NEC 2026 Changes: Key Updates to Know

Two electricians are working inside an industrial electrical room, surrounded by large gray electrical panels and equipment.

January 26, 2026

The 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) has been released. As states evaluate adoption, electrical designers, contractors, and facility owners should be aware of revisions that may impact project planning, installation methods, and compliance strategies. The following summary highlights eight notable changes and their potential implications. 

Section 110.16 - Arc Flash Hazard Monitoring 

Summary of Change: The Code expands arc flash labeling requirements and clarifies where labels must be applied. 

How Will it Impact You? Additional equipment may require labels, which needs to be considered during installations. Some systems may benefit from revised arc flash risk evaluations to include this equipment. 

Employee performing an assessment on equipment.
NEC 2026 clarifies how required working space and egress around electrical equipment must be measured, including a defined 24‑inch egress path at a 90‑degree door opening—factors that may influence electrical room layout and equipment placement during design.

Section 110.26 - Spaces About Electrical Equipment 

Summary of Change: Updates clarify how working space must be measured, including a defined 24-inch egress path measured at a 90-degree door opening, and clarify measurements where live parts are enclosed. Combinations of feeder disconnects have been added, like the previous requirements for service disconnects, when evaluating large equipment requirements for working space. 

How Will it Impact You? Projects may need larger electrical rooms or additional paths to maintain compliant egress. These requirements must be carefully evaluated during project planning. 

Section 210.8(B) - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)s in Non-Dwelling Locations 

Summary of Change: GFCI protection requirements in non-dwelling spaces have been expanded to additional areas. Special GFCI Classes C, D, and E have been defined in the code for situations where Class A devices are unsuitable. 

How Will it Impact You? Designers must evaluate where GFCIs are required, including determining which GFCI class is appropriate for each application. 

Section 230.70(D) - Identification of Other Source Disconnects 

Summary of Change: A new requirement mandates plaques or directories identifying disconnect locations for alternate energy sources not positioned adjacent to the service equipment. 

How Will it Impact You? Systems incorporating batteries, photovoltaic arrays, or other distributed energy sources may require additional identification. 

New and Expanded Articles for Systems Over 1000 Volts AC / 1500 Volts DC 

Summary of Change: NEC 2026 expands requirements for customer-owned medium-voltage systems, including new or revised Articles 245, 265, 266, 267, 268, 270, 305, 315, and 495. 

How Will it Impact You? Medium-voltage installations will require closer evaluation during design. The additional content helps distinguish installation methods from lower-voltage systems and may necessitate updates to installation practices. 

Two men installing cable trays.
NEC 2026 establishes a clear 12‑inch minimum clearance between stacked cable trays, requiring designers and installers to plan tray elevations in advance to ensure safe access and code compliance.

Section 392.18(F) - Cable Tray Access 

Summary of Change: The Code now requires a minimum of 12 inches between the top of one cable tray and the bottom of the next, replacing the previous "sufficient space" language. 

How will it impact you? Designers and installers must plan tray elevations carefully to maintain compliance or document applicable exceptions for industrial facilities. 

Section 430.98 - Motor Control Center (MCC) Marking 

Summary of Change: Where supplied by a feeder, the MCC must now be marked with the name and location of the means required to disconnect all power. 

How will it impact you? Feeder-supplied MCCs are common, and teams must incorporate this marking requirement on future projects. 

Section 500.30 - Bonding in Hazardous Locations 

Summary of Change: Bonding requirements formerly located in Articles 501, 502, and 503 have been consolidated into Article 500 for clarity and consistency. 

How will it impact you? Consolidation simplifies reference points for correct bonding practices and underscores the importance of proper installation in hazardous environments. 

 

If you're interested in learning more about the changes in NEC 2026 and how they may impact your facilities and projects, call us today at 712-722-1662.