USBC 2701.1.1 Changes to NFPA 70.

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.

The 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) became effective January 18, 2024. The new code references the 2020 National Electrical Code along with the 2021 editions of the International codes (plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas).

During the 2021 VA USBC code adoption process, additional language was added to the IBC to read:

2701.1.1 Changes to NFPA 70. The following changes shall be made to NFPA 70:

  1. Change Sections 334.10(2) and 334.10(3) of NFPA 70 to read:

(2) Multifamily dwellings not exceeding four floors above grade and multifamily dwellings of any height permitted to be of Types III, IV and V construction except in any case as prohibited in 334.12.

(3) Other structures not exceeding four floors above grade and other structures of any height permitted to be of Types III, IV and V construction except in any case as prohibited in 334.12. In structures exceeding four floors above grade, cables shall be concealed within walls, floors or ceilings that provide a thermal barrier of material that has at least a 15-minute finish rating as identified in listings of fire-rated assemblies.

For the purpose of Items 2 and 3 above, the first floor of a building shall be that floor that has 50% or more of the exterior wall surface area level with or above finished grade. One additional level that is the first level and not designed for human habitation and used only for vehicle parking, storage or similar use shall be permitted.

  1. Change Section 700.12(I)(2)(6) of NFPA 70 to read:

(6) Where the normal power branch circuits that supply luminaries providing illumination immediately on the inside and outside of exit doors are supplied by the same service or feeder, the remote heads providing emergency illumination for the exterior of an exit door shall be permitted to be supplied by the unit equipment serving the area immediately inside the exit door.

  1. Delete Section 210.8(F) in its entirety.

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USBC 2701.1.1 Changes to NFPA 70.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Based on the VA USBC code language, which of the following is true regarding the scope of Chapter 27?

A: For the purpose of Items 2 and 3 in 2701.1.1, the second floor of a building shall be that floor that has 60% or more of the exterior wall surface area level with or above finished grade.
B: For the purpose of Items 2 and 3 in 2701.1.1, the third floor of a building shall be that floor that has 10% or more of the exterior wall surface area level with or above finished grade.
C: For the purpose of Items 2 and 3 in 2701.1.1, the first floor of a building shall be that floor that has 50% or more of the exterior wall surface area level with or above finished grade.
D: For the purpose of Items 2 and 3 in 2701.1.1, the fourth floor of a building shall be that floor that has 5% or more of the exterior wall surface area level with or above finished grade.
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