Load calculations moved from Article 220 to Article 120
Branch-circuit, feeder, and service load calculations left Chapter 2 and now live in Article 120 in Chapter 1. Almost every section keeps its last digits, so 220.82 is now 120.82. The exceptions are 220.60 Noncoincident Loads, now 120.6, and 220.3, now 120.4.
2023 vs. 2026
2023 NEC
Article 220
Load calculations were in Article 220, in Chapter 2. The 2023 numbers already matched the 2026 layout: 220.41 for the dwelling unit load, 220.42 for non-dwelling lighting, 220.45 for lighting demand factors, and 220.82 for the optional dwelling method.
2026 NEC
Article 120
The same calculations are in Article 120, in Chapter 1 with the general rules that apply everywhere.
What it means on the job
- Update section numbers on load calculation worksheets and permit submittals.
- Retab your code book. Tabs for Article 220 now point at the wrong place.
- Exam candidates testing on the 2026 code need the new numbers. The math is the same.
Why it changed
To add: the code-making panel’s statement from NFPA’s public Second Draft Report, in our words, with a link to the source.
Section numbers only. Read Article 220 in the 2023 NEC and Article 120 in the 2026 NEC in your own code books, and check which edition your AHJ enforces.