Code Change Summary: New requirements were added for field marking the available fault current (AFC) at elevator control panels.

SME commentary: In the 2026 NEC^®, new Section 620.16(C) reintroduces a past requirement for field marking the available fault current (AFC) at the elevator control panel. This addition brings Article 620 into alignment with long-established marking rules for other equipment throughout the NEC^®, such as those in Sections 110.24 and 408.6. The new rule requires that the elevator control panel be legibly marked in the field with the calculated available fault current at its line terminals, including the date the calculation was performed. The marking must comply with 110.21(B) for durability and legibility, and the calculation must be documented and made available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, or operate the elevator system.

This change mirrors similar requirements already in place for elevator disconnecting means found in 620.51(D). However, the 2023 NEC^® revisions to 620.51(D) limited that section to only apply to the disconnecting means, leaving a gap in coverage for the elevator control panel itself. Since elevator control panels are commonly known to contain internal components with relatively low short-circuit current ratings (SCCRs), the lack of a specific AFC marking requirement on the control panel created potential uncertainty for inspectors and installers tasked with verifying compliance with 620.16(B). The new 2026 provision fills that gap, ensuring both the disconnecting means and the control panel are properly identified with AFC values that correspond to their point of installation.

Field marking of the available fault current is essential because it enables verification that the control panel’s SCCR is sufficient for the level of available fault current at the line terminals. Elevator control panels are often complex assemblies with multiple internal devices, including drives, relays, and controllers, which may have individual components with limited withstand, or SCCR ratings. Without an accurate AFC value and date marking at the control panel, it becomes difficult for an electrical inspector to confirm that the installation complies with 110.9 and 110.10, which address equipment that interrupts current or connects to potential fault current to ensure proper equipment ratings.

The requirement also mandates that when any modification occurs to the electrical system that could affect the available fault current at the control panel, the AFC must be reverified or recalculated, and the field marking adjusted accordingly. This ensures that the marked value remains current as system characteristics change, such as when new service equipment, transformers, or feeders are installed.

These 2026 NEC^® changes enhance the traceability and verification of elevator control panel installations. The revision promotes greater consistency between Article 620 and other NEC^® sections addressing short-circuit current ratings, helping to prevent component failures due to under-rated control panels and improving overall safety for elevator maintenance personnel and inspectors.

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:

Section 620.16(C) did not exist.

2026 Code Language:

N 620.16(C) Available Fault Current Field Marking. The elevator control panel shall be legibly marked in the field with the available fault current at its line terminals. The field marking(s) shall include the date the available fault current calculation was performed and shall meet the requirements of 110.21(B). The calculation shall be documented and made available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, or operate the system.

When modifications to the electrical system occur that affect the available fault current at the elevator control panel, the available fault current shall be verified or recalculated as necessary to ensure the elevator control panel’s short-circuit current rating is sufficient for the available fault current at the line terminals of the equipment. The required field marking(s) shall be adjusted to reflect the new level of available fault current.