The 282 area code serves the central and northwestern regions of Pennsylvania, including the major cities of Erie, Altoona, and State College. It operates as an overlay for the original 814 area code, meaning both codes serve the exact same geographic territory.
If you’ve seen a phone number with a 282 prefix, this guide will explain its location, the communities it covers, and the important requirement for 10-digit dialing in this expansive part of Pennsylvania.
Where is the 282 Area Code Located?
The 282 area code is located in Pennsylvania, covering a vast region that includes 27 counties in the central and northwestern parts of the state. It is one of the largest area codes by landmass in Pennsylvania.
- State: Pennsylvania
- Major Cities: Erie, Altoona, State College, Johnstown
- Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (observing Eastern Standard Time, EST, and Eastern Daylight Time, EDT).
The 282 area code shares its exact geographical boundaries with the 814 area code, providing new numbers for this growing region.
What Cities and Counties Use the 282 Area Code?
The 282 area code, along with 814, covers a diverse mix of cities, university towns, and rural areas. A phone number with this area code is located in or around one of these communities:
Major Cities in Area Code 282:
- Erie
- Altoona
- State College (home to Penn State University)
- Johnstown
- Warren
- DuBois
- Bradford
- Meadville
Primary Counties Served:
The area code covers all or parts of Erie, Blair, Centre, Cambria, Clearfield, Crawford, Jefferson, McKean, Somerset, Venango, and Warren counties, among many others.
History of the 282 Area Code and the Overlay Plan
The 814 area code is one of Pennsylvania’s original area codes, established in 1947. For decades, it served the entire central and northwestern portion of the state. Due to the increasing demand for new phone numbers for cell phones and other devices, the supply of available 814 numbers began to run out.
To address this without a disruptive geographic split, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved an overlay plan. The new 282 area code was officially put into service on May 1, 2021.
The Requirement for 10-Digit Dialing
A key result of this overlay plan is that mandatory 10-digit dialing is in effect. Because two different area codes exist in the same location, you must dial the full 10-digit phone number (area code + seven-digit number) for all local calls. This applies whether you are calling a 282 number or an 814 number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between area code 282 and 814?
Geographically, there is no difference. Both area codes serve the exact same cities and counties in Pennsylvania. The only distinction is when the phone number was assigned; 282 numbers were issued to new customers starting in 2021.
If I have an 814 number, will it change to 282?
No. A major benefit of an overlay plan is that all existing phone numbers remain the same. If you have an 814 number, you will keep it.
What time zone is area code 282?
The 282 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone. It observes Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5) and Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4) during the summer months.
Is the 282 area code a scam?
No, 282 is a legitimate and official area code for central and northwestern Pennsylvania. However, scammers can “spoof” any phone number, including those in the 282 area code. You should always be cautious when answering calls from numbers you do not recognize.
Conclusion
In summary, the 282 area code is an overlay that serves the same region as the 814 area code in Pennsylvania, covering a vast territory from the shores of Lake Erie down through the Allegheny Mountains. It includes major hubs like Erie, Altoona, and State College. The presence of both area codes makes 10-digit dialing a necessity for all local calls.
