Code Change Summary: The term “In Sight From (Within Sight From) (Within Sight)” was deleted from Article 100.

SME commentary: In the 2026 National Electrical Code, the definition for “In Sight From (Within Sight From) (Within Sight)” was officially deleted from Article 100. This might seem like a subtle editorial change on the surface, but it's actually the resolution of an ongoing inconsistency that had been out of alignment with the NEC^® Style Manual for years.

Historically, this definition existed in Article 100 and explained that equipment had to be "visible and not more than 50 ft. distant" to be considered “within sight”. This language violated the NEC^® Style Manual since definitions in Article 100 are not supposed to contain enforceable requirements. By specifying exact distance and visibility criteria, the definition went beyond clarification and stepped into the territory of installation requirements, in violation of Section 2.1.2.5 of the NEC^® Style Manual.

Several public inputs called out this issue during the 2026 code cycle:

• One pointed out that NEC 110.29, added in the 2023 Code, already provided the enforceable requirement.
• Another noted the violation of the NEC^® Style Manual, which clearly prohibits definitions from containing prescriptive language or repeating the defined term within the definition itself.
• And another emphasized that keeping both the definition and the new requirement was confusing and unnecessary.

All three public inputs made it clear: the correct place for this kind of content is not Article 100, but Article 110, which provides general installation requirements.

The Code-Making Panel agreed as can be seen in their committee statement. The definition and its Informational Note are no longer necessary, since Sections 110.29 and 110.39 (added in 2026) now provide the actual rule.

Even though the term “within sight” was deleted from Article 100, the requirements in Sections 110.29 and 110.39 are clear. Both sections are identical in text:

"Where this code specifies that equipment shall be 'in sight from,' 'within sight from,' or 'within sight of' a building or structure or other equipment, the specified equipment shall be visible and not more than 50 feet from the building, structure, or other equipment."

The difference is that 110.29 applies to systems 1000 volts or less, while 110.39 applies to those over 1000 volts. This provides complete voltage-range coverage and gives Code users solid language without relying on a definition that didn’t meet editorial standards.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2026 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.

2023 Code Language:

Article 100 Definitions.

In Sight From (Within Sight From) (Within Sight). Equipment that is visible and not more than 50 feet distant from other equipment is in sight from that other equipment.

Informational Note: See 110.29 for additional information.

2026 Code Language:

Article 100 Definitions.

(DELETED) In Sight From (Within Sight From) (Within Sight). Equipment that is visible and not more than 50 feet distant from other equipment is in sight from that other equipment.

Informational Note: See 110.29 for additional information.