Code Change Summary: The listing requirements for PV system equipment were reorganized, expanded, and relocated to new Section 690.2.

SME commentary: In the 2026 NEC^®, the listing requirements for photovoltaic (PV) system equipment previously located in 690.4(B) were relocated to new Section 690.2 and reformatted into a single comprehensive list. This revision brings the article into alignment with the NEC^® Style Manual and places all PV equipment listing rules in one location, improving usability for installers, designers, and inspectors. What had been a single paragraph in past editions is now a structured list that reflects the wide variety of equipment used in modern PV installations.

The revised language in 690.2 still retains the general rule that the equipment “shall be listed or field evaluated” (see article 100 definitions of “Field Evaluation Body” and “Field Labeled”).

The new section also expands the parent text by adding “retrofit kits”. Listed retrofit kits are now widely available for PV power production equipment and can involve field replacement of microinverters, replacement or removal of rapid shutdown devices, or similar modifications when transitioning a system from a PVRSS to a PVHCS or other compliant arrangement. Due to the complexity and elevated safety risks inherent in PV systems, the Code now emphasizes that retrofit kits must be evaluated by a listing agency to demonstrate compliance with the underlying product standard.

Several items were deliberately reorganized. Motor generators were removed from the list because they are addressed in Article 445. The requirement for PV source circuit OCPDs to be listed for use in PV systems was relocated from 690.9(B), placing it alongside the other listing provisions rather than leaving it separated within the overcurrent protection section of Article 690. This requirement was sometimes overlooked by designers since it wasn’t grouped with the rest of the PV equipment listing criteria at the beginning of the article, so its relocation reinforces proper application.

A subtle clarification was also introduced regarding DC combiners. Item (6) was revised to require listing or field evaluation for “dc combiners containing OCPDs” to reflect the fact that some DC combiners do not contain overcurrent protective devices and therefore are not always required to be listed as a dc combiner. In smaller PV system designs, PV strings are often combined in parallel with plug and socket splitter fittings that are listed for their intended purpose but are not listed specifically as dc combiners, so the revised language avoids unintentionally forcing a listing requirement that does not align with product standards.

New list item (15) requires listing of “manufactured distributed generation wiring harnesses” which intends to target complete factory-built wiring assemblies required to meet UL 9703. This item intentionally does not extend to wiring harnesses assembled in the field using listed components.

The relocation and expansion of PV equipment listing requirements into Section 690.2 provides clearer organization and reinforces the expectation that equipment used in PV systems must be listed and applied according to its listing, or field evaluated.

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:

690.4(B) Equipment. Electronic power converters, motor generators, PV modules, ac modules and ac module systems, dc combiners, PV rapid shutdown equipment (PVRSE), PV hazard control equipment (PVHCE), PV hazard control systems (PVHCS), dc circuit controllers, and charge controllers intended for use in PV systems shall be listed or be evaluated for the application and have a field label applied.

2026 Code Language:

N 690.2 Listing Requirements. All of the following equipment, and any associated retrofit kits, shall be listed or be field evaluated:

(1) Electronic power converters

(2) PV modules

(3) ac modules

(4) ac module systems

(5) OCPDs used in PV system dc circuits

(6) dc combiners containing OCPDs

(7) PV rapid shutdown equipment (PVRSE)

(8) PV hazard control equipment (PVHCE)

(9) PV hazard control systems (PVHCSs)

(10) dc circuit controllers

(11) Charge controllers

(12) PV module grounding and bonding devices

(13) Type PV wire

(14) Type DG cable

(15) Manufactured distributed generation wiring harnesses

(16) PV mating connectors