Delaware
Currently enforces NEC 2020
NEC Code Adoption in Delaware
Delaware currently enforces NEC 2020. All electrical installations and modifications must comply with this code edition and any applicable state amendments.
Current Electrical Code Status
Active NEC Edition: 2020
All licensed electricians, contractors, and apprentices working in Delaware must maintain current knowledge of NEC 2020 and any state amendments. Many of these amendments address climate, seismic considerations, or local infrastructure requirements not covered by the base NEC.
Electrical Licensing in Delaware
Delaware electricians must be licensed through Board of Electrical Examiners (verify). All electricians performing electrical work must hold the appropriate license classification for the type of work they perform.
License Types: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master Continuing Education: Requirements vary (check with verify) Reciprocity: Delaware has reciprocal licensing agreements with Maryland, Virginia, West-Virginia. This allows licensed electricians from those states to work in Delaware under certain conditions.
Workforce Data
Delaware employs approximately 5,000 electricians with a mean hourly wage of $30.44 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a significant portion of Delaware’s skilled trades workforce and reflects the ongoing demand for qualified electrical professionals in the state.
What This Means for Your Calculator
Delaware is currently on NEC 2020. The FieldLab Electrician NEC Calculator includes NEC 2023 and NEC 2026 tables, preparing you for when Delaware updates to the next code cycle. Many calculations (voltage drop, Ohm’s law, conduit fill geometry) remain consistent across editions, making the transition smoother when adoption occurs.