Code Change Summary: Relocated exception and new Informational note added to 210.8.

SME commentary: In the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC), a new Informational Note No. 2 has been added under Section 210.8 to provide guidance on a new category of Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) identified as “HF” or “HF+.” These markings refer to Class A GFCIs that are evaluated for performance in applications where high-frequency (HF) leakage currents are present, such as those caused by electronic power conversion components including variable speed drives, inverters, and digital motor controllers.

Historically, traditional Class A GFCIs have been designed to monitor leakage currents in the 50 to 60 hertz range and are calibrated to trip when leakage current falls between 4 and 6 milliamperes. However, newer appliances that incorporate energy efficiency features and advanced control systems can introduce higher frequency leakage currents, which may not be hazardous to people but are capable of causing nuisance tripping in conventional GFCIs.

The addition of this informational note clarifies that GFCIs marked “HF” or “HF+” are within the scope of Class A protection. These devices are specifically tested to ensure personnel protection while tolerating higher levels of high-frequency leakage current that are not effectively detected by legacy GFCI technology.

The new informational note to 210.8 refers to UL 943, and states: Class A GFCIs marked “HF” or “HF+” are evaluated for use with loads having high-frequency leakage currents from power conversion components such as variable speed drives and inverters. Recognizing “HF” and “HF+” as listed and tested markings provides installers, inspectors, and designers with important information for selecting the appropriate GFCI device when working with loads known to generate high-frequency leakage.

Additionally, this marking approach is consistent with other commonly accepted receptacle designations such as “TR” for tamper resistant, “WR” for weather resistant, and “HID” for high-intensity discharge lighting applications. Because the parent language is located directly in Section 210.8, it applies to all subdivisions (A) through (F), which includes dwelling units, commercial locations, outdoor outlets, and other key areas where GFCI protection is required.

This change will help reduce nuisance tripping in modern installations while preserving personnel protection. It also prepares the industry for upcoming requirements, such as those found in new 422.5(C), where the use of HF-type GFCIs will become mandatory for certain appliances starting January 1, 2029.

Another notable revision to Section 210.8 in the 2026 NEC^® involves the relocation of an exception that was previously found in 210.8(B). This exception originally applied only to GFCI type receptacles located on rooftops in occupancies other than dwellings. By moving this exception to the parent text of 210.8, the Code now makes it clear that the rule (permitting GFCI type receptacles on rooftops to be readily accessible from the rooftop) applies universally, regardless of occupancy type. This exception provides relief for situations where a portable ladder is needed to access a rooftop for equipment servicing (such as HVAC) which technically renders any associated rooftop receptacles as not “readily accessible” according to the Article 100 definition of the term. If the GFCI device on the rooftop receptacle trips, then the technician can simply reset the device from the rooftop instead of being forced to go back down the ladder to reset a grade level GFCI device supplying a rooftop receptacle.

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:

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel. A listed Class A GFCI shall provide protection in accordance with 210.8(A) through 210.8(F). The GFCI shall be installed in a readily accessible location.

Informational Note: See 215.9 for GFCI protection on feeders.

For the purposes of this section, the distance from receptacles shall be measured as the shortest path the power supply cord connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier.

2026 Code Language:

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel. A listed Class A GFCI shall provide protection in accordance with 210.8(A) through 210.8(F). The GFCI shall be installed in a readily accessible location.

Exception: Receptacles on rooftops shall not be required to be readily accessible other than from the rooftop.

Informational Note No. 1: See 215.9 for GFCI protection on feeders.

For the purposes of this section, the distance from receptacles shall be measured as the shortest path the power supply cord connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier.

Informational Note No. 2: See UL 943, Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters, for further information regarding GFCIs marked “HF” or “HF+”. Class A GFCIs marked “HF” or “HF+” are evaluated for use with loads having high-frequency leakage currents from power conversion components such as variable speed drives and inverters.