Code Change Summary: Sections 300.11(B) and 300.11(C) were relocated to 300.13(B) and 300.13(C) and revised for clarity and consistency.

SME commentary: In the 2026 NEC^®, editorial revisions were made to streamline and clarify requirements for securing and supporting wiring systems installed above suspended ceilings. For many years, the NEC^® contained two nearly identical subsections, 300.11(B)(1) and 300.11(B)(2), which applied to wiring above fire-rated and non-fire-rated suspended ceiling assemblies. Although the two subsections were worded slightly differently, the requirements were essentially the same: wiring could not be secured to or supported by the ceiling assembly itself, including ceiling support wires. An independent means of secure support was required, and any added support wires had to be clearly identified.

Recognizing the redundancy, the 2026 NEC^® consolidates these requirements into 300.13(B). The merged section organizes the rules into a numbered list that complies with the NEC^® Style Manual and eliminates duplicate language. This editorial cleanup reduces confusion while maintaining the original intent. Under the new structure, as before, wiring above suspended ceilings must not be supported by the ceiling system. Instead, independent support wires or associated fittings may be used if they meet all four conditions:

1. They must be installed in addition to the ceiling grid wires

2. They must be distinguishable from the ceiling support wires

3. They must be secured at both ends

4. They must provide secure support

Another important revision appears in 300.13(C), which relocates and updates the provisions that previously resided in 300.11(C). Using a raceway as a means of support is now limited to four specific conditions. One of the most notable additions is new item (4), which permits a raceway to support an equipment bonding jumper if the bonding jumper is associated with the circuit conductors within the raceway. This aligns 300.13(C) with Section 250.102(E), which allows bonding jumpers or equipment bonding jumpers to be installed either inside or outside of a raceway or enclosure. Prior to the 2026 cycle, this application was not recognized in Article 300, leaving some uncertainty in the field regarding the permissibility of attaching bonding jumpers to their associated raceways in suspended ceiling spaces.

In practice, equipment bonding jumpers are sometimes installed external to flexible raceways to maintain continuity around couplings or transitions fittings. The explicit permission now included in 300.13(C)(4) provides Code users with enforceable clarity that such arrangements are acceptable, provided they are properly associated with the conductors inside the raceway. This eliminates potential disputes between contractors and inspectors where the 2023 Code prohibited such use by omission.

These revisions improve usability without altering the fundamental safety requirements. The merging of repetitive subsections, reorganizing the language, and aligning raceway support provisions with existing bonding requirements permitted elsewhere in the NEC^® strengthens both clarity and enforceability.

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.

See the actual NEC^® for prior text in 300.11(B) and 300.11(C)

2023 Code Language:

300.11(B) Wiring Systems Installed Above Suspended Ceilings. Support wires that do not provide secure support shall not be the sole support. Support wires and associated fittings that provide secure support and that are installed in addition to the ceiling grid support wires shall be permitted as the sole support. Where independent support wires are used, they shall be secured at both ends. Cables and raceways shall not be supported by ceiling grids.

(1) Fire-Rated Assemblies. Wiring located within the cavity of a fire-rated floor–ceiling or roof–ceiling assembly shall not be secured to, or supported by, the ceiling assembly, including the ceiling support wires. An independent means of secure support shall be provided and shall be permitted to be attached to the assembly. Where independent support wires are used, they shall be distinguishable by color, tagging, or other effective means from those that are part of the fire-rated design.

(2) Non-Fire-Rated Assemblies. Wiring located within the cavity of a non-fire-rated floor–ceiling or roof–ceiling assembly shall not be secured to, or supported by, the ceiling assembly, including the ceiling support wires. An independent means of secure support shall be provided and shall be permitted to be attached to the assembly. Where independent support wires are used, they shall be distinguishable by color, tagging, or other effective means.

2026 Code Language:

300.13(B) Wiring Systems Installed Above Suspended Ceilings.

N (1) General. Wiring shall not be secured to or supported by the ceiling grid system, including the ceiling support wires.

N (2) Independent Support Wires. Independent support wires and associated fittings shall be permitted to provide support for wiring systems installed above a suspended ceiling if the independent support wires comply with all the following:

(1) The independent support wires are installed in addition to the ceiling grid support wires.

(2) The independent support wires are distinguishable by color, tagging, or other means from those that are part of the ceiling system.

(3) The independent support wires are secured at both ends.

(4) The independent support wires provide secure support.

300.13(C) Raceways Used as Means of Support. Raceways shall be used as a means of support for other raceways, cables, or nonelectrical equipment only under any of the following conditions:

(1) If the raceway or means of support is identified as a means of support

(2) If the raceway contains power supply conductors for electrically controlled equipment and is used to support Class 2 or Class 3 circuit conductors or cables that are solely for the purpose of connection to the equipment control circuits

(3) If the raceway is used to support boxes or conduit bodies in accordance with 314.23 or to support luminaires in accordance with 410.36(E)

(4) If the raceway is used to support an equipment bonding jumper that is associated with the circuit conductors within the raceway