MA amendments.

300.5(A). Add an informational note to this subsection as follows:

Informational Note: Cables suitable for direct burial are often sleeved in various raceways for design reasons. If such cable is installed with sufficient cover for direct burial, then the characteristics of that raceway need not be evaluated. Other rules of this Code that apply to raceways generally may apply. See 300.5(H).

300.13(B). Wiring Systems Installed Above Suspended Ceilings. Revise to read as follows:

Support wires that do not provide secure support shall not be the sole support. Where independent support wires are used, they shall be secured at both ends. The ceiling system shall be permitted to support branch-circuit wiring and associated equipment if installed in accordance with the ceiling system manufacturer's instructions. Cables and raceways shall not be supported by ceiling grids.

(1) Fire-Resistance Rated Assemblies. Wiring located within the cavity of a fire-rated floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assembly shall not be secured to, or supported by, the ceiling assembly, including the ceiling support wires. An independent means of secure support shall be provided and shall be permitted to be attached to the assembly. Where independent support wires are used, they shall be distinguishable by color, tagging, or other effective means from those that are part of the fire-rated design.

Exception: Ceiling support systems shall be permitted to support wiring and equipment that have been tested as part of the fire-rated assembly.

(2) Non-Fire-Resistance Rated Assemblies. Branch-circuit wiring associated with equipment that is located within, supported by, or secured to a suspended ceiling that is not an integral portion of a fire-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly shall be permitted to be supported by the ceiling support wires.

Click here to see the Massachusetts amendments to the 2026 NEC^®.