ARC 0549D

ARC 0549D

INSPECTIONS AND APPEALS DEPARTMENT[481]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to electrical installations
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing hereby proposes to amend Chapter 404, “Electrical Inspection Program,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 103.6.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code section 17A.7.

Purpose and Summary

    This proposed rulemaking amends the rules promulgated by the Department to implement Iowa Code section 17A.7. This implements the adoption by the Electrical Examining Board of the minimum standards set forth in the most current publication of the National Electrical Code (NEC) issued and adopted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The cost analysis required by Iowa Code section 103.1C as enacted by 2026 Iowa Acts, House File 2800, is published herein, following this Notice.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on July 8, 2026. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   July 28, 2026

Fiscal Impact

     This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

    After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

    Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Department for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 7—Chapter 2504.

Public Comment

     Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 22, 2026. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

     No public hearing is scheduled at this time. As provided in Iowa Code section 17A.4(1)“b,” an oral presentation regarding this rulemaking may be demanded by 25 interested persons, a governmental subdivision, the Administrative Rules Review Committee, an agency, or an association having 25 or more members.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

    The following rulemaking action is proposed:

    ITEM 1.  Amend rule 481—404.3(103) as follows:

481—404.3(103) Installation requirements. The provisions of the National Electrical Code, 2023 2026 edition, published by the National Fire Protection Association, are incorporated herein by reference as the requirements for electrical installations performed by persons subject to licensing and inspection pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 103. and rules promulgated thereunder, with the following amendments:

    404.3(1) Delete article 210.8(A), “Dwelling Units,” and insert in lieu thereof the following new section:

“210.8(A) Dwelling Units.

All 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in the following locations and supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel:

    (1)   Bathrooms

    (2)   Garages and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use

    (3)   Outdoors

    (4)   Crawl spaces – at or below grade level

    (5)   Basements

    (6)   Kitchens

    (7)   Areas with sinks and permanent provisions for food preparation, beverage preparation, or cooking

    (8)   Sinks – where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink

    (9)   Boathouses

    (10)   Bathtubs or shower stalls – where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall

    (11)   Laundry areas

    (12)   Indoor damp and wet locations.”

    404.3(2) Delete article 210.8(D), “Specific Appliances,” and insert in lieu thereof the following new section:

“210.8(D) Specific Appliances.

GFCI protection shall be provided for the branch circuit or outlet supplying the following appliances rated 150 volts or less to ground and 60 amperes or less, single- or 3-phase:

    (1)   Automotive vacuum machines

    (2)   Drinking water coolers and bottle fill stations

    (3)   High-pressure spray washing machines

    (4)   Tire inflation machines

    (5)   Vending machines

    (6)   Sump pumps

    (7)   Dishwashers

    (8)   Microwave ovens.”

    404.3(3) Delete article 210.8(F), “Outdoor Outlets.”