Code Change Summary: The language on allowing smaller working space by special permission was relocated to the parent text to apply generally.

SME commentary: A helpful clarification was made in the 2026 NEC^® to better reflect how special permission can be applied to reduce working space requirements for low-voltage systems. In previous editions, the Code only allowed special permission for smaller working space depth, but that language was located in 110.26(A)(1)(b) and didn’t apply to the working space width or height. That meant when an installer or inspector encountered a low-voltage installation with limited width or height, there wasn’t clear authority in the Code to support the use of special permission for reduced working space dimensions in those directions.

This change originated as a public input aimed at addressing that exact issue. While it was initially rejected during the first draft meetings, the proposal was later approved as Public Comment 1031 at the second draft stage. The revised text was moved into the main paragraph of 110.26(A), where it now clearly applies to all workspace dimensions (depth, width, and height). The updated parent text now includes the relocated sentence and states:

110.26(A) Working Space. Working space for equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the dimensions of 110.26(A)(1), 110.26(A)(2), 110.26(A)(3), and 110.26(A)(4) or as required or permitted elsewhere in this code. By Special permission, smaller working spaces shall be permitted where all exposed live parts operate at not greater than 30 volts rms, 42 volts peak, or 60 volts dc.

This relocation aligns with the Article 100 definition of a Class 2 Circuit acknowledging that circuits operating at these limited voltage levels, are generally considered to present a very low risk of fire or electric shock. That’s been the basis for this working space reduction since it first appeared as Exception No. 2 to Section 110-16 in the 1981 NEC^®.

By moving the special permission clause into the parent text of 110.26(A), the Code now provides clearer direction, allowing the Authority Having Jurisdiction to evaluate reduced working space based on all three dimensions, rather than being confined to just depth. This helps streamline inspections, clarifies enforcement, and gives designers and installers the flexibility they’ve likely been using already, just with better support from the Code.

Ultimately, this update improves the usability of the section without changing the safety criteria behind it.

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:

110.26(A) Working Space. Working space for equipment operating at 1000 volts, nominal, or less to ground and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the dimensions of 110.26(A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), and (A)(4) or as required or permitted elsewhere in this Code.

(1) Depth of Working Space.

(b) Low Voltage. By special permission, smaller working spaces shall be permitted where all exposed live parts operate at not greater than 30 volts rms, 42 volts peak, or 60 volts dc.

2026 Code Language:

110.26(A) Working Space. Working space for equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the dimensions of 110.26(A)(1), 110.26(A)(2), 110.26(A)(3), and 110.26(A)(4) or as required or permitted elsewhere in this code. By Special permission, smaller working spaces shall be permitted where all exposed live parts operate at not greater than 30 volts rms, 42 volts peak, or 60 volts dc.