NYC Electrical Code 2025: Permits, Licenses and Minor Work Rules
The 2025 NYC Electrical Code took effect December 21, 2025. Who may do electrical work, which jobs need a permit and inspection, and what counts as minor.
By Seayora Editorial Team · Published · Facts checked · 3 min read
Short answer: The 2025 New York City Electrical Code took full effect on December 21, 2025. Enacted by Local Law 128 of 2024, it adopts the 2020 edition of NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, with New York City amendments, and moved the electrical code into Title 28 with the other construction codes. Electrical work in the city must be done by a licensed master or special electrician, almost all of it needs a permit, and only minor electrical work is exempt from Department of Buildings inspection.
Key takeaways
- The current code is the 2025 New York City Electrical Code, based on the 2020 National Electrical Code, effective December 21, 2025.
- Only DOB-licensed master electricians, or special electricians working for a building owner, may obtain electrical permits and do electrical work.
- Minor electrical work still needs a permit but not a DOB inspection; other electrical work needs a permit and an inspection.
- Installations of 1,000 kVA or larger, or new or revised installations above 600 volts, must be submitted by a licensed engineer or architect.
What is the current New York City Electrical Code?
Local Law 128 of 2024 enacted the 2025 New York City Electrical Code, which took full effect on December 21, 2025. It consists of amendments to the general administrative provisions of Title 28 of the Administrative Code plus New York City’s amendments to the 2020 edition of NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code (NYC DOB: Electrical Code). Section 28-1101.1 adopts that edition as the minimum requirements for electrical wiring and equipment. The same law repealed the old electrical code in Chapter 3 of Title 27 and made electrical work part of the construction codes (NYC Rules).
Outside New York City the city code does not apply; Westchester, Long Island and the Hudson Valley follow the state’s Uniform Code instead. See building codes outside NYC.
Who may do electrical work in NYC?
The Department of Buildings licenses two kinds of electricians. A master electrician license is needed to get a permit for electrical work, or to do electrical work, in the city. A special electrician license is for an electrician who works for a building owner and does electrical work in that owner’s buildings (NYC DOB: Master and Special Electrician License). Since February 23, 2026, new license applications go through DOB NOW: Licensing. Electrical permit filings (ED16A) are submitted in DOB NOW: Build (NYC DOB: Electrical Permit).
Which electrical work needs a permit and an inspection?
| Category | Permit | DOB inspection | Plan review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor electrical work (AC 28-101.5, 28-116.2.4) | Yes | No | No |
| Electrical work | Yes | Yes | No |
| Installations of 1,000 kVA or larger, or above 600 volts | Yes | Yes | Yes, submitted by a NYS licensed professional engineer or registered architect |
The three categories come from the department’s Electrical Work Guidance Document. A licensed master electrician can perform all electrical work other than installations of 1,000 kVA or larger without a registered design professional submitting construction documents.
What counts as minor electrical work?
Minor electrical work still requires a licensed master electrician and a permit, but not a DOB inspection. The department lists (NYC DOB):
- Replacing defective circuit breakers or switches of 30 amps and under, excluding main service disconnects.
- Replacing electrical panel parts at 150 volts and under to ground.
- Replacing minor elevator parts, and replacing defective controls of 30 amps and under.
- Repairing defective fixtures, and replacing fixtures in existing outlets: no more than five fixtures and no increase in wattage.
- Replacing, repairing, disconnecting or reconnecting motors of 1 horsepower and under, and associated devices.
- Repairs to low-pressure heating plants with a capacity under 15 pounds per square inch.
- Installing ten or fewer units that do not need an additional branch circuit, fractional-horsepower motors, and transformers rated at 1,000 volt-amperes or less.
What should a property owner keep on file?
- The electrician’s license number and the permit number for every job, which you can check in DOB NOW.
- The inspection result for work that required one; work that needed an inspection is not finished until it passes.
- Records of any work at or above 1,000 kVA or 600 volts, which needs a design professional’s filing.
Frequently asked questions
Which edition of the National Electrical Code does NYC use?
The 2025 New York City Electrical Code, effective December 21, 2025, adopts the 2020 edition of NFPA 70 with New York City amendments.
Can a handyman change a light fixture in NYC?
Replacing fixtures in existing outlets is minor electrical work, which in New York City still requires a licensed master electrician and a permit, though not a DOB inspection.
Do I need an engineer for electrical work in NYC?
Only for installations of 1,000 kVA or larger or new or revised installations above 600 volts, which must be submitted by a New York State licensed professional engineer or registered architect.
Sources
- Electrical Code, NYC Department of Buildings
- The 2025 New York City Electrical Code, NYC Department of Buildings
- Electrical Work Guidance Document (Local Law 128 of 2024), NYC Department of Buildings
- Electrical Systems: allowable work by a licensed master electrician without a registered design professional, NYC Department of Buildings
- Obtain a Master and Special Electrician License, NYC Department of Buildings
- Electrical Permit, NYC Department of Buildings
- Amendment of Rules relating to Electrical Code (effective December 21, 2025), NYC Rules
How Seayora helps
Vendor management: Keep each electrician’s license and insurance on file and see when they expire.
This article is general information, not legal, architectural or engineering advice. Zoning, building, electrical and plumbing rules are amended by local law and agency rule and differ from one city, town and village to the next, so confirm the current requirements with the building department and a licensed professional before you start work.
How we write and check these guides: editorial standards.
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