Code Change Summary: Section 555.15 was revised for clarity and reformatted into two parts addressing servicing and replacing equipment.

SME commentary: In the 2026 NEC^®, Section 555.15 underwent significant reorganization to clearly distinguish between servicing equipment and replacing equipment on docking facilities. The revised section title, Servicing and Replacing of Equipment, more accurately reflects its dual purpose and aligns with terminology used throughout the NEC^®.

New 555.15(A) now covers servicing and states that equipment that has been damaged shall be recognized, documented, and serviced by a qualified person to the edition of this code to which it was originally installed. This language acknowledges that existing installations can be repaired to the code edition under which they were originally approved, provided they are properly examined and serviced by a qualified individual. This distinction helps reduce the likelihood that damage in one part of a system could lead to wider electrical hazards or unnecessary replacement of otherwise compliant legacy equipment.

Section 555.15(B) addresses replacing equipment and specifies that when replacement of equipment is necessary, a qualified person shall document and replace the equipment in accordance with this code. The installation shall require an inspection of the circuit. Importantly, new or replacement equipment must meet the requirements of the current NEC^® edition, not the one in force when the original equipment was first installed. Any servicing work necessary to correct deficiencies found during inspection must also comply with 555.15(A).

This revision also resolves several terminology inconsistencies. The word identified was replaced with recognized to align with Article 100, which defines “identified” as recognizable as suitable for the specific purpose, function, use, environment, or application, as described in a particular code requirement. The intent of 555.15(A) is not to imply that damaged equipment remains identified (suitable), but rather that it must be recognized, documented, and serviced if before continued use. Additionally, the word repaired was replaced with serviced to maintain consistency with newer NEC^® terminology distinguishing between servicing and reconditioning.

The phrase electrical enclosures and devices was replaced with the broader term equipment, to align better with the title of the section. These language refinements improve code usability and help eliminate ambiguity that previously existed around how damaged equipment is to be serviced versus how replacement equipment is to be installed.

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:

555.15 Replacement of Equipment. When modifications or replacements of electrical enclosures, devices, or wiring methods are necessary on a docking facility, they shall be required to comply with the requirements of this Code, and the installation shall require an inspection of the circuit. Existing equipment that has been damaged shall be identified, documented, and repaired by a qualified person to the minimum requirements of the edition of this Code to which it was originally installed.

2026 Code Language:

555.15 Servicing and Replacing of Equipment. Servicing and replacing of electrical equipment or wiring methods shall be done in accordance with 555.15(A) and 555.15(B).

N (A) Servicing. Equipment that has been damaged shall be recognized, documented, and serviced by a qualified person to the edition of this code to which it was originally installed.

N (B) Replacing. When replacement of equipment is necessary, a qualified person shall document and replace the equipment in accordance with this code. The installation shall require an inspection of the circuit. Any servicing necessary to address issues discovered during the inspection shall be done in accordance with 555.15(A).