Code Change Summary: Chapter 8 was restructured, retitled, and reduced to only apply to communications systems installed outside of and entering buildings, with several articles relocated or deleted to align with the new limited-energy framework in Chapter 7.

SME commentary: In the 2026 NEC^®, Chapter 8 underwent a significant structural revision that directly reflects the broader reorganization of limited-energy and communications requirements occurring throughout the Code. This change builds on the revised Code Arrangement in 90.3, which no longer treats Chapter 8 as a standalone chapter exempt from Chapters 1 through 7. Instead, Chapter 8 now functions alongside Chapters 5, 6, and 7, with the ability to supplement or modify general requirements where applicable.

One of the most visible outcomes of this restructuring is the refocusing of Chapter 8. The revised chapter title, “Communications Systems Outside and Entering Buildings,” makes clear that Chapter 8 no longer applies to all premises communications wiring. Article 800 was retitled in the same manner, confirming that its requirements apply only to exterior installations and building entry points. Interior communications systems are no longer regulated by Chapter 8 and are now addressed through the limited-energy requirements in Chapter 7.

As part of this revision, Chapter 8 was reduced from six articles to four. Articles 800, 810, 820, and 830 remain, while Articles 805 and 840 were deleted and their subject matter relocated elsewhere in the Code. Requirements formerly located in Article 805 for communications circuits and in Article 840 for premises-powered broadband communications systems were removed to support the new limited-energy article structure and to avoid duplication. These systems are now addressed through the reorganized limited-energy framework found in Chapter 7.

The practical effect of these changes is a clearer division of responsibility within the NEC^®. Chapter 7 now establishes the general limited-energy framework for interior systems, while Chapter 8 provides additional requirements only where communications systems are installed outside of buildings and structures or where they immediately enter. Installers can no longer assume that Chapter 8 universally governs all communications wiring, nor can it be treated as exempt from the broader NEC^® structure established elsewhere in the Code.

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:

Chapter 8 — Communications Systems

Article 800 General Requirements for Communications Systems

800.1 Scope. This article covers general requirements for communications systems. These general requirements apply to communications circuits, community antenna television and radio distribution systems, network-powered broadband communications systems, and premises-powered broadband communications systems, unless modified by Articles 805, 820, 830, or 840.

2026 Code Language:

Chapter 8 — Communications Systems — Outside and Entering Buildings

Article 800 General Requirements for Communications Systems — Outside and Entering Buildings

800.1 Scope. This article covers requirements for communications system wires and cables outside and entering buildings.