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:

2701.1.2 Temporary connection to dwelling units. The building official shall give permission to energize the electrical service equipment of a one- or two-family dwelling unit when all of the following requirements have been approved:

1. The service wiring and equipment, including the meter socket enclosure, shall be installed and the service wiring terminated.
2. The grounding electrode system shall be installed and terminated.
3. At least one receptacle outlet on a ground fault protected circuit shall be installed and the circuit wiring terminated.
4. Service equipment covers shall be installed.
5. The building roof covering shall be installed.
6. Temporary electrical service equipment shall be suitable for wet locations unless the interior is dry and protected from the weather.