Code Change Summary: Section 110.3(B) was expanded to clarify what takes precedence, the manufacturer instructions, or the NEC^® requirements.

SME commentary: During the first draft 2026 NEC^® code cycle meetings, three public inputs began the process of adding a new sentence to the tail end of 110.3(B), probably the most common go-to section for inspectors and code officials in the field who constantly see electrical equipment and devices installed incorrectly and not in compliance with the manufacturers installation instructions.

The intent was clear; to make sure that manufacturer requirements found in the installation instructions did not suggest or imply doing anything that compromises the NEC^® requirements.

One public input noted that it is often believed the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer for listed, labeled, or identified equipment take precedence over the minimum safety requirements of the NEC^®.

Another stated that manufacturer’s instructions often seem to modify or supplement a Code requirement and may provide a lesser level of electrical safety. The example given was for a product such as a freezer where the manufacturer instructions say the appliance should not be connected to a circuit supplied with GFCI protection even though freezers typically get installed in the kitchen or garage where GFCI protection is required for the receptacle. Technically, the NEC^® does not require a refrigerator or freezer to be installed in a kitchen or garage. A conflict only exists when the manufacturer’s instructions prohibit GFCI protection and the installer chooses to locate the appliance in an area where the NEC^® requires GFCI protection for the receptacle. In that situation, the installation cannot comply with both. The appliance could instead be installed in another permitted location and supplied by a non-GFCI-protected receptacle, or the installer could select an appliance whose installation instructions do not prohibit GFCI protection, allowing full compliance with both the manufacturer’s instructions and the NEC^®.

During the first draft, the language agreed upon by the code panel for the newly added sentence was straightforward and clear: “The installation and use instructions provided by a manufacturer for listed equipment shall not reduce the requirements within this code”. The code panel statement that followed the first revision stated: “The revision makes it clear that product installation and use instructions shall not compromise safety and must also conform to the requirements of this Code.”

At the second draft meetings seven different public comments were the driving force behind the final language crafted for the new sentence. The text was then reworded but maintains the original intent of the first draft language: “Equipment that is listed, labeled, or both, or identified for a use shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing, labeling, or identification. Such instructions shall result in an installation and use that complies with the requirements within this code”. After revising the final language, the code panel clarified that the updated sentence reinforces the principle that the requirements in the NEC^® take precedence over product installation and use instructions.

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:

110.3(B) Installation and Use.

Equipment that is listed, labeled, or both, or identified for a use shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing, labeling, or identification.

2026 Code Language:

110.3(B) Installation and Use.

Equipment that is listed, labeled, or both, or identified for a use shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing, labeling, or identification. Such instructions shall result in an installation and use that complies with the requirements within this code.