2023 NEC → 2026 NEC
NEC 2026 changes: what moved from 2023
Every change worth knowing, in plain English, with the old and new section numbers side by side. Free, no sign-up.
- Major changes
- 25
- Moderate changes
- 318
- Explained in depth
- 4
Type a 2023 section number to find it in the 2026 code.
The 2026 edition moved whole articles. Load calculations went from 220 to 120.
Explained in depth
Filter by the kind of change or by who it affects. Each entry links to the 2023 and 2026 sections so you can read both in your own books.
Showing 4 of 4
- MovedArticle 220 → Article 120
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.
Residential · Commercial · Exam prepDraft · awaiting review - Revised220.41 → 120.41
Dwelling unit load drops to 2 VA per square foot
The minimum unit load for dwellings is now 2 volt-amperes per square foot. It covers lighting and general-use receptacles. On a typical house, that lowers the calculated service load.
Residential · Exam prepDraft · awaiting review - Revised230.85 → 230.70(A)(1)
Dwelling service disconnects go outdoors
For one- and two-family dwellings, the service disconnect itself now has to be in a readily accessible outdoor location, on the house or within sight of it. The separate emergency disconnect section is gone from Article 230.
Residential · InspectorsDraft · awaiting review - Moved450.3 → 450.5
Transformer overcurrent protection moved to 450.5
The transformer overcurrent protection rules and their two tables moved from 450.3 to 450.5. The percentages work the same way.
Commercial · Exam prepDraft · awaiting review
Every major and moderate change
343 changes that affect what gets installed, calculated, or inspected, from all 18 code-making panels. Filter by chapter, or search a 2023 or 2026 section number. Wording-only edits are left out.
Showing 40 of 343
- Revised2023 90.3, Figure 90.32026 90.3, Figure 90.3
Chapter 8 communications rules no longer stand apart from Chapters 1-7
2023 said Chapter 8 was exempt from Chapters 1 through 7 unless referenced. Now Chapters 1 through 4 cover everything generally, and Chapters 5 through 8 can add to or change Chapters 1 through 8. The redrawn Figure 90.3 lists Annexes A through L.
On the job: For communications work, apply the general rules in Chapters 1 through 4 unless a Chapter 8 article modifies them.
Why: The reorganization no longer needs communications articles kept independent, and it prepares for a future Code structure.
FR 9191 · SR 7520 - New2023 none2026 Article 100
Class C, D, and E SPGFCIs get their own definitions
Article 100 adds definitions for Class C, D, and E SPGFCIs. Class C serves circuits where no conductor exceeds 300 V ac to ground. Classes D and E serve circuits above 300 V. Notes give 20 mA trip and 15 mA no-trip values.
On the job: Confirm the SPGFCI class fits the circuit voltage and grounding before installing one.
Why: Each class is named in the SPGFCI definition, so each needs a clear meaning for correct application.
SR 7511 · SR 7513 · SR 7514 - Revised2023 Article 1002026 Article 100
Pool definition names leisure rivers and excludes lakes and surf parks
The Pool definition drops the permanent or semipermanent wording. Note No. 1 says a leisure river attraction counts as a pool. Note No. 2 says industrial-process water, lakes, lagoons, and surf parks do not, sending those to Article 682.
On the job: Apply Article 680 to leisure river attractions. Use Article 682 for lakes, lagoons, surf parks, and similar bodies of water.
Why: The panel wanted a clear line between pools and other bodies of water, using the leisure river term from the ISPSC.
FR 9017 · SR 8406 - Revised2023 110.152026 110.15
High-leg orange must show at every splice and termination
2023 allowed an orange outer finish or other effective means. Now the high leg must be orange whatever method is used, and the orange must show at every splice and termination.
On the job: On a 4-wire delta with a grounded midpoint, make sure orange shows on the high leg at each splice and termination. Tape or other methods count only in orange.
Why: Clarifies that any alternate marking must be orange and that it must show where connections are made, not at pull points.
FR 9121 · SR 7619 - RevisedMajor2023 110.16(A), 110.16(B)2026 110.16
Detailed arc-flash label now required on all non-dwelling service and feeder gear
The 2023 warning (A) and 1000 A label (B) rules became one. Non-dwelling service and feeder-supplied gear that may be worked on energized needs a permanent label listing voltage, arc flash boundary, incident energy or PPE, and assessment date, at any ampere rating.
On the job: Label switchboards, panelboards, MCCs, and similar gear in non-dwelling buildings with all four items regardless of size. Date the label from when the arc-flash study was finished.
Why: The panel wanted clearer marking rules and wider coverage that matches industry practice, with the date tied to the risk assessment.
FR 9124 · SR 7621 - Revised2023 110.26(A), 110.26(A)(1), Table 110.26(A)(1)2026 110.26(A), 110.26(A)(1), Table 110.26(A)(1)
Working-space depth measured from enclosure front; conditions count enclosed parts
The three working-space conditions now count enclosed as well as exposed live parts. Depth is taken from the enclosure face or opening. Table rows read ac or dc; the top row covers 601 to 1000 V ac or 601 to 1500 V dc.
On the job: Choose the condition counting closed gear across the aisle, and measure depth from the enclosure face. Use the top table row for dc systems up to 1500 V.
Why: Matches the over-1000 V rule, recognizes that closed gear gets opened for work, and makes measuring simpler and more uniform.
FR 9207 · SR 7639 · SR 7641 - Revised2023 110.26(A)(4), 110.26(A)(5), 110.27(A) +72026 110.26(A)(4), 110.26(A)(5), 110.27(A) +7
Part II limit now reads 1000 V ac or 1500 V dc
Article 110 Part titles and text now split at 1000 V ac or 1500 V dc instead of 1000 V. Repeated voltage limits were dropped where the Part title sets them. 110.34(B) is retitled for high-voltage equipment, and 110.30 wording was tightened.
On the job: For dc systems from 1001 to 1500 V, such as PV or battery systems, apply the Part II working-space and guarding rules, not Part III.
Why: Clarifies the voltage limits where a range applies, removes repetition, and follows the Correlating Committee medium-voltage task group advice.
FR 9213 · SR 7657 · SR 7697 · SR 7688 - Revised2023 110.26(C)(2)2026 110.26(C)(2)
Two-exit rule for large gear now includes feeder building disconnects
List item 2 now covers disconnects installed under 225.33(A) for feeders, not only service disconnects under 230.71(B). The thresholds stay at 1200 A combined rating and more than 6 ft (1.8 m) combined width.
On the job: Where grouped feeder disconnects for a building total 1200 A or more and exceed 6 ft wide, provide an entrance and exit at each end.
Why: Extends the rule to disconnects for feeders supplying a building or structure.
SR 7662 - Revised2023 110.402026 110.40
Over-1000 V terminations get full connection rules for Type MV conductors
The 2023 section was a one-sentence 90°C termination allowance. Now gear above 1000 V ac or 1500 V dc up to 2000 V using non-MV conductors follows 110.14, and MV conductor connections follow new (A) through (E): general, terminals, splices, temperature, torque.
On the job: For Type MV terminations, use identified devices, pressure connectors, and identified splices. Size at MV-90 ampacity unless gear is identified for 105°C, and torque to maker values.
Why: Sends lower medium-voltage gear to 110.14 and adds MV connection rules that were missing; later edits removed vague wording.
FR 9258 · SR 7702 · SR 7703 - New2023 none2026 120.5(E)
Load calculations no longer apply 125 percent to continuous loads
New 120.5(E) says load calculations do not require continuous loads at 125 percent. A note explains that continuous loads affect conductor and OCPD sizing, and other rules may still call for a 125 percent factor.
On the job: Leave the 125 percent continuous-load factor out of the load calculation itself. Apply it when sizing conductors and OCPDs under Articles 210, 215, and 230.
Why: Since the 1999 cycle, Article 220, now 120, was meant to calculate loads only; conductor and OCPD sizing belongs to other articles.
FR 8190 - Moved2023 220.602026 120.6
Noncoincident load rule moves to Part I and covers branch circuits
The rule moves from 220.60 to 120.6 so it covers branch circuits, feeders, and services. For branch circuits, only loads that listed equipment keeps from running together qualify. Motor loads follow 120.11(A).
On the job: On a branch circuit, count only the largest noncoincident load if listed equipment prevents simultaneous use. Feeders and services may also use the unlikely-simultaneous test.
Why: Clarifies how noncoincident loads are found and lets the rule apply across all load calculations.
FR 8181 - Moved2023 220.702026 120.7
Energy management rule becomes power control system (PCS) calculation
The EMS section moves from 220.70 to 120.7 and is recast for PCSs on branch circuits, feeders, and services. Qualified persons set the PCS at or below 80 percent of the monitored OCPD rating. Controlled and noncontrolled loads are counted separately.
On the job: Have qualified persons set the PCS at 80 percent or less of the monitored OCPD. Count controlled loads by the PCS setting or minimum operating current.
Why: Applies the rule throughout the article and matches UL 3141 terms. The 80 percent cap keeps overload control.
FR 8184 · SR 7785 - New2023 220.102026 120.13, 120.10
Dwelling branch-circuit count stays at 3 VA per square foot
New 120.13 sets 33 VA/m2 (3 VA/ft2) as the dwelling minimum for figuring how many branch circuits are required. 120.10 now sends dwellings there rather than to the feeder section, which falls to 2 VA/ft2.
On the job: Count dwelling general lighting and receptacle branch circuits at 3 VA/ft2, even though feeder and service calculations use 2 VA/ft2.
Why: Keeps the number of dwelling branch circuits from dropping when the feeder and service unit load is lowered.
FR 8017 · FR 8018 - RevisedMajor2023 220.412026 120.41
Dwelling feeder and service general load drops to 2 VA/ft2
The minimum dwelling unit load for feeder and service calculations falls from 33 to 22 VA/m2 (3 to 2 VA/ft2). Floor area follows 120.5(C).
On the job: Use 2 VA/ft2 for general lighting and receptacles when sizing dwelling feeders and services by the standard method.
Why: Codes and federal lamp rules now require high-efficacy lighting, and LBNL submetering of 896 U.S. homes found a median near 2.3 W/ft2.
FR 8013 - Revised2023 220.42(A)2026 120.42(A), Table 120.42(A)
Lighting table no longer says 125 percent is built in
The note under Table 120.42(A) saying its unit loads already include the 125 percent continuous-load multiplier is deleted. Unit load values are unchanged.
On the job: Use the table values as the calculated load. Size feeder conductors and OCPDs for continuous lighting load under the sizing rules, not in the calculation.
Why: The note confused users, and continuous load is not the only reason for a 125 percent multiplier.
SR 7797 - Revised2023 220.542026 120.54
Dryer demand factor drops to 80 percent for three to five
Table 120.54 now lists 100 percent for one or two dryers and 80 percent for three to five. In 2023, one to four were 100 percent and five were 85 percent. Larger counts are unchanged.
On the job: For feeder or service loads with three to five household dryers, apply 80 percent; one or two dryers stay at 100 percent.
Why: Submetered data showed resistance dryers peak well under nameplate, median about 77 percent. Many homes run two dryers together, so one or two stay at 100 percent.
FR 8044 · SR 7804 - RevisedMajor2023 220.572026 120.57
EVSE load now uses nameplate; 7200 VA only if none
Each EVSE is calculated at its nameplate rating if available, and at 7200 W (VA) only when no nameplate rating exists. The 2023 rule used 7200 W or nameplate, whichever was larger.
On the job: Use the EVSE nameplate rating, even below 7200 VA. Fall back to 7200 VA only when no nameplate rating is available.
Why: Using nameplate matches how controls can already lower EVSE load. A forward reference to 625.42 was cut, and an ampere basis would clash with the VA method.
FR 8060 · SR 78092023 side spot-checked - Revised2023 220.82(A)2026 120.82(A), 120.82(D)
Optional dwelling method adds EVSE at 100 percent
New 120.82(D) adds the total EVSE load, figured under 120.57 at 100 percent, to the optional dwelling calculation. 120.82(A) now sums (B), (C), and (D). The 2023 method had no separate EVSE item.
On the job: In the optional dwelling calculation, add each EVSE at 100 percent of its 120.57 load, outside the general-load demand factor.
Why: EVSE is now common and a large load, so the optional method points to 120.57.
FR 8079 · FR 8081 - RevisedMajor2023 220.82(B)2026 120.82(B)
Optional dwelling method: first 8 kVA at 100 percent, 2 VA/ft2
In the optional dwelling calculation, the block taken at 100 percent drops from 10 kVA to 8 kVA, with 40 percent on the rest. General lighting and receptacles drop from 3 to 2 VA/ft2, using 120.5(C) floor area.
On the job: Take the first 8 kVA at 100 percent and the rest at 40 percent, using 2 VA/ft2 for general lighting and receptacles.
Why: Metered data from many dwellings shows the lower values still cover about 95 percent of homes.
FR 80822023 side spot-checked - RevisedMajor2023 220.832026 120.83, Table 120.83
Existing dwelling capacity check uses one new percentage table
The with-HVAC and without-HVAC methods merge into Table 120.83: first 8 kVA of all load at 100 percent, other existing load 40, new EVSE and new central resistance heat 80, other new loads 50. General load becomes 2 VA/ft2.
On the job: To check an existing dwelling service for added load, use Table 120.83. Do not recount nameplate items already on small-appliance or laundry circuits.
Why: Metered data showed added HVAC raised demand far less than its nameplate, while EVSE, water heaters, and dryers were undercounted at 40 percent.
FR 8188 · SR 78322023 side spot-checked - Revised2023 220.84(A)2026 120.84(A)
Multifamily optional method adds rule for 120/208 V units on 3-phase
120.84(A) splits into conditions and total demand. When at least three single-phase 120/208 V units share a 3-phase, 4-wire supply, demand is based on twice the most units between any two phases.
On the job: For 120/208 V units on a 3-phase service, double the largest unit count between any two phases to pick the demand factor.
Why: Covers single-phase 120/208 V multifamily units; two-unit buildings stay under 120.85.
SR 7835 - Revised2023 220.84(B), 220.84(C), Table 220.84(B)2026 120.84(B), 120.84(C), Table 120.84(C)
Multifamily optional method uses 2 VA/ft2; table renumbered 120.84(C)
The general lighting and receptacle load in the multifamily optional calculation drops to 2 VA/ft2 from 3. The demand factor table moves from Table 220.84(B) to Table 120.84(C), and the nameplate list is reorganized into sub-items.
On the job: Use 2 VA/ft2 for general lighting and receptacles in the multifamily optional calculation, and cite Table 120.84(C) for the demand factors.
Why: Efficient lighting and metered data show 3 VA/ft2 overstates the load. Tables are numbered for the section that applies them.
FR 8092 · SR 8044 - MovedMajor2023 220.1102026 120.110, 517.22
Health care receptacle demand: one table, 20 percent above 10,000 VA
One table replaces two. 2023 Categories 1 and 2 used 100 percent to 5000 VA, 50 percent to 10,000 VA, then 25 percent; Categories 3 and 4 used 100 then 50 percent. Now: 100 percent of the first 10,000 VA, 20 percent beyond.
On the job: For a health care feeder or service, take receptacle load at 100 percent up to 10,000 VA and 20 percent of the rest, using Table 120.110.
Why: Load studies of whole health care buildings, including offices and support areas, showed the old factors overstated demand.
FR 9203 · SR 8510 - New2023 none2026 120.111
New demand factor for patient care-related equipment circuits
New Table 120.111 covers 20-ampere circuits, 120 volts or less to ground, that feed patient care-related electrical equipment only. The 10 largest circuits count at 100 percent and each circuit beyond that at 30 percent.
On the job: In a health care load calculation, count the 10 largest patient care-related equipment circuits fully and every added circuit at 30 percent.
Why: Load data supported the factor for all appliances, but the panel accepted the Correlating Committee's limit to patient care-related equipment for this cycle.
FR 9204 · SR 8518 - MovedMajor2023 750.1, 750.6, 750.20 +12026 130.1, 130.2, 130.20 +2
Energy management rules move to Article 130; overload control needs PCS listing
Article 750 moved to new Article 130 in two parts. The three listing options became one rule: EMS equipment must be listed, and equipment doing overload control must also carry a PCS listing and label. New Part II covers PCS.
On the job: Cite Article 130 for EMS work. Use PCS-listed equipment whenever an EMS is relied on to keep circuits, feeders, or services from overload.
Why: The 2023 consolidation was finished late; splitting general rules from overload control rules and requiring PCS listing matches the product standards.
FR 8095 · SR 8116 · SR 8121 - Moved2023 750.30(C)(2)2026 130.60
PCS must guard sources and fail without tripping feeder OCPDs
The PCS must now watch and limit current so conductors, sources, and distribution gear avoid overload. On a fault, 2023 required current to stop; now the PCS enters a controlled state, and above branch level must not trip the circuit OCPD.
On the job: For a feeder or service PCS, confirm from the listing and documents that a control failure will not trip the protecting OCPD.
Why: Tripping a feeder or service OCPD harms occupied buildings and unrelated processes; UL 3141 second edition covers this.
SR 8122 · SR 8123 - Moved2023 750.30(C)(1), 750.30(C)(3)2026 130.70
PCS control setting counts as continuous load; settings access follows listing
The EMS maximum current setpoint is now a PCS control setting in amperes per controlled conductor, source, or load, counted as a continuous load. The five listed access methods are gone; only qualified persons may adjust settings, by means the listing sets.
On the job: Size conductors and equipment using the PCS control setting as a continuous load. Check the listing for how settings are locked down.
Why: UL 3141 handles restricted access better than a fixed list, and the continuous load treatment matches 120.7.
SR 8126 · SR 8128 - Moved2023 750.30(C)(4), 750.502026 130.80
PCS marking, documentation, and directory rules expanded
Marking follows the listing and shows control settings, managed loads and sources, and a qualified-person-only notice. Non-dwelling sites add the date and who set them. New documentation names the PCS type. A directory is needed when controls are out of sight of the OCPDs.
On the job: Mark supplying equipment per the PCS listing, keep a settings list identifying multisource or single-source, and post a directory if controls are not within sight.
Why: Aligns with UL 3141 terms; overload control suitability depends on PCS type; remote-only directory wording was too narrow.
SR 8129 - New2023 none2026 206.1, 206.4
Article 206 scope narrowed to circuits outside power-limited classes
Article 206, new in 2026, covers only remote-control and signaling wiring outside the power-limited classes; notes send Class 1 to Article 724 and Class 2 and 3 to Article 725. 206.4 requires Chapter 3 wiring methods and adds (D): overcurrent protection per 240.4 or 240.5.
On the job: Install these circuits to Chapter 3 wiring rules, size conductors per 206.4(A), and protect them under 240.4 or 240.5.
Why: Aligns the article with the defined overcurrent protection terminology.
SCR 78 - Moved2023 300.262026 206.1, 206.4
Control and signaling circuits without power limits move to Article 206
Remote-control and signaling circuits outside the power-limited classes moved from 300.26 to new Article 206. 206.4 adds conductor sizes (16 AWG copper-clad aluminum allowed; 14 AWG copper-clad aluminum only in MC or TC cable at 8 A), insulation types, and shared-raceway rules.
On the job: Install these circuits per 206.4. They may share a raceway with power conductors, no barrier, if insulation suits the highest voltage and the equipment is functionally associated.
Why: Circuit rules fit better in Chapter 2. The second draft limited the article to non-power-limited circuits, since power-limited ones sit in Chapter 7.
FR 8811 · SR 7503 · SR 7555 - Revised2023 210.8(A)2026 210.8(A)
Dwelling GFCI list: accessory buildings at any floor level
Garages and accessory buildings become separate list items. The floor-at-or-below-grade test for accessory buildings is gone, so their storage and work areas need GFCI at any elevation. Damp and wet indoor locations are split, and Exception No. 4 covers any exhaust fan.
On the job: GFCI-protect receptacles in storage and work areas of dwelling accessory buildings, even above grade. Factory receptacles inside any exhaust fan may skip GFCI unless the listing requires it.
Why: Floor height does not change the shock risk. Splitting the items and naming areas of the building makes the scope clearer; fan receptacles occur outside bathrooms too.
FR 7908 · FR 7704 · SR 7550 - Revised2023 210.8(B)2026 210.8(B)
Industrial outdoor-equipment GFCI exception returns, with required grounding program
A 2023 industrial exception tied to equipment near sinks is replaced by one for fixed or stationary cord-connected outdoor equipment, where losing power is more hazardous or GFCI is incompatible. An assured equipment grounding program under 590.7(B)(2) is now mandatory.
On the job: At supervised industrial sites, if outdoor equipment cannot be on GFCI, run and enforce a 590.7(B)(2) assured grounding program for it instead.
Why: Restores 2020 edition wording dropped in 2023, and makes the grounding program required rather than optional when GFCI is omitted.
FR 7912 - RevisedMajor2023 210.8(F)2026 210.8(F)
Class C SPGFCI allowed for outdoor HVAC outlets with disconnect warning
Dwelling outdoor outlets still need GFCI protection. Listed HVAC equipment stays exempt under Exception No. 2 only until September 1, 2026, a carry-over from 2023. New Exception No. 3 lets a listed Class C SPGFCI protect listed HVAC equipment, as long as the HVAC disconnect carries a Class C warning marking. A draft effective-date sentence in the main text was removed.
On the job: After September 1, 2026, protect outdoor dwelling HVAC outlets with GFCI or a listed Class C SPGFCI; with Class C, mark the HVAC disconnect with the required warning.
Why: The correlating committee moved the Class C warning marking into the exception that permits Class C devices for HVAC units.
SCR 10 - Revised2023 210.8(F)2026 210.8(F)
Dwelling outdoor GFCI threshold rises from 50 A to 60 A
Outdoor dwelling outlets on single-phase circuits at no more than 150 V to ground now need GFCI up to 60 amperes, up from 50 amperes.
On the job: Provide GFCI protection for outdoor dwelling outlets on 60 A single-phase circuits, which the 2023 rule did not cover.
Why: GFCI devices at this rating are readily available, and the shock hazard is the same as at lower ratings.
FR 7909 - Revised2023 210.8(F)2026 210.8(F)
Outdoor dwelling HVAC may use Class C SPGFCI with warning label
New Exception No. 3 permits listed Class C SPGFCI protection for listed HVAC equipment. When used, the HVAC disconnect gets a warning marking. A note covers HF and HF+ SPGFCIs. Exception No. 2 still expires September 1, 2026.
On the job: Where Class A GFCI is incompatible with listed outdoor HVAC, you may use a listed Class C SPGFCI and must label the HVAC disconnect with the required warning.
Why: Gives an option for HVAC equipment with GFCI compatibility problems, usable now rather than only after September 2026. The label tells workers the protection is not Class A.
FR 7913 · SR 7590 - Revised2023 210.12(B)2026 210.12(B)
Arc welding AFCI exception made permanent and extended to garages
The AFCI exception for an individual branch circuit to an arc welding outlet loses its January 1, 2025 end date. It now also applies in garages and accessory buildings, not only the dwelling unit.
On the job: An individual circuit for a welder receptacle in a dwelling, its garage, or accessory building does not need AFCI protection.
Why: Removes the sunset date and covers garages and accessory buildings, where welders are commonly used.
FR 8197 - Revised2023 210.132026 210.13
Ground-fault protection of equipment extended to large dc branch circuits
210.13 splits into (A) for solidly grounded wye systems and new (B) for solidly grounded dc systems over 150 V to ground and up to 1500 V line-to-line. Branch-circuit disconnects rated 1000 A or more need GFPE per 230.95.
On the job: On qualifying solidly grounded dc systems, provide GFPE on each branch-circuit disconnect rated 1000 A or more.
Why: Matches CMP 10 first-draft actions on 215.10, 230.95, and 240.13, closing a gap for dc circuits with similar hazards.
SR 7671 - Revised2023 210.172026 210.17
Dormitory rooms with cooking need dwelling-unit branch circuits
Dormitories join hotels, motels, and assisted living facilities in 210.17. Dormitory guest rooms or suites with permanent cooking provisions must get branch circuits that meet dwelling-unit rules. The NFPA 101 reference is updated.
On the job: Lay out dwelling-type branch circuits, such as small-appliance and laundry circuits where needed, in dormitory rooms or suites that have permanent cooking.
Why: Correlates with the revised dormitory definition and NFPA 101, which treats individual dormitory rooms apart from the whole occupancy.
FR 7568 · SR 7673 - Revised2023 210.52(A)(2)2026 210.52(A)(2)
All fixed cabinets now break wall space, countertop or not
The wall space definition drops the qualifier limiting the break to cabinets without countertops or work surfaces. Any fixed cabinet now interrupts wall space for 210.52(A) receptacle spacing.
On the job: Do not count wall runs along fixed base cabinets with countertops as wall space under 210.52(A). Serve those counters under 210.52(C).
Why: Avoids unintended receptacle requirements along kitchen cabinets where 210.52(C) already requires countertop receptacles.
SR 7759 - Revised2023 210.52(C)(2)2026 210.52(A)(5), 210.52(C)(2), 210.52(C)(4)
New limits on receptacles below kitchen countertops
New 210.52(C)(4) bars receptacles on walls beside base cabinets within 24 in. and under countertops within 24 in. of the top, except in drawers. New 210.52(A)(5) sets the same 24 in. limit under bar-type counters. Island outlets, if installed, must follow (C)(3) and (C)(4).
On the job: Keep receptacles below a countertop at least 24 in. down from its surface, except in drawers. Island receptacles are optional, but provide future wiring provisions when omitted.
Why: Clarifies where outlets may and may not go, now and later. Moving the limit to (A)(5) allows receptacles on cabinet back walls beyond 24 in.
FR 8192 · SR 7758 · SR 7761 · SR 7762
How we checked this list
We started from NFPA’s public committee reports, which list every revision made for the 2026 edition. Then we checked all 343 entries against the final 2026 code: 320 matched as written, and we corrected 23. We took the 2023 side from the committee reports and checked it against a 2023 copy for only some entries. We write every summary in our own words and show section numbers, not code text, so read the sections in your own code book.
This is not legal advice. Your inspector enforces the code your state adopted, so check which edition applies to your permit.
Questions people ask
- What changed from the 2023 NEC to the 2026 NEC?
- This page lists 343 changes that affect what you install, calculate, or inspect: 25 major and 318 moderate. They come from all 18 code-making panels. Filter the list by chapter, or search a section number. Wording-only edits are left out.
- Where did the load calculations in Article 220 go?
- Article 120. Almost every section keeps its last digits, so 220.82 is now 120.82. Two exceptions: 220.60 is now 120.6, and 220.3 is now 120.4.
- How do I find where a 2023 section moved?
- Type the 2023 section number into the lookup at the top of this page, or into the search box above the full list. A search for 220.57 shows 120.57. You can also search a 2026 number to see what it replaced.
- Which edition does my state enforce?
- The edition your state has adopted. This page is not legal advice, and your inspector enforces the code your state adopted. Ask your inspector or your state licensing office which edition applies to your permit.
- Is there a PDF of the 2026 NEC changes?
- No. The full list is on this page, free to read with no sign-up. Filter it by chapter, or search a 2023 or 2026 section number. To read the code itself, use your own copy of NFPA 70.
- How often does the NEC change?
- NFPA publishes a new edition every three years. The 2026 edition follows the 2023 edition. Each state adopts a new edition on its own schedule, so the edition you work under can lag behind the newest one.
- How do I plan an NEC 2026 update class?
- Start with the changes your students meet most: the 4 in-depth entries on this page, in the order listed in the update class section, each with the 2023 and 2026 section numbers. Then build a cited slide deck and quiz on each one with the lesson builder, which is free for instructors during the pilot. Every claim carries a section number.
- Does this page quote the code?
- No. It shows section numbers and our own summaries. Read each section in your own code book.
Teaching an NEC 2026 update class?
Use the in-depth entries as your class outline. Teach them in this order, and read each section in your own code book.
- Load calculations moved from Article 220 to Article 120
- Dwelling unit load drops to 2 VA per square foot (220.41 to 120.41)
- Dwelling service disconnects go outdoors (230.85 to 230.70(A)(1))
- Transformer overcurrent protection moved to 450.5
Build a cited slide deck and quiz on any change in this list. Every claim carries a section number. The lesson builder is free for instructors during the pilot. Tell us what is wrong or missing, and we read every note.
Request a builder code