home base.

Plain-English take: More power than PoE, still safe because the electronics babysit the current.

Related read: Estimating with modern AI (great for DC/LV combos) in AI Electrical Estimating: The Future of Accuracy is Here.

Field checklist:

• Verify Article 726 compliance for Class 4 gear and cabling.
• Confirm cable listing/marking per Article 722—especially when sharing raceways/enclosures.

Run tighter bids. Fewer callbacks.

Trade Agent bakes current code logic into your estimates, labels, and panel schedules—so submittals pass faster and jobs finish cleaner. Start your free trial today and build your next quote the modern way.

Quick FAQ

Is GFCI really required for ranges and dryers now?
Often yes. 2023’s 210.8(D) lists specific appliances and clarifies protection belongs in the branch circuit/outlet. Verify local amendments.

Can I install a plug-in bidirectional EV charger?
Not under current rules. Cord-and-plug EVSE with integral GFCI aren’t for backfeeding; bidirectional points to hardwired EVSE.

Is the outdoor emergency disconnect new in 2023?
No—2020 introduced it (230.85); 2023 keeps/clarifies.