Electrical Code

See also: Electrical Inspections

What Is It?

The Seattle Electrical Code provides minimum standards to protect people and property from the hazards of electricity. The code regulates the construction, installation, quality of materials, location, and operation of equipment and systems using electricity in the City of Seattle’s built environment.

The code does not include design specifications or instructions like those found in installation manuals. It applies to all electrical wiring and equipment, including communications systems, installed or used within Seattle.

Exemptions to the code exist in the following areas:

  • Ship
  • Railway
  • Communication utility equipment
  • Electrical utility installations, and mining equipment

See section 80.3 for details.

Read the Code

Previous Versions

Proposed Changes

We are updating the Seattle codes to the 2021 editions. See our 2021 Seattle Code Adoption web page for more information.

Construction and Inspections

Nathan Torgelson, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA, 98124-4019
Phone: (206) 684-8600
Phone Alt: Violation Complaint Line: (206) 615-0808
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SDCI issues land use, construction, and trade permits, conducts construction and housing-related inspections, ensures compliance with our codes, and regulates rental rules. SDCI is committed to an antiracist workplace and to addressing racism through our work in the community.