A lot can happen in three years, and that’s especially true for the National Electrical Code (NEC). With job growth, innovation, and demand for electrical trade workers rising, having a clear understanding of safety, installation, repair, and maintenance regulations, as well as how the advancement of jobsite equipment will coincide with such changes, is more essential than ever before.
With the newly released 2026 NEC, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) added revisions, updates, and new codes to adapt to ever-changing industry standards. Get the rundown of recent developments and the future of safety and compliance.
Worker safety
1. Article 110.3(B): Manufacturer’s Instructions
New code: A manufacturer’s guide for installations must be fully aligned with the NEC. Guides can go into more detail, if needed, but they must never leave out or take away anything from the standard code of installing and using equipment.
FAQ: Can guides be provided in various formats?
Yes, guides can be available in print, QR code, or digitally via a website or a downloadable file.
2. Article 110.16(B): Arc Flash Hazard Marking
Previously, arch flash labels were only required for switchgear, switchboards, enclosed panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures, and motor control centers.
Code revision: All commercial and industrial electrical equipment must have arc flash labels. Prior to the change, only service or feeder-supplied equipment with a 1000A rating or higher had to have them.
FAQ: What specific safety information must be included in the labels?
In a recent interview with EC&M, Chad Kennedy, Director of Industry Standards for Schneider Electric, mentioned that “specific requirement parameters will also need to be included on arc flash hazard markings, such as the nominal system voltage, the arc flash boundary, either the available incident energy or the PPE that’s required, and the date the assessment was completed.”
3. Article 110.26: Equipment Working Space
Before this code change, as long as entrances and exits on jobsites were more than 24 inches from large electrical equipment with the equipment door(s) (opened to the maximum angle), it was not considered to be an obstruction.
Code revision: Equipment doors must be able to open at a 90-degree angle regardless of the maximum angle, and the code covers all electrical equipment. No obstructions, including cabinets, walls, partitions, or storage of any kind for items, such as mops or boxes, should be in front of any equipment.
FAQ: Why was this code implemented?
This ensures there’s plenty of space surrounding electrical equipment on the jobsite so that work can be done safely and, in case of an emergency, exits are clear for swift escapes, even if equipment doors are wide open.
4. Article: 210.8(F): Exception for GFCI Protection for Outdoor Outlets Service HVAC
Soon, contractors will need to add GFCI protection for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units to reduce the risk of electrocution when working with HVAC equipment. Additionally, GFCI protection for residential outdoor outlets will be required to be increased from 50A to 60A.
New code: After September 1, 2026, HVAC units will no longer be allowed to operate without ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection.
FAQ: How will these changes impact the installer?
This will impact installations for contractors by requiring awareness and preparation for acquiring High Frequency (HF-rated) GFCIs, especially variable speed and inverter-based systems, ahead of the listed deadline.
5. Article 210.52(A)(5) Wall Receptacle Outlets Below Countertop
Code revision: No receptacle outlets located on kitchen countertops will be allowed to be installed below or located within 24 inches below the countertop surface.
FAQ: Why was this revision implemented?
Due to reports of hanging cords from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, this change also inadvertently allows other receptacles to be mounted on the sides of kitchen islands and countertops.
6. Article 300.4 Limitations
New code: Conductors and wires are required to be replaced if they are damaged from overheating, fire, corrosion, or water.
7. Article 300.13 Securing and Supporting
New code: Cable ties specifically used for securing and supporting cables are required to be identified as such.
8. Article 404.30 Switch Enclosures with Doors
Code update: Energized (live) parts are restricted in access when within switch enclosures that have doors.
FAQ: What about mounted switches within enclosures with doors or hinged covers?
They should be dead fronted (or covered) unless the interior needs a tool in order to gain access to it.
Equipment and system safety
9. Article 215.18(A) & 230.67(A) Feeder Surge Protection for Sleeping Quarters
Code revision: Fire stations, police stations, ambulance stations, ranger stations, and dormitories must have surge protection for sleeping spaces in the listed locations.
FAQ: Why was this implemented?
To elevate protection for vulnerable electronics and safety devices, like AFCIs, GFCIs, and smoke alarms.
10. Article 230.70(A) Service Disconnect Location
Code update: One- and two-family dwelling service disconnects must now be located outside.
FAQ: Are there any other requirements that must be followed?
Service disconnects must also be at least 50 feet from the dwelling unit. A recent exception covers feeder-supplied dwellings if an emergency/service disconnect is installed, and the service disconnect will also operate as the emergency disconnect since the requirements for both have merged.
11. Article 230.70(B) Service Disconnect Markings
Code revision: Any markings for places other than one- and two-family dwellings are required to be labeled “Service Disconnect” and must be durable to environmental elements, not handwritten, and permanently attached on or adjacent to the equipment. “Emergency Disconnect” labels are for disconnect enclosures for one- and two-family dwellings. Markings are required to have a red background with white text and be on the outside front of the disconnect enclosure. Text must be a minimum of ½ inch in height. Source Disconnects markings must have a plaque or directory labeling all energy source disconnecting means that are required to be adjacent to the service disconnect.
FAQ: Why was this revision implemented?
These updated marking rules ensure clarity on how to label and where they should be located.
12. Article 230.70(E) One- and Two-Family Dwelling Service Equipment Replacement
New code: Reiteration of number 15 on the list, but when service equipment is replaced (except for meter sockets, service entrance conductors, or related raceways), emergency and service disconnect markings must be provided.
13. Article 230.70(F) Remote Control
Code update: Remote control devices (e.g., pushbuttons or shunt-trip breakers) are not considered service disconnecting means.
FAQ: Why are remote control devices not considered service disconnecting means?
Due to potential failure or disablement and the reliance on control circuits, leading to not being able to safely disconnect power at the service entrance, remote control devices are not acknowledged as serving disconnecting means.
14. Article 245.2 Overcurrent Protection for Systems Rated Over 1000V AC, 1500V DC
Code update: Applying to both medium and high voltage systems, this code update acknowledges gaps in system requirements over 1000 Volts AC and 1500 Volts DC. January 1, 2029, is when overcurrent protection for systems (e.g., renewable energy installations, industrial facilities, data centers, and commercial settings) rated over 1000V for AC and 1500V for DC goes into effect.
FAQ: How does this impact inspections?
Many industry-designated products have prioritized utility installations where the technical performance is based on manufacturer-supplied information instead of a third-party listing. Therefore, the January 2029 deadline allows manufacturers to finish the listing process.
15. Article 268.2 Listing Requirements for Services Over 1000V AC, 1500V DC, Nominal
New code: Medium voltage (MV) service equipment is required to be listed or field evaluated (i.e., UL).
FAQ: Why was this implemented?
This new code is in compliance with similar requirements for service equipment under 1000V AC, 1500V DC, nominal, and solidifies the intent to provide clear, dedicated sections within the code for medium voltage and high voltage installations. Initially, requirements for these higher voltage services were found within Article 235, which was removed from the 2026 NEC and its content redistributed.
16. Article 408.6 Short-Circuit Current Rating
New code: Switchboards and panelboards are required to have a short-circuit current rating not less than the provided fault current on the equipment’s line side.
FAQ: Why was this implemented?
This makes sure switchboards and panelboards can short-circuit or experience a disruption without fire or damage.
17. Article 555.9 Engineered Design
New code: Documentation of an engineered electrical design of the pier distribution system, except for one- and two-family dwelling units with 240V system voltage, single-phase or less, is required to be provided to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
FAQ: Why was this implemented?
This new code was added to enhance public safety on commercial docks.
18. Article 555.13 Non-Current Carrying Metal Parts Bonding
Code revision: Only metal parts that will likely become energized will be required to be connected to the branch circuit or feeder equipment grounding conductor with a bonding conductor no bigger than 8AWG copper.
Energy management
19. Article 120.7(B): Power Control Systems (PCSs)
New code: PCS control settings should not exceed 80 percent of the overcurrent protective device that’s monitoring a circuit.
FAQ: Why was this new code implemented?
This stops branch-circuit, feeder, and service conductor overloads. Plus, managing loads with a PCS prevents costly upgrades if a panel or service is close to capacity.
20. Article 120.7(C): Power Control Systems (PCSs) Load Calculations
New code: Branch circuit, feeder, and service load calculations are required to be the sum total of the controlled loads.
FAQ: How do you calculate the value of a controlled load?
The minimum operating current is the value greater than or equal to zero representing the minimum current of the controlled loads.
21. Article 120.82(B): General Lighting Demand, First 8kVA
New code: Demand loads should not be less than 100 percent of the first 8kVA, including 40 percent of the kVA that’s left over for the following loads.
FAQ: What was the previous requirement for demand loads?
The previous demand load requirement was 100 percent of the first 10kVA.
General Lighting Load, 2VA
New code: The general lighting and receptacle loads in residential units were lowered from 3VA to 2VA per square foot for feeder/service load calculations.
FAQ: Why was this implemented?
This change was based on several studies by the Department of Energy.
22. Article 130.50: General Energy Management Requirements
New code: Power can be managed through power control systems (PCSs) with components like energy storage, loads, circuit controllers, or other equipment.
23. Article 130.60 Conductors and Equipment
New code: Requires automatic controls of energy management systems that prevent the overloading of conductors, power sources, and power distribution equipment linked to the PCS. It also allows a system failure to transition to a controlled state instead of a full shutdown.
FAQ: How can this new process be integrated with smart buildings?
Adding requirements to integrate with building automation, controlling loads, distributed energy resources, and smart grids ensures that power goes to critical loads, preventing overload of power and control wiring, ongoing on-site management of energy sources, and loads being transferred based on user priorities.
24. Article 130.70 PCS Settings
New code: EMS/PCS configuration and calibration requirements, such as demand-side management, load shedding, or integration with renewable energy sources, have been added.
FAQ: What are the results of adding requirements for EMS/PCSs?
Easier access to adjustable, more flexible overload control settings, the PCS Control Setting is now acknowledged as a continuous load, and only qualified contractors can access control settings utilizing standardized methods and verification through certified products.
Electric vehicles
25. Article 120.82(D): Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Load at 100 Percent
New code: Operate 100 percent of the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) nameplate rating in alignment with Article 120.57.
FAQ: What if a nameplate isn’t available?
An assumed load of 7,200 VA should be used if the nameplate isn’t available.
26. Article 625.4 Qualified Persons
New code: Only qualified contractors can install electric vehicle power transfer equipment (Level 2 chargers and up).
27. Article 625.43(E) Emergency Shutoff of EV Power Transfer Systems
New code: EV charger emergency shutoffs must be available at commercial, fleet, and public charging installations.
FAQ: Will at-home EV chargers be impacted by this?
This new code will not apply to residential EV chargers, but permanently wired EVSE installs will need to provide a disconnect in compliance with 625.43(D).
28. Article 625.44 Equipment Connection for EV Power Transfer Systems
Code revision: Portable or hand-fastened charging equipment, and wireless power transfer equipment, rated at 30, 50, or 60 amps, is required to be connected to an EVSE or Wireless Power Transfer Equipment (WPTE) listed receptacle. Additionally, 50A-rated receptacles can’t be installed on 40A branch circuits.
FAQ: Why were these revisions implemented?
Modifications were made to address overheating issues.
29. Article 625.5 Field Markings on EVSE Enclosures
New code: Visible markings showing voltage, number of phases, frequency, full-load current, and short-circuit current rating must be placed on EVSEs.
FAQ: Why was this new code implemented?
It offers a quick way to verify proper circuit sizing and short-circuit ratings before equipment is energized.
30. Article 625.43 Disconnecting Means
New code: Emergency shutoffs are now required for EVSEs and must be within sight, located no closer than 20 feet and no farther than 100 feet from the equipment.
FAQ: Why was this implemented?
As a result, this makes sure that first-responders can quickly and safely disable power from an EVSE in the event of an electric vehicle fire.
31. Article 625.44 Equipment Connections
New code: All 30A, 50A, and 60A EV charging receptacles are required to be listed for EVSE use.
FAQ: Why was this new code implemented?
This makes sure design and testing are happening for continuous load conditions in order to help with safer and more reliable charging over long periods of time.
Microgrids
32. Article 555.35 GFPE and GFCI Protection & GFPE Performance Testing
Code update: Docks and piers will now require ground fault protection equipment (GFPE) with a trip current not exceeding 100mA.
New code: GFPE protection systems must be built and tested by qualified contractors in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and a written document must be made available to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
FAQ: Why was this implemented?
These specific codes make sure electrical systems in marina environments are safe and reliable.
33. Article 705.11(C) Source Connections to a Service, Overcurrent Protection
Code update: All unprotected conductor lengths inside buildings are a major fire hazard. The maximum conductor length depends on the type of building it is; residential buildings have a limit of 10 feet, and other buildings have a limit of 16.5 feet. Conductor lengths can be up to 66 feet, depending on supervised usage of cable limiters and whether the service does not go over 1000V.
FAQ: Why was this implemented?
This change was implemented to clarify where and how overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) should be installed when a power production source is connected to already existing utility service conductors or equipment inside a building.
34. Article 705.20 Source Disconnecting Means
Code update: A single system disconnect is now allowed when multiple power sources are integrated before connecting to the premises wiring system. A single disconnect can also operate as both the service disconnect and source system disconnect for maintenance and service activities. Further, means of isolation for maintenance and service activities must be present for all power production sources.
FAQ: Which types of microgrids does this apply to?
This applies to generators, batteries, photovoltaic (PV), fuel cells, and wind power.
35. Article 705.32 Ground Fault Protection in Interconnected Electric Power
Code update: The design of ground fault protection must include where ground fault protection equipment is installed, and a ground-fault current power source is installed on the load side to be tested together as one whole system.
FAQ: Why was this implemented?
This code update was implemented to continue to resolve any issues that come with offering ground fault protection when combining more power sources.
Critical systems
36. Article 700.6(C) Bypass and Isolation of Transfer Equipment for Emergency Systems
Code revision: Service to transfer equipment must be done with permanently installed equipment that isolates the transfer equipment and bypasses power to ensure that power is not interrupted.
FAQ: Why was this implemented?
This was implemented in order to be able to safely maintain or test out-of-service transfer switches without disrupting critical power supply to emergency loads.
37. Article 700.12(F) Microgrid Systems
Code update: Interconnection equipment labeled for emergency use needs to separate or isolate the emergency system or standby system from the normal power for the building or facility.
FAQ: Why was this implemented?
Overall, it provides adaptability and advantages in energy storage, fuel cells, generators, and other distributed energy sources in use.
38. Article 701.9 Surge Protection for Legally Required Standby Systems
Code revision: Listed Type 1 or Type 2 surge protection devices must be integrated with or closely adjacent to all compliant standby system switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, and electrical system gear created to provide power for essential operations during outages.
FAQ: What’s included in the compliant standby system switchgear?
Compliant standby systems include things that are essential for public safety and order during an outage, like ventilating systems, smoke control systems, or communication systems.
39. Fire Protection of Conductors: Two-Hour Protection Inside a Building
Articles: 695.7(A)(2)(d) Fire Pump – Feeders, 695.14(F) Fire Pump – Generator Control Wiring, 700.10(D)(2) Emergency Systems – Feeder Circuit Wiring, 700.10(D)(4) Emergency Systems – Source Control Wiring, and 708.10(C)(2) Critical Operations Power Systems – Fire Protection for Feeders.
Code update: Lastly, concrete encasement for conductors within buildings has been updated from two inches to five inches based on data showing that circuit stability was not sustained for two hours. Concrete formulation varies from building to building. Therefore, an allowance for a two-inch concrete encasement was added where the two-hour rating is archived by a licensed engineer.
FAQ: What are other acceptable compliance methods that follow the two-hour standard?
When cable or raceway is installed in areas entirely safeguarded by an automatic fire sprinkler system, is part of a registered fire-resistive cable system, and/or is secured by a registered electrical circuit protective system.
Sources: EC&M and Schneider Electric.