Code Change Summary: : Global changes in the 2026 NEC^® include structural reorganization and the introduction of new articles intended to improve usability and alignment with modern electrical systems.

SME Commentary:

Global changes in the 2026 NEC^® reflect a deliberate shift in how the Code is organized, driven by the need to better align its structure with modern electrical installation practices and advancing technologies. These changes are not isolated editorial adjustments, but part of a broader modernization effort intended to improve how the NEC^® is learned, applied, and enforced as electrical systems continue to evolve.

The National Fire Protection Association, through the NEC^® Correlating Committee, initiated a formal review of the Code’s organizational structure after recognizing that the framework first introduced in 1937 no longer supports the complexity of present-day installations as efficiently as it once did. In 2022, a dedicated task group was formed to evaluate structural limitations and identify opportunities to reorganize the NEC^® without altering technical requirements. The result is a staged approach to modernization, with the 2026 NEC^® implementing significant structural changes that establish a clear direction for continued reorganization anticipated in the 2029 edition. See new Annex L for additional information.

Below is a summary of significant global changes including restructuring and new articles.

• Relocated Article 220 Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Load Calculations to new Article 120.
• Relocated Article 750 Energy Management Systems to new Article 130.
• New Article 206 covers Non-Power-Limited Remote-Control and Signaling Circuits.
• Requirements previously located in Article 235 addressing Branch Circuits, Feeders, and Services Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal were separated into new Articles 265, 266, 267, and 268.
  • New Article 265 covers Branch Circuits Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal.
  • New Article 266 covers Feeders Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal.
  • New Article 267 covers Outside Branch Circuits and Feeders Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal.
  • New Article 268 covers Services Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal.
• New Article 270 covers Grounding and Bonding of Systems Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal.
• New Article 624 covers Electric Self-Propelled Vehicle Power Transfer Systems (ESVSEs).
• New Article 720 provides General Requirements for Limited-Energy System Wiring Methods and Materials.
• New Article 721 addresses Power Sources for Limited-Energy Systems.
• New Article 723 covers Raceways, Cable Routing Assemblies, and Cable Trays for Limited-Energy Systems.
• New Article 742 covers Overvoltage Protection of Limited-Energy Systems.
• New Article 750 covers Ground and Bonding of Limited-Energy Systems.
• Previous Article 770 covering Fire-Resistive Cable Systems is now Article 772.