Wisconsin Governor Changes Plan to Modify Electrical Code

Gov. Scott Walker has dropped plans to remove mandatory fire safety requirements from the state electrical code.

The Wisconsin Builders Association had suggested the change. Current code requires builders to install arc-fault and ground-fault circuit interrupter protection and tamper-resistant electrical outlets in new construction. The change would have made installation of those devices optional. Builders Association vice president Jerry Deschane says the devices had “reliability problems.”

Electrical inspectors and fire officials criticized Walker’s decision to change the code and applauded when he decided not to change it. The State Journal reports Walker has directed the Department of Safety and Professional Services to forgo code changes.