California’s New Electrical Code: What Homeowners Should Know

What does the 2025 California Electrical Code change for homeowners?

The 2025 California Electrical Code takes effect today, January 1, 2026, replacing the 2022 edition. Nothing in your house became illegal overnight. The new rules apply to work permitted from today on, and the changes most homeowners will notice are in the kitchen: GFCI protection on more outlets and appliances, and new rules for island outlets.

So if a contractor told you “the code just changed” while you were sketching out a kitchen remodel, they’re right. Here’s what that actually means for your project.

Who the new code applies to, and who it doesn’t

The 2025 California Electrical Code is based on the 2023 National Electrical Code, with California’s own amendments layered on top. It governs work permitted from January 1 forward.

Your existing wiring is a different story. If it met code when it was installed, you don’t have to upgrade it just because a new edition arrived. That changes when you remodel or alter that part of the house, because the new work has to follow the current code.

One more wrinkle: cities and counties can add local amendments. Whatever the state book says, the building department that issues your permit has the final word.

The kitchen changes you’ll actually notice

Every kitchen outlet gets GFCI protection

A GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) cuts power in a fraction of a second when current leaks somewhere it shouldn’t, like through a person. The old rule covered outlets serving your countertops and those near the sink. Now it covers every outlet in the kitchen, including the one behind your refrigerator and the one inside a cabinet for a microwave.

240-volt appliances join the list

GFCI protection now reaches more appliances, including the big 240-volt ones: electric ranges, wall ovens, cooktops and clothes dryers, plus microwaves. Dishwashers were already covered.

Island outlets are optional, and side outlets are out

Picture a toddler tugging a cord that dangles from the side of your island, with a hot slow cooker on the other end. That’s the reason for this one. Outlets on the side of an island or peninsula cabinet, below the countertop, are no longer allowed in new work. Island and peninsula outlets aren’t mandatory anymore, either. If you want one, it goes on or above the countertop. If you skip it, the wiring still has to be roughed in so an outlet can be added later.

One rule that hasn’t changed

When you replace an outlet in a spot where code requires GFCI protection, the replacement has to have it. That’s been true for a while, and it matters more now that GFCI covers the whole kitchen. If you’re swapping outlets, our outlet and GFCI installs handle that correctly.

What it means if you’re remodeling your kitchen in 2026

• Expect more GFCI protection, often as breakers. GFCI breakers need compatible space in your panel, and older panels may not accept modern breakers. It’s worth having your electrical panel looked at before you finalize the budget.
• Settle island power before you order cabinets. Decide with your designer whether you want an outlet on the island and where it goes, because the countertop and cabinet plans depend on it.
• A like-for-like appliance swap doesn’t force rewiring. Replacing your old range with a new one, on its existing circuit, doesn’t by itself trigger the new rules.

A remodel is also a good time to add the dedicated circuits your kitchen appliances need, since the walls are already open.

Planning a kitchen project under the new rules

Infiniti Electric is licensed, insured and bonded, and we pull permits for the work we do, so your project gets inspected against the code your building department enforces. If you’re planning a remodel and want to know what the new code means for your kitchen, get in touch before the cabinets are ordered.

Questions about the new California electrical code