2026 NEC changes
2026 NEC changes that change an exam answer
The 2026 NEC moved the load calculation rules from Article 220 to new Article 120 and cut the dwelling feeder and service lighting load from 3 to 2 VA per square foot, raised the GFCI limit for outdoor outlets to 60 A, lowered the smallest general-wiring copper conductor to 16 AWG, and renumbered sections across Articles 200 to 450. Below are the 75 differences from the 2023 edition that can change an exam answer, by topic, each with both section numbers.
These differences come from comparing our own plain-language summaries of the 2023 and 2026 editions, checked against both books where they disagreed; check every rule against your own copy before you rely on it.
Which exams use the 2026 NEC
Texas has tested on the 2026 NEC since September 1, 2026, and Colorado, Maine and Minnesota test it too. Oklahoma, California, Michigan and most other states with a state exam still test the 2023 NEC. See the edition each state tests, with its source.
Changes by topic
- Load calculations
- Branch circuits, GFCI and AFCI
- Receptacles
- Services and feeders
- Grounding and bonding
- Conductors and wiring methods
- Boxes
- Equipment, appliances and luminaires
- Motors
- Swimming pools and similar
- Electric vehicle charging
- Other occupancies and systems
- Worked examples in Informative Annex D
- New rules in 2026
- Sections that moved
Load calculations
Article 220 is now Article 120 in 2026, and the minimum unit load for feeders and services drops from 3 VA to 2 VA per square foot.
Article 220 to Article 120, section by section
2023: 220.5 · 2026: 120.5
The 2026 nominal voltage list adds 416Y/240 V, a rule that for dc circuits VA equals W, and new 120.5(E), which says the load calculation does not add 125 percent for continuous loads.
On the exam: Under 2026, the calculated load itself does not include a 125 percent increase for continuous loads.
2023: 220.5 · 2026: 120.5(C)
2026 also leaves detached garages out of the dwelling floor area. 2023 left out only open porches and unfinished areas not adaptable for future use.
On the exam: A detached garage is not counted in the dwelling floor area under 2026.
2023: 220.10 · 2026: 120.10
2026 sends dwelling branch circuit loads to new 120.13, at 3 VA per square foot, instead of to the feeder unit load section.
On the exam: In 2026, the 3 VA per square foot figure is for counting branch circuits under 120.13; feeders and services use 2 VA per square foot under 120.41.
2023: 220.41 · 2026: 120.41
The 2026 minimum unit load for feeders and services is 2 VA per square foot (22 VA per square meter). The 3 VA per square foot figure remains only for counting branch circuits under new 120.13.
On the exam: A 2026 feeder or service calculation uses a minimum unit load of 2 VA per square foot; 3 VA per square foot is used only for counting branch circuits.
2023: 220.57 · 2026: 120.57
2026 counts EVSE at its nameplate rating and uses 7200 W only when no nameplate rating is available. 2023 took the larger of 7200 W or the nameplate rating.
On the exam: Under 2026, use the EVSE nameplate rating even when it is below 7200 W; under 2023 the load was never taken below 7200 W.
2023: 220.60 · 2026: 120.6
Noncoincident loads move to Part I as 120.6. 2026 also lets loads that listed equipment prevents from running together be treated as noncoincident for branch circuits, and refers to the 120.11(A) motor treatment instead of the 125 percent clause.
On the exam: Look for noncoincident loads at 120.6 in 2026, and they can now apply to branch circuits where listed equipment keeps the loads from running together.
2023: 220.70 · 2026: 120.7
2026 replaces this section with 120.7, a power control system (Article 130 Part II) set at no more than 80 percent of the rating of the overcurrent device it monitors.
2023: 220.82 · 2026: 120.82
2026 120.82 takes 100 percent of the first 8 kVA of general load (2023: the first 10 kVA), adds EVSE at 100 percent, and uses the unit loads of the 2026 edition.
On the exam: Under 2026 120.82, only the first 8 kVA of general load is taken at 100 percent; 2023 used the first 10 kVA.
2023: 220.83, Table 220.83(A), Table 220.83(B) · 2026: 120.83, Table 120.83
The two 2023 tables for existing dwellings become one Table 120.83, Existing Dwelling Unit Load Percentages: the first 8 kVA at 100 percent, the remaining existing load at 40 percent, new EVSE and new central electric resistance heat at 80 percent, and other new loads at 50 percent. This replaces the 2023 layout that took air conditioning or heat at 100 percent.
On the exam: Under 2026 Table 120.83, new EVSE and new central resistance heat count at 80 percent and other new loads at 50 percent.
2023: 220.84 · 2026: 120.84
2026 120.84 counts 2 VA per square foot (not 3 VA) in the connected load, renumbers the demand factor table to Table 120.84(C), and adds a rule for single-phase units on a 3-phase, 4-wire supply.
On the exam: The 120.84 demand factors are in Table 120.84(C) in 2026 (Table 220.84(B) in 2023), and the connected load uses 2 VA per square foot.
2023: 220.87 · 2026: 120.87
The 2026 test is 125 percent of the maximum demand plus the new load, minus any removed load. The 1-year, 30-day and 15-minute figures match.
Branch circuits, GFCI and AFCI
210.8(F) now covers outlets of 60 A or less, and several branch circuit lists and exceptions changed.
2023: 210.8(F) · 2026: 210.8(F)
2026 raises the 210.8(F) limit to 60 A or less, and adds an exception letting listed HVAC equipment use a Class C SPGFCI.
On the exam: Under 2026, 210.8(F) covers outlets of 60 A or less, and listed HVAC equipment may use a Class C SPGFCI.
2023: 210.8(B) · 2026: 210.8(B)
Locations and figures are the same. The exceptions differ: 2023 has a rooftop accessibility exception and an assured equipment grounding conductor program exception for industrial sink areas (citing 590.6(B)(2)); the 2026 assured program exception covers outdoor fixed equipment instead (citing 590.7(B)(2)).
2023: 210.12(B) · 2026: 210.12(B)
The welder exemption has no expiration date in 2026 and also extends to garages and accessory buildings.
2023: 210.17 · 2026: 210.17
The 2026 list adds dormitories.
2023: 210.70 · 2026: 210.70(A)
2026 drops the rule that a switch or listed wall-mounted control may not rely only on battery power unless it warns of an impending battery depletion. The rule is not in 2026 Articles 210, 404 or 406.
2023: 210.70(A) · 2026: 210.70(A)
2026 adds an exception letting the light and switch for a laundry in a closet be outside the laundry area.
Receptacles
New limits on receptacles below countertops, a narrower replacement exception, and a new location in 406.26.
2023: 210.52(A) · 2026: 210.52(A)
2026 adds a rule that receptacles below a countertop or work surface in the rooms covered by 210.52(A) may not be within 24 in. of it. The 6 ft, 2 ft and 18 in. figures are unchanged.
2023: 210.52(C) · 2026: 210.52(C)
2026 adds a below-countertop rule: no receptacles within 24 in. below the countertop, or on adjacent walls within 24 in. of base cabinets. It also adds an exception for receptacles in drawers.
2023: 210.63 · 2026: 210.63
The 2026 (B) list covers switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, motor control centers and service equipment in non-dwellings on systems under 150 V to ground. 2023 covered service equipment plus the equipment with dedicated space under 110.26(E).
2023: 406.4(D)(3) · 2026: 406.12(D)
The exception that allows a same-type replacement is narrower in 2026: it applies only if the box is too small, no upstream box can hold a GFCI, and a GFCI breaker cannot provide the protection. 2023 allowed it whenever the box was too small, as long as GFCI protection was supplied and the receptacle was marked.
On the exam: Under 2026, a too-small box alone no longer justifies a same-type replacement; an upstream GFCI and a GFCI breaker must both be ruled out first.
2023: 406.5(E)-(H) · 2026: 406.14
2026 also bans face-up receptacles in laundry areas. 2023 listed only countertops and work surfaces, and under sinks.
On the exam: A receptacle installed face up in a laundry area is not permitted under 2026.
2023: 406.12 · 2026: 406.26
2026 adds an eleventh location, park and recreation areas, which the exceptions do not cover.
Services and feeders
Surge protection reaches more occupancies, the dwelling emergency disconnect moves into 230.70, and the 110.16 label loses the 1000 A threshold.
2023: 110.16 · 2026: 110.16
2026 requires the permanent label (voltage, arc-flash boundary, incident energy or PPE, and date) on service equipment and feeder-supplied equipment with no 1000 A threshold. 2023 splits a general warning in (A) from a label for 1000 A and larger equipment in (B).
On the exam: Under 2026, service and feeder-supplied equipment below 1000 A also needs the full permanent label.
2023: 230.67 · 2026: 230.67
The 2026 list adds sleeping quarters of fire, police, ambulance, rescue and ranger stations. The 2026 exception is limited to services that supply only feeders.
2023: 215.18, 225.42 · 2026: 215.18
2026 drops 225.42. Feeder surge protection now sits in 215.18 for any feeder supplying the listed occupancies, and the list adds sleeping quarters in fire, police, ambulance and similar stations.
On the exam: Cite 215.18 for surge protection on any feeder to these occupancies in 2026; 225.42 no longer exists.
2023: 225.41 · 2026: 225.41
2026 adds an exception: 225.41 is not needed where the service disconnect meets 230.70(A)(1), or where the 225.31 disconnect is readily accessible outdoors on or within sight of the dwelling.
2023: 230.70, 230.85 · 2026: 230.70
2026 has no 230.85. The dwelling outdoor emergency disconnect is folded into 230.70: one- and two-family dwelling service disconnects go outdoors on or within sight of the dwelling, are marked EMERGENCY DISCONNECT, and carry a plaque for other sources. The rule is framed around the service disconnect itself, and the replacement trigger is in 230.70 too.
On the exam: Cite 230.70, not 230.85, for the outdoor emergency disconnect at a one- or two-family dwelling in 2026.
Grounding and bonding
Impedance bonding jumpers have one sizing rule, and 250.122 is relettered with a new cap for parallel runs.
2023: 250.36 · 2026: 250.36
2026 sizes every impedance bonding jumper like the impedance grounding conductor (250.36(B)). The 2023 option to size it by 250.66 when the grounding electrode conductor lands at the impedance device is gone.
2023: 250.122 · 2026: 250.122
Same rules, relettered in 2026: increase in size is (D), multiple circuits (E), motor circuits (F), cords (G), parallel conductors (H) and feeder taps (I). The 2026 parallel rule caps the equipment grounding conductor in each raceway at the size of the largest ungrounded conductor in that raceway.
On the exam: In a 2026 parallel run, the equipment grounding conductor in a raceway need not be larger than the largest ungrounded conductor in that raceway.
Conductors and wiring methods
16 AWG copper becomes a general wiring size, Article 300 is renumbered with new rules, and NM cable has new limits.
2023: 310.3 · 2026: 310.5
Renumbered to 310.5 (listing is in 310.2). 2026 lowers the minimum sizes to 16 AWG copper and 14 AWG copper-clad aluminum; aluminum stays at 12 AWG.
On the exam: The smallest copper conductor for general wiring is 16 AWG in 2026.
2023: Table 310.16 · 2026: Table 310.16
2026 adds 60°C, 75°C and 90°C values of 10, 15 and 20 A for 16 AWG copper, and a 14 AWG copper-clad aluminum row; neither is in 2023. The 14 AWG to 500 kcmil values compared match.
2023: 300.2 · 2026: 300.4
Renumbered to 300.4. 2026 adds a requirement to replace conductors and wiring methods damaged by overheating, fire, corrosion or water.
2023: 300.11 · 2026: 300.13
Renumbered to 300.13. 2026 adds that cable ties used to secure and support must be listed and identified for that use, and allows a raceway to support its own circuit's bonding jumper.
2023: 358.24 · 2026: 300.24
2023 states the 360-degree limit separately in each raceway article (for example 358.24 and 344.24). 2026 adds one general rule in 300.24 that also covers runs mixing wiring methods.
On the exam: Under 2026, the 360-degree limit also applies to a run that mixes wiring methods.
2023: 334.12 · 2026: 334.12
2026 adds direct burial and locations subject to physical damage to the list of uses not permitted for NM cable, and the theater exception cites 518.6(C).
2023: 334.24 · 2026: 334.24
2026 uses the smaller dimension of flat cable when it is bent on the flat and the larger dimension otherwise. 2023 always uses the larger dimension.
2023: 334.104 · 2026: 334.104
NM cable sizes in 2026 start at 16 AWG copper and 14 AWG copper-clad aluminum (aluminum stays 12 AWG), and 16 AWG copper-clad aluminum control conductors are allowed. 2023 starts at 14 AWG copper and 12 AWG aluminum or copper-clad aluminum.
2023: 340.104 · 2026: 340.104
UF cable sizes in 2026 start at 16 AWG copper and 14 AWG copper-clad aluminum.
2023: 376.56 · 2026: 376.56
2026 no longer requires power distribution blocks on the line side of service equipment to be marked as suitable for that use; listing alone is enough.
2023: 392.18 · 2026: 392.18
2026 sets a 12 in. minimum access space above a cable tray, where 2023 says only "sufficient space". The warning notice threshold rises from over 600 V to over 1000 V ac or 1500 V dc.
On the exam: The access space above a cable tray is at least 12 in. under 2026.
Boxes
The dwelling fan box rule is relettered and reworded.
2023: 314.27(C) · 2026: 314.27(B)
Relettered from (C) to (B). 2026 scopes the dwelling rule to living and sleeping areas with centrally mounted boxes in typical fan locations; 2023 says habitable rooms in a location acceptable for a fan.
Equipment, appliances and luminaires
SCCR marking, the 410.184 GFCI and SPGFCI rules, the furnace circuit and fans near tubs and showers all changed.
2023: 408.6 · 2026: 408.6
2026 also requires marking the equipment short-circuit current rating, documenting the calculation, re-marking after changes, and replacement overcurrent devices rated for the marked fault current.
2023: 410.184 · 2026: 410.184
2026 calls for a Class A GFCI at 150 V or less to ground and caps the SPGFCI trip level at 20 mA above 150 V. An SPGFCI listed only for double-insulated equipment does not qualify.
2023: 422.12 · 2026: 422.12
In 2026, Exception 2 also lets the 210.63(A) service receptacle and the 210.70(C) lighting outlet share the furnace circuit. 2023 allows only air-conditioning equipment on it.
On the exam: Under 2026, the service receptacle and the lighting outlet for a furnace may be on the furnace circuit.
2023: 422.18 · 2026: 422.18
2023 keeps only the metal parts of a fan out of the tub and shower zone; 2026 keeps every part of the fan out. The zone is still 3 ft horizontally and 8 ft vertically.
On the exam: Under 2026, no part of the fan may be within the zone 3 ft horizontally and 8 ft vertically from a tub or shower.
Motors
The 1700 percent limit for instantaneous trip breakers applies to more motor designs.
2023: 430.52, Table 430.52(C)(1) · 2026: 430.52, Table 430.52(C)(1)
2026 extends the 1700 percent limit for instantaneous trip breakers, self-protected combination controllers and motor short-circuit protectors to Design B and C energy-efficient and premium motors and to Design BE and CE motors. 2023 gives 1700 percent only to Design B energy-efficient and premium motors. In the table, the 1100 percent instantaneous row also lists Design BE and CE motors in 2026. Other figures match.
On the exam: Under 2026, a Design C energy-efficient or premium motor, or a Design BE or CE motor, gets the 1700 percent limit; under 2023 only Design B energy-efficient and premium motors did.
Swimming pools and similar
The pool definition widens, the 680.5(B) 3-phase circuit limit rises to 100 A, and bonding reaches deeper.
2023: 100 (Pool, Permanently Installed Swimming, Wading, Immersion, and Therapeutic) · 2026: 100 (Pool, Permanently Installed)
2026 renames the term and also counts pools permanently built above ground or on a building. In 2023, an above-ground outdoor pool was permanently installed only if it was in or partly in the ground or inside a building.
On the exam: A pool permanently built above ground or on a building is a permanently installed pool under 2026.
2023: 680.5(B) · 2026: 680.5(B)
2023 caps both single-phase and 3-phase circuits at 60 A. 2026 keeps 60 A for single-phase but raises the 3-phase limit to 100 A.
On the exam: The 680.5(B) limit for 3-phase circuits is 100 A in 2026; in 2023 it was 60 A.
2023: 680.12 · 2026: 680.12
2023 requires GFCI only for receptacles at 150 V or less to ground in equipment rooms, vaults and pits. 2026 requires GFCI or SPGFCI protection per 680.5 for every other receptacle in the room, vault or pit.
2023: 680.14 · 2026: 680.14
2026 adds LFMC to the deemed-suitable list and bans aluminum wiring methods generally. 2023 lists RMC, IMC, PVC, RTRC and LFNC only, and bans aluminum conduit and tubing.
2023: 680.26(B) · 2026: 680.26(B)
2026 also allows 40 percent copper-clad steel bonding conductors; 2023 permits solid copper only.
2023: 680.26(B)(2) · 2026: 680.26(B)(2)
2026 extends the band to 3 ft below the maximum water level (2023: 2 ft). The effective date for the corrosion listing moves to January 1, 2029 (2023: January 1, 2025).
On the exam: The band reaches 3 ft below the maximum water level under 2026; under 2023 it was 2 ft.
2023: 680.30 · 2026: 680.30
2026 adds that a storable pool abutting a permanent access deck must also meet the 680.26 bonding rules.
2023: 680.71 · 2026: 680.71, 680.75
2026 keeps the dedicated circuit and the readily accessible GFCI, but drops the Part VII GFCI rule for 125 V, 30 A or less receptacles within 6 ft of the tub. Other receptacles follow the bathroom rules through 680.72.
2023: 682.33 · 2026: 682.33
For natural and artificially made bodies of water, 2026 requires the equipotential plane only where the system voltage exceeds 250 V to ground and the equipment is within 10 ft of the water. It specifies plane construction (rebar, or an 8 AWG copper grid in 12 in. squares no more than 6 in. below grade) instead of mesh within 3 in. of the surface.
Electric vehicle charging
All permanently connected EVSE needs a disconnect, and a 50 A receptacle may not go on a 40 A circuit.
2023: 625.43 · 2026: 625.43
2026 requires a disconnect for all permanently connected EVSE; cord-and-plug units of 60 A or less, or 150 V to ground or less, may use the plug. 2026 also requires labeling in multifamily buildings and adds an emergency disconnect rule.
On the exam: Under 2026, all permanently connected EVSE needs a disconnect.
2023: 625.44 · 2026: 625.44
2026 renames fastened-in-place equipment to hand fastened, adds 277 V and 120/208 V options and locking 277/480 V pin-and-sleeve receptacles, requires plugs rated at least 125 percent of the equipment rating, and bars a 50 A receptacle on a 40 A circuit.
On the exam: Under 2026, a 50 A receptacle may not be installed on a 40 A EVSE branch circuit.
Other occupancies and systems
Marina shore power, mobile homes, temporary lighting, elevators, operating rooms and interconnected sources.
2023: 517.20 · 2026: 517.20
2026 adds that where GFCIs protect an operating room, each receptacle must be its own GFCI device or have its own individual GFCI protection.
2023: 550.13 · 2026: 550.13
2026 requires installation per 406.12 (tamper resistant), takes GFCI from 210.8 rather than a list specific to Article 550, and folds in AFCI per 210.12. Distances are unchanged.
2023: 555.33 · 2026: 555.33
2026 adds a required 120 V, 15 or 20 A GFCI receptacle wherever shore power is installed; 2023 has no such requirement.
2023: 555.35 · 2026: 555.35
Figures match. 2026 extends 100 mA ground-fault protection of equipment to branch circuits serving docks, adds ground-fault monitoring for fire pumps (alarm above 100 mA), and requires GFPE performance testing at first installation.
2023: 590.4(F) · 2026: 590.6(E)
2026 adds an exception exempting nonreplaceable LED lamps in a listed temporary lighting string from the lamp guard rule.
2023: 620.51 · 2026: 620.51
2023 requires a surge protective device only where the disconnect serves emergency, legally required or critical operations loads. 2026 requires an SPD integral to the system or adjacent to the disconnect in general, and adds adjustable speed drive controllers to the 430.109(C)/430.128 allowance.
On the exam: Under 2026, the SPD is required generally, not only where the disconnect serves emergency, legally required or critical operations loads.
2023: 705.11 · 2026: 705.11
Same conductor minimums. 2026 cites the renumbered Article 230 sections and Article 268, and adds distance limits to the overcurrent device inside buildings: 10 ft in dwellings, 16.5 ft elsewhere, 66 ft where engineered.
Worked examples in Informative Annex D
The worked examples give different answers in 2026, mostly because of 2 VA per square foot and the 8 kVA first step.
2023: D1(a) · 2026: Example D1(a)
2026 figures the feeder lighting at 2 VA per square foot (3000 VA); 2023 uses 3 VA per square foot throughout.
On the exam: The calculated load is 75 A with a 58 A neutral in 2026, against 78 A and 61 A in 2023; both still need a 100 A service.
2023: D1(b) · 2026: Example D1(b)
2026 starts from 75 A and 58 A; 2023 starts from 78 A and 61 A.
On the exam: 2026 reaches 96, 81 and 101 A; 2023 reaches 99, 84 and 104 A. The service is 110 A in both.
2023: D2(a) · 2026: Example D2(a)
2026 applies 100 percent to only the first 8 kVA of general load and uses 2 VA per square foot lighting; 2023 uses the first 10 kVA at 100 percent and 3 VA per square foot.
On the exam: The result is 82 A in 2026 and 90 A in 2023; the service is 100 A either way.
2023: D2(b) · 2026: Example D2(b)
2026 uses the 8 kVA first step and 2 VA per square foot.
On the exam: The result is 114 A in 2026 and 122 A in 2023.
2023: D2(c) · 2026: Example D2(c)
The total load is lower in 2026.
On the exam: The total is 32,790 VA (137 A) in 2026 and 34,790 VA (145 A) in 2023; both permit a 150 A service.
2023: D3 · 2026: Example D3
2026 counts a larger load and picks a larger conductor.
On the exam: The load is 32,600 VA (136 A) with 1/0 AWG copper in 2026, against 30,320 VA (126 A) with 1 AWG copper in 2023; the overcurrent device is 150 A in both.
2023: D4(a) · 2026: Example D4(a)
2026 uses 2 VA per square foot lighting; 2023 uses 3 VA per square foot.
On the exam: 2026: 249 A and 399 A; 2023: 273 A and 434 A.
2023: D4(b) · 2026: Example D4(b)
The demand factors are the same (0.38 and 0.28), but the 2026 connected loads are smaller because of 2 VA per square foot. The factor table is Table 220.84(B) in 2023 and Table 120.84(C) in 2026.
On the exam: The results are 671 A and 988 A in 2026, against 697 A and 1028 A in 2023.
2023: D5(a) · 2026: Example D5(a)
2026 totals are lower because of 2 VA per square foot lighting.
On the exam: 2026: 192 A and 289 A; 2023: 208 A and 313 A.
2023: D5(b) · 2026: Example D5(b)
2026 applies 120.84(A)(2): it uses twice the largest number of units on any two phases (28) to form an equivalent load and picks the factor for that count. 2023 reuses the single-phase 40-unit result (factor 0.28) on three phases.
On the exam: The result is 711 A with a 0.33 factor in 2026, against 685 A in 2023.
New rules in 2026
2026: 342.29 (new)
IMC: where threads enter an enclosure through an unthreaded opening, a locknut or fitting is needed both inside and outside the enclosure.
2026: 344.29 (new)
RMC: where threads enter an enclosure through an unthreaded opening, use a locknut or fitting both inside and outside.
2026: 680.22(D) (new)
Portable signs may not be in a pool or within 5 ft horizontally of the inside wall of the pool.
Rules with no 2026 counterpart
2023: 625.22
The EVSE personnel protection system section has no 2026 counterpart.
2023: 625.56
The EVSE rule for wet-location receptacle enclosures (extra-duty hood) has no 2026 counterpart.
Sections that moved
Same rule, new number. If your tabs or notes are from a 2023 book, these are the lookups that send you to the wrong page.
Article 220 (now Article 120) Load Calculations
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 220.1 | 120.1 |
| 220.3 | 120.4 |
| 220.11 | 120.11 |
| 220.16 | 120.16 |
| 220.40 | 120.40 |
| 220.42 | 120.42 |
| 220.43 | 120.43 |
| 220.44 | 120.44 |
| 220.45 | 120.45 |
| 220.46 | 120.46 |
| 220.47 | 120.47 |
| 220.50 | 120.50 |
| 220.51 | 120.51 |
| 220.52 | 120.52 |
| 220.53 | 120.53 |
| 220.54 | 120.54 |
| 220.55 | 120.55 |
| 220.61 | 120.61(A) |
| 220.80 | 120.80 |
| 220.85 | 120.85 |
| 220.86 | 120.86 |
| 220.88 | 120.88 |
| 220.100 | 120.100 |
| 220.102 | 120.102 |
| 220.103 | 120.103 |
| 220.120 | 120.120 |
| Table 220.45 | Table 120.45 |
| Table 220.47 | Table 120.47 |
| Table 220.55 | Table 120.55 |
| Table 220.56 | Table 120.56 |
| Table 220.84(B) | Table 120.84(C) |
| Table 220.86 | Table 120.86 |
| Table 220.88 | Table 120.88 |
| Table 220.102(B) | Table 120.102(B) |
| Table 220.103 | Table 120.103 |
| Table 220.120 | Table 120.120 |
Article 200 Grounded Conductors
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 200.2 | 200.4 |
| 200.3 | 200.5 |
| 200.4 | 200.6 |
| 200.6(A) | 200.7(A) |
| 200.6(B) | 200.7(B) |
| 200.6(C) | 200.7(C) |
| 200.6(D) | 200.7(D) |
| 200.6(E) | 200.7(E) |
| 200.7 | 200.8 |
Article 210 Branch Circuits
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 210.2 | 210.3 |
| 210.3 | 210.14 |
| 210.5(C)(2) | 210.5(C)(3) |
Article 215 Feeders
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 215.2(A) | 215.4(A) |
| 215.2(B) | 215.4(B) |
| 215.2(C) | 215.4(C) |
| 215.3 | 215.5 |
| 215.4 | 215.14 |
| 215.5 | 215.13 |
Article 230 Services
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 230.2 | 230.4 |
| 230.3 | 230.5 |
| 230.56 | 110.15 |
Article 240 Overcurrent Protection
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 240.2 | 240.3 |
Article 250 Grounding and Bonding
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 250.4 | 250.4(A), 250.4(B) |
| 250.30 | 250.30(A)-(C) |
| 250.124(B) | 250.124 |
| 250.182 | 270.4 |
| 250.184 | 270.27 |
| 250.186 | 270.24 |
| 250.188 | 270.115 |
| 250.194 | 270.14 |
Article 300 Wiring Methods
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 300.1(C) | Table 300.19(B) |
| 300.3(A) | 300.5(A) |
| 300.3(B) | 300.5(B) |
| 300.3(C) | 300.5(C) |
| 300.4(A) | 300.6(A) |
| 300.4(B) | 300.6(B) |
| 300.4(D) | 300.6(D) |
| 300.4(F) | 300.6(F) |
| 300.4(G) | 300.6(G) |
| 300.4(H) | 300.6(H) |
| 300.5(A) | 300.7(A) |
| 300.5(B) | 300.7(B) |
| 300.5(C) | 300.7(C) |
| 300.5(D) | 300.7(D) |
| 300.5(E) | 300.7(E) |
| 300.5(F)-(H) | 300.7(F)-(H) |
| 300.5(I) | 300.7(I) |
| 300.5(J)-(K) | 300.7(J)-(K) |
| 300.6 | 300.8 |
| 300.7 | 300.9 |
| 300.8 | 300.10 |
| 300.10 | 300.12 |
| 300.12 | 300.14 |
| 300.13 | 300.15 |
| 300.14 | 300.16 |
| 300.15 | 300.17 |
| 300.16 | 300.18 |
| 300.18 | 300.20 |
| 300.19 | 300.21 |
| 300.20 | 300.22 |
| 300.21 | 300.23 |
| 300.22 | 300.25 |
| 300.23 | 300.26 |
| 300.25 | 300.27 |
| Table 300.5(A) | Table 300.7(A) |
| Table 300.19(A) | Table 300.21(A) |
Article 312 Cabinets and Cutout Boxes
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 312.2 | 312.4 |
| 312.3 | 312.5 |
| 312.4 | 312.7 |
| 312.6 | 312.9 |
| 312.7 | 312.10 |
| 312.8 | 312.11 |
| 312.9 | 312.12 |
| 312.10 | 312.13 |
| 312.100 | 312.100 / 312.2 |
| Table 312.6(A) | Table 312.9(A) |
| Table 312.6(B)(2) | Table 312.9(B)(2) |
Article 314 Boxes and Conduit Bodies
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 314.2 | 314.4 |
| 314.3 | 314.5 |
| 314.4 | 314.6 |
| 314.5 | 314.7 |
| 314.27(B) | 314.27(C) |
| 314.27(D)-(E) | 314.27(C)-(E) |
| 314.70 | 314.70(A) |
| Table 314.16(B)(1) | Table 314.16(B)(4) |
Article 404 Switches (much of it moved into Article 406)
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 404.2(A)-(B) | 406.30 |
| 404.2(C) | 406.30 |
| 404.3 | 404.5; 406.32 |
| 404.4 | 404.6 |
| 404.5 | 406.34; 404.7 |
| 404.6 | 404.8 |
| 404.7 | 404.9; 406.36 |
| 404.8 | 404.10; 406.38 |
| 404.10 | 406.42 |
| 404.12 | 404.12; 406.44 |
| 404.14(A) | 406.46 |
| 404.14(B) | 406.46 |
| 404.14(C)-(D) | 406.10 |
| 404.14(E) | 406.46 |
| 404.14(F) | 406.46 |
| 404.14(G) | 406.46 |
| 404.16 | 404.3; 406.3 |
| 404.20 | 404.20; 406.48 |
| 404.22 | 406.50 |
Article 406 Receptacles
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 406.2 | 406.3 |
| 406.3(A) | 406.11 |
| 406.3(B) | 406.11 |
| 406.3(C)-(D) | 406.10 |
| 406.3(E) | 406.11 |
| 406.3(F) | 406.11 |
| 406.3(G) | 406.11 |
| 406.4(A) | 406.12 |
| 406.4(B)-(C) | 406.12 |
| 406.4(D)(1)-(2) | 406.12(D) |
| 406.4(D)(4) | 406.12(D) |
| 406.4(D)(5)-(8) | 406.12(D) |
| 406.4(E)-(G) | 406.12 |
| 406.5(A)-(C) | 406.14 |
| 406.5(D) | 406.14 |
| 406.5(I)-(J) | 406.14 |
| 406.7 | 406.18 |
| 406.8 | 406.20 |
| 406.10 | 406.19 |
| 406.11 | 406.24 |
| 406.13 | 406.28 |
Article 408 Switchboards and Panelboards
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 408.2 | 408.3 |
| 408.3(E) | 408.10 |
| 408.16 | 408.16-408.17 |
| 408.17 | 408.16-408.17 |
| 408.19 | 408.19-408.23 |
| 408.20 | 408.19-408.23 |
| 408.22 | 408.19-408.23 |
| 408.23 | 408.19-408.23 |
| 408.30 | 408.14 |
| 408.38 | 408.37-408.39 |
| 408.52 | 408.50-408.52 |
Article 410 Luminaires
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 410.2 | 410.3 |
| 410.5 | 410.4 |
| 410.8 | 410.5 |
| 410.10(A)-(C) | 410.10 |
| 410.10(D) | 410.10 |
| 410.10(E)-(F) | 410.10 |
Article 422 Appliances
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 422.6 | 422.2 |
| 422.21 | 422.19-422.22 |
| 422.42 | 422.42-422.45 |
| 422.44 | 422.42-422.45 |
| 422.45 | 422.42-422.45 |
| 422.62 | 422.60-422.62 |
Article 424 Space Heating
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 424.3 | 424.8 |
| Table 424.3 | Table 424.8 |
Article 430 Motors
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 430.2 | 430.3 |
| 430.122 | 430.120-430.124 |
Article 450 Transformers
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 450.2 | 450.4 |
| 450.3 | 450.5 |
| 450.4 | 450.6 |
| 450.5 | 450.7 |
| 450.6 | 450.8 |
| 450.7 | 450.9 |
| 450.8 | 450.10 |
| 450.9 | 450.11 |
| 450.11 | 450.13 |
| 450.12 | 450.14 |
| 450.13 | 450.15 |
| 450.14 | 450.16 |
| Table 450.3(A) | Table 450.5(A) |
| Table 450.3(B) | Table 450.5(B) |
Article 590 Temporary Installations
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 590.2 | 590.4 |
| 590.3 | 590.5 |
| 590.4(A) | 590.4 |
| 590.4(B) | 590.6(A) |
| 590.4(C) | 590.6(B) |
| 590.4(D) | 590.6(C) |
| 590.4(E) | 590.6(D) |
| 590.4(G) | 590.6(F) |
| 590.4(H)-(I) | 590.6(G)-(H) |
| 590.4(J) | 590.6(I) |
| 590.5 | 590.2 |
| 590.6 | 590.7 |
| 590.6(A) | 590.7(A) |
| 590.6(B) | 590.7(B) |
| 590.7 | 590.8 |
| 590.8 | 590.9 |
Article 680 Swimming Pools
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 680.6 | 680.2 |
| 680.22(D) | 680.22(E) |
| 680.22(E) | 680.22(F) |
| 680.23(C) | 680.23(C)-(E) |
| 680.23(D) | 680.23(C)-(E) |
| 680.23(E) | 680.23(C)-(E) |
| 680.55 | 680.55-680.56 |
| 680.56 | 680.55-680.56 |
| 680.62 | 680.60-680.62 |
| 680.81 | 680.80-680.85 |
Articles 700, 701 and 702 Emergency and Standby Systems
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 700.2 | 700.3 |
| 700.6 | 700.7 |
| 700.7 | 700.8 |
| 701.2 | 701.3-701.4 |
| 701.5 | 701.6 |
| 702.2 | 702.3 |
Chapter 7 and 8 moves (power-limited, fire alarm, fiber, communications, antennas)
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| 725.144 | 722.140 |
| Table 725.144 | Table 722.140(B)(2) |
| 728.1 | 772.1 |
| 750.1 | 130.1 |
| 760.154 | 722.170 |
| Table 760.154 | Table 722.170 |
| 770.154 | 722.160 |
| 770.100 | 750.100 |
| 800.100 | 750.100 |
| 800.154 | 722.130 |
| Table 800.154(a) | Table 722.130 |
| 810.15 | 750.60 |
| 810.21 | 750.66 |
| 820.100 | 750.75 |
Chapter 9 Table 4 (conduit and tubing dimensions)
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC |
|---|---|
| Chapter 9 Table 4 Article 362 | Chapter 9 Table 4 (ENT) |
| Chapter 9 Table 4 Article 348 | Chapter 9 Table 4 (FMC) |
| Chapter 9 Table 4 Article 342 | Chapter 9 Table 4 (IMC) |
| Chapter 9 Table 4 Article 356 LFNC-A | Chapter 9 Table 4 (LFNC-A) |
| Chapter 9 Table 4 Article 356 LFNC-B | Chapter 9 Table 4 (LFNC-B) |
| Chapter 9 Table 4 Article 356 LFNC-C | Chapter 9 Table 4 (LFNC-C) |
| Chapter 9 Table 4 Article 350 | Chapter 9 Table 4 (LFMC) |
| Chapter 9 Table 4 Article 344 | Chapter 9 Table 4 (RMC) |
| Chapter 9 Table 4 Article 352 Schedule 80 | Chapter 9 Table 4 (PVC Schedule 80) |
| Chapter 9 Table 4 Articles 352 and 353 Schedule 40 | Chapter 9 Table 4 (PVC Schedule 40 and HDPE) |
| Chapter 9 Table 4 Article 352 Type A | Chapter 9 Table 4 (Type A PVC) |
| Chapter 9 Table 4 Article 352 Type EB | Chapter 9 Table 4 (Type EB PVC) |
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Last verified November 11, 2026.