As of January 1, 2022, the VA Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation requires that a portion of the VA Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) code changes pertaining to electrical installations be included in electrical continuing education programs.

During the 2018 VA USBC code adoption process, a change was made to add Section 2702.2.7 requiring standby power for gas detection systems installed in accordance with the International Fire Code (IFC).

Gas detection systems are installed to detect the presence of a specified gas at a specified concentration level. Once gas is detected, the gas detection system will initiate a response such as notifying a responsible person, activating an alarm signal, or activating or deactivating equipment.

When reviewing the VA USBC for code changes, technical code changes from the previous edition of the International Codes are shown in blue text.

[F] 2702.2.7 Gas detection system.

Emergency or standby power shall be provided for gas detection systems in accordance with the International Fire Code.