Madison – The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) announced today new state safety codes for electrical and plumbing work will take effect September 1. Beginning on that date, any electrical or plumbing plans submitted for review to DSPS or its delegated agents must adhere to the new code requirements.
“State codes are vital public safety tools, and these code updates will improve the safety of future commercial and residential buildings across Wisconsin,” said DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth.
The interim update to Wisconsin’s plumbing code provides clarity for stakeholders by addressing inconsistencies between the current state plumbing code, other DSPS rules, and some national standards the department has adopted.
The electrical code update adopts 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) standards, with specific changes and omissions to ensure it conforms to Wisconsin statutes and is consistent with DSPS procedure. The current Wisconsin electrical code is based on 2017 NEC standards.
“I want to thank our DSPS staff, the Plumbing Code Advisory Committee and Chairperson Joseph Kiedrowski, the Electrical Code Advisory Committee and Chairperson Kyle Krueger, and the industry stakeholders who worked together for months to develop these updated codes, providing a safer future for Wisconsin communities,” Hereth said.
You can go to the Wisconsin Legislature’s website to find the updated Plumbing Code Rule and Electrical Code Rule.
The new plumbing and electrical codes are set to be published on June 29 and take effect September 1.
Starting October 1, the code changes will be reflected in questions on the trades exams offered by Wisconsin DSPS and third-party testing company Pearson Vue.
About DSPS
DSPS issues more than 240 unique licenses, administers dozens of boards and councils that regulate professions, enforces state building codes, and maintains the Wisconsin Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which is a key tool in the multi-faceted public health campaign to stem excessive opioid prescribing. A fee-based agency, DSPS is self-sustaining and receives no general fund tax dollars for its day-to-day operations. With two offices and roughly 250 employees, DSPS collaborates with constituents and stakeholders across a wide range of industries to promote safety and advance the economy.
