Code Change Summary: The listing requirements for Type MC cable and its supporting hardware have been expanded to include cable ties, staples, straps, and hangers.

SME commentary: In the 2026 NEC^®, Section 330.2 (previously 330.6) has been revised to expand listing and identification requirements for Type MC Cable and its associated support hardware. Previously, Section 330.6 required Type MC Cable and its fittings to be listed, but there were no explicit listing requirements for all types of hardware used to secure and support the cable in this section. Section 330.30(A) did however require listing but only for cable ties. With the 2026 update, cable ties, staples, straps, and hangers used to support or secure Type MC Cable are all now required to be listed and identified for such use.

This change stems from a Public Input submitted to Code-Making Panel 6, which emphasized the need for listed hardware to prevent damage to MC Cable and reduce stress on electrical terminations. The submitter also mentioned that UL 2239, Standard for Safety for Hardware for the Support of Conduit, Tubing, and Cable, was first published nearly two decades ago and provides comprehensive guidance on construction, performance, and marking of supporting hardware. As installers increasingly rely on modern fastening tools that can deliver high levels of force or staple depth, the potential for cable damage during installation has increased. The addition of this listing requirement ensures that securement and support devices are evaluated to meet current performance standards and construction methods.

The 2026 revision to NEC^® 330.2 intends to reinforce the need for installers to use hardware tested and listed under applicable standards to ensure that cable support products perform reliably under normal building conditions and installation techniques. A similar change also occurred in other cable-type wiring method articles such as 320, 334, 336, 338, and 340.

Not all in the industry supported this new requirement. Some argued that the existing “other approved means” permitted by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) in Section 330.30(A) was sufficient and that requiring listed support hardware was an overreach, noting that materials such as strut, framing members, and wood supports have been used for decades without a documented safety issue. Code-Making Panel 6 ultimately agreed, retaining language in 330.30(A) that still permits “other approved means” at the AHJ’s discretion. This preserves installation flexibility while introducing clearer expectations for hardware specifically intended for MC Cable support.

Also important to note is that similar proposals to require listing for support hardware in many of the raceway-type wiring method articles (such as those covering EMT, RMC, and PVC) were rejected by Code-Making Panel 8. CMP-8 stated that no safety issues were identified to justify the listing of support and securement hardware and maintained that unlisted support hardware, and structural steel, remain acceptable when approved by the AHJ.

The revision to Section 330.2 intends to enhance installer accountability and product performance assurance while balancing flexibility in enforcement. By explicitly requiring listed and identified support hardware for Type MC Cable, the 2026 NEC^® reflects current industry practices and tool technologies while aligning installation requirements with established product safety standards such as UL 2239.

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:

330.6 Listing Requirements. Type MC cable shall be listed. Fittings used for connecting Type MC cable to boxes, cabinets, or other equipment shall be listed and identified for such use.

2026 Code Language:

330.2 Listing Requirements. The following items shall be listed and identified:

(1) Type MC cable

(2) Cable ties, staples, straps, and hangers

(3) Type MC cable fittings used for connecting cable to boxes, cabinets, or other equipment