Code Change Summary: The 2026 NEC^® clarifies 250.8(A) by adding “grounding and bonding terminations” to ensure the permitted connection methods apply to both conductors and their terminations.

SME commentary: Section 250.8(A) has long provided the approved methods for making grounding and bonding connections, providing 8 specific options such as listed pressure connectors, terminal bars, exothermic welding, and the like. In the 2023 NEC^®, the parent text of 250.8(A) referenced the connection method for joining equipment grounding conductors, grounding electrode conductors, and bonding jumpers, but did not expressly mention the actual termination points from those connection methods to the equipment. This omission created a subtle but important gap. The rules were clear on how the conductors themselves must be joined, but it was not as clear whether the requirement also extended to the connection between the termination device and the equipment, such as a terminal bar or other listed termination point.

The 2026 NEC^® addresses this by revising the charging statement of 250.8(A) to add the words “grounding and bonding terminations.” Now, “equipment grounding conductors, grounding electrode conductors, bonding jumpers, and grounding and bonding terminations” must be made using the methods in 250.8(A) (1-8). With this adjustment, the requirement now explicitly applies to both the conductors and the method used to terminate the conductors to the equipment. This ensures that the same level of scrutiny is applied at the point where the conductor is mechanically and electrically secured, not just along the conductor itself.

This change grew out of multiple public inputs pointing out that Code users could be left questioning whether the actual termination points from lugs, bars, or other connection hardware, were included within the enforceable language of 250.8(A). For example, under the 2023 NEC^®, a literal reading could have suggested that the terminal-to-equipment interface was outside the prescriptive list, potentially allowing less reliable installation practices. By clarifying that both conductors and terminations must comply with one of the 8 permitted methods, the 2026 NEC^® eliminates ambiguity and reinforces the intent that all grounding and bonding connections must be made in the same consistent and dependable manner.

For electricians and inspectors, the practical impact of this revision is straightforward but significant. It underscores that every element of the grounding and bonding path, from the conductor, to the termination, to the enclosure, must meet the same robust requirements. By explicitly including “terminations” in the charging text, the Code removes any doubt about enforcement, improving consistency across jurisdictions and reducing the potential for unsafe installation practices.

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:

250.8(A) Permitted Methods. Equipment grounding conductors, grounding electrode conductors, and bonding jumpers shall be connected by one or more of the following means:

(1) Listed pressure connectors

(2) Terminal bars

(3) Pressure connectors listed as grounding and bonding equipment

(4) Exothermic welding

(5) Machine screw-type fasteners that engage at least two threads or are secured with a nut

(6) Thread-forming machine screws that engage at least two threads in the enclosure

(7) Connections that are part of a listed assembly

(8) Other listed means

2026 Code Language:

250.8(A) Permitted Methods. Equipment grounding conductors, grounding electrode conductors, bonding jumpers, and grounding and bonding terminations shall be connected by one or more of the following means:

No changes were made to items 1-8 in the 2026 NEC. See above 2023 NEC^® language for items 1-8.