This course is all about amendments, laws and rules specific to those licensed in and performing work in the state of Oregon. Many states such as Oregon have made amendments to the NEC^® in order to tailor it more to the needs of the state.

Even though the NEC^® may say one thing, often the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC) will amend the NEC^® code language by modifying, adding or deleting certain code language in the NEC^®.

Oregon amendments to the 2023 NEC^® are located in “Table 1-E” of the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC) which can be seen using the following link or the OESC PDF file located near the bottom of the screen: 2023 OESC

As you go through the course, be mindful of the text strikethroughs which represent code language that was deleted and the underlined text which represents additional or modified code language adopted by the state of Oregon.

Electricians in Oregon must use the NEC^® along with the OESC to know how to properly install or service electrical systems in the state of Oregon. The underlined text below is the first example of amended code language in the state of Oregon:

OESC 90.4(C) Specific Requirements and Alternative Methods. (First paragraph, no change to model code).

By special permission, the authority having jurisdiction may waive specific requirements in this Code or permit alternative methods where it is assured that equivalent objectives can be achieved by establishing and maintaining effective safety.

Requests for special permission shall be made in writing to the authority having jurisdiction. Special permission must be granted in writing by the authority having jurisdiction and shall be obtained prior to the start of the electrical installation.

OESC 90.4(D) New Products, Constructions, or Materials. This Code may require new products, constructions, or materials that may not yet be available at the time the Code is adopted. In such event, the authority having jurisdiction may permit the use of the products, constructions, or materials that comply with the most recent previous edition of this Code adopted by the jurisdiction.

Where the NEC^® requires electrical products to be “listed” or “labeled”, the words “listed” or “labeled” shall have the same meaning as “certified electrical product” under ORS 479.530.

The occupancy classification and use designations shall be established in accordance with the Oregon Structural Specailty Code (OSSC), as stated on the construction documents by the registered design professional and approved by the building official.

The electrical datum plane as used throughout the OESC shall be the Design Flood Elevation as determined by the flood plain administrator in accordance with the Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) or Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) as applicable.