NEC 2026 Edition Changes Overview

The 2026 edition of NEC was issued by the NFPA Standards Council on September 9th. It is currently available on the NFPA website, and softcover codebooks started shipping in October 2025. The adoption of the new Code edition varies by state and is expected throughout 2026. The 2026 version is the last traditional version of the NEC before the complete reorganisation of the Code in the 2029 edition, when it will lose its current structure and be significantly expanded. The 2026 version of NEc has a lot of structural changes that we talk about briefly at the end of this article; however, we decided to present you with a technical-change-focused list that explains the rules that change what you do in the field.

Top 30 Technical Changes to NEC in 2026

110.16 — Arc-flash labeling upgraded

Under NEC 2026, arc-flash labels must now include specific, actionable information such as nominal voltage, arc-flash boundary, available incident energy (or boundary), and the date of assessment. Labels are now expected to communicate real hazard conditions rather than serve as a generic warning. Before this change, there was often a simple “arc-flash hazard” label that did not reflect the actual risk level of the equipment or provide usable information for workers.

110.26 — Working space must consider open doors

NEC 2026 requires that working clearances remain compliant with equipment doors or covers open, regardless of whether those doors are removable. There is no longer an assumption that the doors are closed

Because of this, installations that block egress paths or reduce required clearances when doors swing open are no longer acceptable.  This new requirement is supposed to make the conditions safer during maintenance.

110.26(C)(2) — Large feeder disconnect egress

The NEC now applies second means of egress requirements to large feeder disconnects, not only to service equipment like it was in previous NEC itirations. This reflects the recognition that feeder disconnects can present arc-flash and entrapment risks comparable to those of a service gear.

110.3(B) — Manufacturer instructions must still meet NEC

NEC 2026 clarifies that manufacturer installation instructions must result in a code-compliant installation and do not override NEC requirements. If instructions conflict with the Code, the NEC prevails. Previously, following manufacturer instructions was often considered sufficient justification for compliance, even when a conflict existed. This new note is intended to end that informal practice.

230.70(A)(1) — Outdoor service disconnect required (dwellings)

For one- and two-family dwellings, NEC 2026 now requires a readily accessible outdoor service disconnect. This means better emergency responder access. It is also more convenient, as you no longer need to enter a building to shut off the power. Earlier editions allowed service disconnects to be located inside the dwelling, which could delay emergency response.

230.70(D) — All power sources must be directory-listed

NEC 2026 requires that all sources capable of energizing a premises be identified at the service disconnect location. This includes PV systems, generators, batteries, and microgrids. Previously, directory requirements focused mainly on just select alternate sources like emergency systems and standby generators.

This requirement makes things safer- anyone arriving at the service disconnect can immediately understand whether the building can still be energised from somewhere else.

225.31 / 225.33 — Feeder disconnect clarification

The current Code clarifies when a single disconnect can satisfy multiple feeder disconnect requirements. This clarification also gives better explanations of grouping, location, and accessibility. Before this update, feeder disconnect requirements were interpreted inconsistently, often resulting in redundant equipment or inspection disputes.

210.8(F) — GFCI expanded to 60A outdoor outlets

NEC 2026 expands GFCI protection to outdoor outlets rated up to 60 amps. This reflects reality better, as high-capacity outdoor equipment is now more popular than it was years ago. Heat pumps, HVAC, and pool equipment are a new norm now. And no, these HVAC units, heat pumps, and similar loads fall under GFCI protection. Previously, GFCI requirements were largely limited to lower-amperage outdoor outlets.

Special Purpose GFCIs formally recognized

The Code now explicitly recognizes Special Purpose GFCIs designed for equipment that is either high-current or is known to leak current. As a result, HVAC, EVSE, and similar systems can now be protected without nuisance tripping. Before NEC 2026, these devices existed but were not clearly acknowledged in the Code.

This clarification is the result of a long rollout that began in the 2020 NEC, when GFCI protection was first required for outdoor HVAC equipment serving dwelling units. That requirement was quickly delayed through a Tentative Interim Amendment because standard GFCIs were prone to nuisance tripping when used with power-conversion equipment common in modern HVAC systems.

The TIA initially pushed enforcement to January 1, 2023, and the 2023 NEC further delayed the requirement to September 1, 2026. NEC 2026 maintains that September 1, 2026 effective date, reflecting the availability of GFCI products now specifically designed to protect HVAC equipment without nuisance tripping. By formally acknowledging these Special Purpose GFCIs, the Code resolves earlier ambiguity where such devices existed but were not clearly recognized as acceptable.

210.12(E) — AFCI allowed at first outlet

NEC 2026 allows outlet branch-circuit AFCIs to be installed at the first outlet or switch on a circuit. This paves the way for improved AFCI compliance during building renovations.  Previously, AFCI protection was typically required at the circuit breaker, calling for an automatic panel upgrade.

210.52 — Kitchen & countertop receptacle rules refined

The updated Code clarifies where receptacles may and may not be installed around countertops, islands, and work surfaces. These refinements improve usability and reduce unsafe or impractical placements. Small appliances used on countertops now have power supply cords limited to 24 inches in length per UL Standards. The new norm also clarifies the issue of receptables below kitchen countertops and work surfaces. Fixed cabinets are excluded from wall-space measurement more broadly than before. Additionally, this article lists prohibited locations for receptacles serving countertops/work surfaces.

406 — Face-up receptacles banned in laundry areas

NEC 2026 explicitly prohibits face-up receptacles in laundry areas due to spill and moisture risks. This means laundry spaces are now just like any other wet-adjacent areas.

300.4(C) — Damaged wiring must be replaced

Under NEC 2026, wiring damaged by heat, moisture, corrosion, or physical stress must be replaced, not repaired or reused. This clarifies the acceptability of compromised conductors. In earlier editions, damaged wiring was sometimes allowed to remain in service if it appeared functional, like if there was heat exposure without limited conductor damage.

300.7 — Warning ribbon required over service raceways

The Code now requires a warning ribbon over underground service raceways, not just over conductors that were direct-buried. Another norm that improves safety.

300.13(E) — Cable ties must be listed

NEC 2026 requires cable ties used for support or securement to be listed and identified for that purpose. Previously, generic zip ties that were not listed were used.

300.24 — 360° bend rule clarified

The 360-degree bend limitation now clearly applies across raceway transitions, not just within a single raceway type. Earlier interpretations reset the bend count when changing raceway types, which is no longer the case with the 2026 NEC.

330.30 — Cable cleats allowed for MC

Listed cable cleats are now explicitly permitted for supporting MC cable. Previously, MC support options were limited.

334.10 — NM cable exception for small garages

NEC 2026 introduces a limited exception allowing NM cable in certain small, nonhabitable, grade-level garages. This provides flexibility while maintaining safety constraints. This overrides the long-standing rule that requires NM cable to be protected by a 15-minute thermal barrier (like drywall) in specific construction types. Earlier editions broadly restricted NM cable use in garages regardless of size or use.

250.64(E)(1) — Bond both ends of ferrous armor

The Code now requires ferrous cable armor to be bonded at both ends to reduce induced currents and improve fault clearing. Previously, single-end bonding was sometimes used in practice.

250.102(A) — Raceway as bonding jumper

NEC 2026 clarifies that rigid metal raceways and fittings may serve as bonding jumpers when properly installed. This formalises a practice that was previously applied inconsistently. Earlier renditions of the Code failed to mention this.

408.10(F) — Panel warning labels must be visible

Warning labels must now be clearly visible on the front of panels or switchgear. Previously, labels were sometimes placed inside enclosures where they were not immediately visible.

422.12 — HVAC servicing power exception

Servicing receptacles and lighting may now be supplied from the HVAC equipment circuit. Previously, separate branch circuits were a must.

HVAC disconnect doors must be locked or tool-opened

Disconnect enclosures exposing energized parts must now be locked or require tools to open. This reduces the risk of accidental access by unqualified persons. Practice of unrestricted access was possible before this rule.

Motor control centers — disconnect location marking

MCCs must clearly indicate the location of their supply disconnecting means. This improves lockout/tagout procedures and emergency response. Disconnect locations were not always clearly identified before because this rule was not a part of NEC.

Article 480 — Battery scope clarified

NEC 2026 clarifies that Article 480 applies only to stationary batteries not covered by listed energy storage system standards. This reduces overlap and confusion. Earlier editions blurred the boundary between batteries and ESS installations. Now, Article 480 applies only to stationary batteries, and Article 706 applies to ESS.

480.14 — Overcharge protection required

Overcharge protection is now explicitly required for stationary battery systems to protect from fire and thermal runaway risks.

Article 624 — New vehicle power transfer systems

The Code now includes Article 624 to address electrical self-propelled vehicles used as power sources. This accounts for bidirectional charging and mobile power applications. Previously, these systems did not fit cleanly into existing NEC articles, but the clear need for it has arrived. The vehicles include electric pickup trucks, vehicle-to-home (V2H), and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capable EVs.

625.44 — EV plugs must be EV-listed

EV charging plugs must now be specifically listed for EV use. Previously, general-purpose plugs were sometimes used despite not being designed for that duty. The growing use of EV vehicles called for this norm, and now it has become the reality.

625.54 — GFCI/SPGFCI for permanently wired EVSE

Hardwired EVSE installations must now include appropriate GFCI or SPGFCI protection. This bridges the safety gap between plug-in and hardwired charging equipment.

PV source circuits — DC clarified, 100-kW limit removed

NEC 2026 clarifies that PV source circuit rules apply specifically to DC circuits and removes the 100-kW inverter size threshold. This allows engineering-based design regardless of system size. Before, some inspectors treated PV source-circuit rules as if they stopped applying once a system exceeded 100 kW. The new rule makes sure that this is no longer a case.

Structural Changes

These are overarching reorganizations and additions that restructure the Code:

1. Massive reorganization of chapters and articles
   • New Chapter 5 “Specific Occupancies and Locations,” Chapter 6 “Specific Equipment,” and Chapter 7 “Specific Conditions and Systems.”
2. Removal of Chapter 8 as an independent chapter
   • Communications Systems content is now integrated into related articles and limited-energy system articles. The whole chapter 8 on communication circuits has been removed.
3. New and relocated articles for systems over 1000 V AC / 1500 V DC (moved primarily from old Article 235, which has now been excluded from NEC):
   • Article 206: Non-Power-Limited Remote-Control and Signaling Circuits
   • Article 265: Branch Circuits Over 1000 V
   • Article 266: Feeders Over 1000 V AC / 1500 V DC
   • Article 267: Outside Branch Circuits & Feeders Over 1000 V AC / 1500 V DC
   • Article 268: Services Over 1000 V AC / 1500 V DC
   • Article 270: Grounding and Bonding of Systems Over 1000 V AC / 1500 V DC
4. New Electric Self-Propelled Vehicle Power Transfer Systems article
   • Article 624 added for ESVSEs.
5. Limited-Energy System Articles (720–750) consolidated and expanded from former Chapter 8:
   • Article 720: General Requirements for Limited-Energy Systems
   • Article 721: Power Sources for Limited-Energy Systems
   • Article 722: Limited-Energy Cables
   • Article 723: Raceways, Cable Routing Assemblies & Cable Trays
   • Article 742: Overvoltage Protection for Limited-Energy Systems
   • Article 750: Grounding & Bonding of Limited-Energy Systems
   • (Former communications cables, signaling, and optical fiber content has been rehomed here
6. Article 220 (load calculations) is moved into Article 120 Branch-Circuits, Feeder, and Service Load Calculations.