What changes next for interconnection devices in Washington?

The 2026 NEC is adopted, not yet in force for December 31, 2026. The 2024 IRC is proposed for May 3, 2027.

Which Washington laws name interconnection devices?

Chapter 19.95 RCW and WAC 296-46B-705 are in force or enacted.

What applies to my job?

Pick the state and the product you build, install, or inspect. The card below answers from each state’s own record.

State

Interconnection devices in Washington

Which codes apply? In Washington, interconnection devices fall under the 2023 NEC and the 2021 IRC.

Backup switches, gateways, meter adapters, and the device that islands a home. State record read Oct 18, 2026. Data as of Oct 26, 2026.

Codes that reach interconnection devices

The edition Washington enforces for each code that governs the product, and the part of the code that does.

NECNational Electrical Code

2023 NECVerified

in force since Apr 1, 2024

Where it reaches the product. Article 705 for the point of connection, 230 for the service, and 702 for optional standby systems.

Electrical safety standards, administration, and installation (chapter 296-46B WAC), adopting NFPA 70-2023 · WAC 296-46B-010; chapter 19.28 RCW

The 2026 NEC is adopted, not yet in force for December 31, 2026.

The Washington NEC record
IRCInternational Residential Code

2021 IRCVerified

in force since Mar 15, 2024

Where it reaches the product. Chapter 37 and the electrical provisions that mirror the NEC.

State Building Code Adoption and Amendment of the 2021 Edition of the International Residential Code (chapter 51-51 WAC) · WAC 51-51-003; WAC 51-51-008; chapter 19.27 RCW

The 2024 IRC is proposed for May 3, 2027.

The Washington IRC record

Coming next

NEC
The 2026 NEC is adopted, not yet in force for December 31, 2026.
Adoption order filed Nov 18, 2025 (rule order effective Dec 19, 2025) with a delayed 2026 NEC effective date; the 2023 NEC stays in force until then.
Verified
IRC
The 2024 IRC is proposed for May 3, 2027.
Same schedule as the IBC: comment period May 6, 2026, to Jun 12, 2026, hearings Jun 10, 2026, and Jun 12, 2026, final adoption targeted Oct 16, 2026. May 3, 2027, is the proposed effective date, not final until a CR-103 is filed.
Verified

State or local

IRCCounties and cities may adopt local amendments to the state codes; the Council must approve or deny those that apply to single-family or multifamily residential buildings (RCW 19.27.074(1)(b)).

Cities and counties can amend a statewide code, so confirm the edition in force with the local official.

Go deeper

Washington laws that name interconnection devices

On the site: two laws, rules, orders, and bills, newest first.

Law or rule	Kind	Stage	Date	What it does
Chapter 19.95 RCW	Statute	PartialIn force	Jun 6, 2024	Requires licensed contractors and detailed written contracts for solar installations over $1,000, including costs, production estimates, and battery component details. Source (opens in a new tab)
WAC 296-46B-705	Code amendment	PartialIn force	Apr 1, 2024	Requires anyone connecting a power source to the grid to consult the serving utility and meet its standards. Source (opens in a new tab)

Every Washington law on interconnection devices, with filters

For information only. Your local building or fire official decides which code applies. We check state records often but can miss a recent change, so confirm with your official before you design, permit, or install. Terms of use