Code Change Summary: New restrictions and clarifications to Sections 210.22 and 210.23 to clarify what loads may be supplied by 10-ampere branch circuits.

SME commentary: In the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC), significant revisions were made to Sections 210.22 and 210.23 to enhance clarity and to impose stricter limitations on the use of 10-ampere branch circuits. These changes help reduce confusion about what loads are permitted on both individual and multiple-outlet branch circuits rated at 10 amperes.

In prior editions of the NEC^®, Section 210.22 permitted an individual branch circuit to supply any load for which it was rated, with a general instruction not to exceed the ampere rating. However, it did not explicitly prohibit 10-ampere individual branch circuits from supplying receptacle outlets. That lack of clarity was inconsistent with existing language in 210.23(A) which already prohibited receptacles on 10-ampere multiple-outlet branch circuits. To correct this inconsistency, the 2026 NEC^® added an exception to Section 210.22 stating that 10-ampere individual branch circuits shall not be permitted to supply receptacle outlets.

Simultaneously, Section 210.23 was reorganized and revised to more clearly define what loads are permitted and prohibited for 10-ampere branch circuits. The list of loads that are permitted to be supplied by a 10-ampere branch circuit was reduced. In the 2023 NEC^®, the list included lighting outlets, bathroom and laundry exhaust fans, and gas fireplace units supplied by an individual branch circuit. In the 2026 revision, the list was narrowed to only two allowable loads:

(1) lighting outlets

(2) dwelling unit exhaust fans located on bathroom and laundry room lighting circuits.

The gas fireplace unit was removed from the list, as this type of load is better suited for an individual branch circuit, which is already covered under 210.22.

The revised format in 210.23(A) improves usability and aligns with the direction taken by the Code-making panel to manage the permitted loads for 10-ampere circuits through a singular, streamlined list. Public input highlighted that previous versions of the list were incomplete and potentially confusing, as they failed to mention other common loads, such as smoke alarms, which left users uncertain as to what was permissible.

These revisions reinforce the NEC’s goal of reducing ambiguity by listing only what is explicitly allowed. If a load is not listed, it is not permitted on a 10-ampere branch circuit. These changes also promote consistency across the Code and reflect current industry practices by steering higher-demand devices and receptacle loads away from low-capacity branch circuits. The result is a more predictable and code-compliant installation.

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:

210.22 Permissible Loads, Individual Branch Circuits. An individual branch circuit shall be permitted to supply any load for which it is rated, but in no case shall the load exceed the branch-circuit ampere rating.

210.23 Permissible Loads, Multiple-Outlet Branch Circuits. In no case shall the load exceed the branch-circuit ampere rating. A branch circuit supplying two or more outlets or receptacles shall supply only the loads specified according to its size in accordance with 210.23(A) through (E) and as summarized in 210.24.

(A) 10-Ampere Branch Circuits. A 10-ampere branch circuit shall comply with the requirements of 210.23(A)(1) and (A)(2).

(1) Loads Permitted for 10-Ampere Branch Circuits. A 10-ampere branch circuit shall be permitted to supply one or more of the following:

(1) Lighting outlets

(2) Dwelling unit exhaust fans on bathroom or laundry room lighting circuits

(3) A gas fireplace unit supplied by an individual branch circuit

(2) Loads Not Permitted for 10-Ampere Branch Circuits. A 10-ampere branch circuit shall not supply any of the following:

(1) Receptacle outlets

(2) Fixed appliances, except as permitted for individual branch circuits

(3) Garage door openers

(4) Laundry equipment

2026 Code Language:

210.22 Permissible Loads, Individual Branch Circuits. An individual branch circuit shall be permitted to supply any load for which it is rated.

Exception: A 10-ampere individual branch circuit shall not be permitted to supply receptacle outlets.

210.23 Permissible Loads, Multiple-Outlet Branch Circuits. Branch circuit loads shall not exceed the branch-circuit ampere rating. A branch circuit supplying two or more outlets or receptacles shall supply only the loads specified according to its size in accordance with 210.23(A) through 210.23(E) and as summarized in 210.24.

(A) 10-Ampere Branch Circuits. 10-ampere branch circuits shall be limited to supply either of the following:

(1) Lighting outlets

(2) Dwelling unit exhaust fans on bathroom and laundry room lighting circuits