Code Change Summary: Selective coordination requirements for elevator systems were expanded to address replacements, modifications, and include a new informational figure illustrating the required levels of coordination.

SME commentary: In the 2026 NEC^®, the selective coordination requirements for elevator installations in Section 620.62 have been expanded to strengthen long-term reliability and to ensure that coordination is maintained whenever elevator system overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) are replaced or modified. New Section 620.62(B) and 620.62(C) introduce explicit mandates to re-evaluate coordination during equipment replacement, modification, addition, or deletion, while a new illustration clarifies the selective relationships between supply-side and load-side devices.

The new 2026 language in 620.62(B) addresses instances where an OCPD in an elevator system might need to be replaced: If elevator system or systems OCPDs are replaced, they shall be re-evaluated to ensure selective coordination is maintained with all supply-side and load-side OCPDs.

New Section 620.62(C) speaks of modifications: If modifications, additions, or deletions to the elevator system or systems occur, selective coordination of the elevator system OCPDs with all supply-side and load-side OCPDs shall be re-evaluated.

The new informational figure 620.62 shows a typical multi-elevator configuration to illustrate which OCPDs must selectively coordinate and where exceptions apply. For example, devices B1 and F1 are shown in series but are not required to coordinate due to the exception in 620.62 for OCPDs located in series with no loads connected in parallel to the downstream device. This visual aid mirrors the approach used in similar figures found in 700.32, 701.32, and 708.54, where selective coordination principles are essential for emergency systems, legally required standby systems, and critical operations power systems.

Selective coordination ensures that a localized fault, such as one occurring in an individual elevator controller or motor circuit, will trip only the nearest overcurrent protective device and not a feeder OCPD supplying multiple elevators. Maintaining power to unaffected elevators is crucial for emergency egress and first-responder access, particularly in fire or rescue situations. Loss of coordination could result in multiple elevators being disabled simultaneously, defeating both safety and operational intent.

This code expansion reinforces the expectation that selective coordination is not a one-time calculation but an ongoing requirement throughout the life of the installation. Replacing a breaker, altering transformer size, or changing feeder length can significantly affect available fault current and time-current coordination. By requiring re-evaluation after such work, the 2026 NEC^® resolves a previous oversight that left coordination integrity unverified following system changes.

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:

620.62 Selective Coordination. Where more than one driving machine disconnecting means is supplied by the same source, the overcurrent protective devices in each disconnecting means shall be selectively coordinated with any other supply-side overcurrent protective devices.

Selective coordination shall be selected by a licensed professional engineer or other qualified person engaged primarily in the design, installation, or maintenance of electrical systems. The selection and device settings shall be documented and made available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, and operate the system.

Exception: Selective coordination shall not be required between two overcurrent devices located in series if no loads are connected in parallel with the downstream device.

2026 Code Language:

620.62 Selective Coordination.

(A) General. Where more than one driving machine is supplied by the same source, the OCPDs supplying the driving machines shall be selectively coordinated with any other supply-side and load-side OCPDs.

Selective coordination shall be selected by a licensed professional engineer or other qualified person engaged primarily in the design, installation, or maintenance of electrical systems. The selection and device settings shall be documented and made available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, and operate the system.

N (B) Replacements. Where elevator system(s) OCPDs are replaced, they shall be re-evaluated to ensure selective coordination is maintained with all supply-side and load-side OCPDs.

N (C) Modifications. If modifications, additions, or deletions to the elevator system(s) occur, selective coordination of the elevator system(s) OCPDs with all supply-side and load-side OCPDs shall be re-evaluated.

Exception: Selective coordination shall not be required between two OCPDs located in series if no loads are connected in parallel with the downstream device.