Code Change Summary: New Section 245.2 requires listing of overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) for systems rated from 1,000 to 52,000 volts, with phased-in effective dates.

SME commentary: The 2026 NEC^® introduces Section 245.2 to establish clear listing requirements for overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) used on systems above 1,000 volts. This addition addresses a recently identified gap in the code following the 2023 introduction of OCPD listing requirements in 240.7, where listing requirements were explicit for lower-voltage OCPDs, but not for OCPDs in the medium voltage range. As voltage increases, so does the complexity and hazard associated with the equipment. The new section ensures that circuit breakers and other OCPDs above 1,000 volts are subject to the same rigorous certification processes that have long applied to lower-voltage equipment.

The Code-making panel recognized that the hazards of overcurrent protective devices do not diminish at higher voltages, and equipment not required to be listed creates significant challenges for enforcement. When electrical equipment is not required to be listed, inspectors are often left with the difficult task of evaluating compliance based on Section 110.3(A) and (B), which is not practical for equipment of this magnitude. AHJs typically do not have specialized training necessary to evaluate overcurrent devices rated for thousands of volts, or access to the appropriate standards, or the facilities to perform destructive testing that is often needed to ascertain whether the devices can function properly after a high-level fault condition and remain within the parameters of the defined acceptance criteria. Listing provides the only consistent and reliable method for verifying compliance across all jurisdictions.

To balance safety with practical implementation, Section 245.2 includes two staged effective dates. According to 245.2(A), for OCPDs rated at not over 15,000 volts, listing will be required beginning January 1, 2029. According to 245.2(B), for OCPDs rated above 15,000 volts but not exceeding 52,000 volts, the effective date is January 1, 2032. These extended timelines give manufacturers and the market adequate time to expand product offerings and certification capacity. They also allow building owners and contractors time to plan for compliance without facing immediate shortages of listed equipment.

The section also provides an exception for OCPDs that are integral to a listed assembly. In those cases, the assembly listing itself covers the protection, and the individual device does not need to be separately listed. This maintains consistency with existing NEC^® practice and avoids unnecessary duplication of requirements.

The introduction of Section 245.2 represents a significant advancement in aligning medium- and high-voltage OCPDs with the same level of product safety assurance that has long been expected for lower-voltage systems. By specifying listing requirements and allowing phased implementation, the NEC^® provides clear direction to inspectors, engineers, and contractors while also recognizing the realities of manufacturing and certification at these higher voltage levels. This change increases confidence in the safety of medium- and high-voltage installations while preserving consistency and usability across the Code.

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:

This code section did not exist.

2026 Code Language:

N 245.2 Listing Requirements.

N (A) Overcurrent Protective Devices Rated Not Over 15,000 Volts. Overcurrent protection for systems rated not over 15,000 volts ac or dc, nominal, shall be listed. The listing requirements shall be effective January 1, 2029.

Exception: Overcurrent protection that is integral to a listed assembly shall not be required to be individually listed.

N (B) Overcurrent Protective Devices Rated Over 15,000 Volts. Overcurrent protection for systems rated over 15,000 volts ac or dc, nominal, but not over 52,000 volts ac or dc, nominal, shall be listed. This listing requirements shall be effective January 1, 2032.

Exception: Overcurrent protection that is integral to a listed assembly shall not be required to be individually listed.