Code Change Summary: New listing requirements were added in Article 495 for switchgear and industrial control assemblies rated over 1000 volts ac, 1500 volts dc.

SME commentary: Article 495 of the NEC^® establishes general requirements for equipment operating at more than 1000 volts ac or 1500 volts dc. In the 2026 NEC^®, new listing requirements have been added as Section 495.2, marking a significant advancement in the safety oversight of medium- and high-voltage electrical equipment. These new provisions require switchgear and industrial control assemblies within specific voltage ranges to be listed and set future effective dates to allow manufacturers and testing laboratories time to comply.

Two distinct categories of equipment are addressed. First, equipment rated not over 15,000 volts ac or dc, nominal must be listed, with this requirement taking effect on January 1, 2029. Second, equipment rated over 15,000 volts but not over 52,000 volts ac or dc, nominal must also be listed, but this listing requirement will not become effective until January 1, 2032. These staged effective dates provide a reasonable transition period for industry adaptation, product redesign, and certification testing.

Prior to the 2026 edition, the NEC^® contained no specific requirement for listing switchgear and industrial control assemblies operating above 1000 volts. As a result, approval of equipment often fell to Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), who were tasked with verifying compliance in the field during the inspection. However, most AHJs lack the facilities, specialized test equipment, or training to perform intricate equipment evaluations. Listing for high-voltage equipment can include destructive testing, dielectric withstand verification, and temperature rise evaluations that can only be conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. These challenges highlighted the need for a uniform, enforceable listing requirement that ensures product safety through recognized testing and certification processes.

By incorporating these listing requirements, Section 495.2 strengthens confidence in the integrity and performance of medium- and high-voltage switchgear assemblies. A listed product indicates that it has been evaluated to the appropriate standard under rigorous laboratory conditions for mechanical strength, dielectric integrity, fault containment, and more. This approach aligns the NEC^® with the broader intent of Section 110.3, which requires that listed and labeled equipment be installed and used in accordance with its listing.

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 495.2 Listing Requirements.

N (A) Equipment Rated Not Over 15,000 Volts. Switchgear and industrial control assemblies operating not over 15,000 volts ac or dc, nominal, shall be listed. The listing requirement for this equipment shall be effective January 1, 2029.

N (B) Equipment Rated Over 15,000 Volts. Switchgear and industrial control assemblies operating over 15,000 volts ac or dc, nominal, but not over 52,000 volts ac or dc, nominal, shall be listed. This listing requirement shall be effective January 1, 2032.