Code Change Summary: The definition of "Overcurrent Protective Device, Branch-Circuit" has been revised and renamed in Article 100.

The 2026 definition reads:

Overcurrent Protective Device (OCPD). A device capable of providing protection over the full range of overcurrent between its rated current and its interrupting rating.

Two informational notes have also been added:

Informational Note No. 1: In prior editions of this code, the term branch-circuit overcurrent protective device included devices suitable for providing protection for service, feeder, and branch circuits. The term has been revised to a more generalized overcurrent protective device (OCPD). The specific requirements using this term can include modifiers (e.g., branch OCPD, feeder OCPD, service OCPD) to specify location or application of the OCPD, or to specify variations (e.g., supplementary OCPD).

Informational Note No. 2: See 240.7 for a list of OCPDs suitable for providing protection for service, feeder, branch circuits, and equipment.

SME Commentary: This code change reflects a much-needed simplification and clarification in how overcurrent protective devices are defined and referenced throughout the NEC^®. The term "Overcurrent Protective Device, Branch-Circuit" was often misinterpreted, as the actual definition covered more than just branch circuits, it included services and feeders as well. By removing  “branch-circuit” from the term and redefining it more generally as "Overcurrent Protective Device (OCPD)," the Code panel aimed to match the name of the term with the intent of its definition.

This revision addresses years of confusion among installers, inspectors, and engineers who questioned how a term such as "branch-circuit overcurrent device” could include overcurrent devices that protected services and feeders. The addition of the acronym OCPD, already widely used in the industry, enhances communication and helps streamline documentation and training.

Code Panel 10 rightly noted that clarity in terminology is essential, especially given the term's widespread use across many code articles. Moving forward, the Code will now rely on context or specific modifiers to differentiate between types of OCPDs, such as those used for service or feeder protection.

The inclusion of informational notes offers important historical context and practical direction pointing the user to new Section 240.7 for a list of OCPD types suitable for providing protection for service, feeder, branch circuits, and equipment. By standardizing the term and cleaning up the language, the NEC^® becomes more consistent and easier to apply in the field.

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.

Overcurrent Protective Device, Branch-Circuit. (Branch-Circuit Overcurrent Protective Device) A device capable of providing protection for service, feeder, and branch circuits and equipment over the full range of overcurrents between its rated current and its interrupting rating.

2026 Code Language:

Article 100 Definitions.

Overcurrent Protective Device (OCPD). A device capable of providing protection over the full range of overcurrent between its rated current and its interrupting rating.

Informational Note No. 1: In prior editions of this code, the term branch-circuit overcurrent protective device included devices suitable for providing protection for service, feeder, and branch circuits. The term has been revised to a more generalized overcurrent protective device (OCPD). The specific requirements using this term can include modifiers (e.g., branch OCPD, feeder OCPD, service OCPD) to specify location or application of the OCPD, or to specify variations (e.g., supplementary OCPD).

Informational Note No. 2: See 240.7 for a list of OCPDs suitable for providing protection for service, feeder, branch circuits, and equipment.