2026 National Electrical Code (NEC): Changes on the Horizon

The past few months have been busy ones for the NFPA Code-Making Panels (CMPs) that are tasked with reviewing and updating Chapters 7 and 8 in the National Electrical Code® (NEC, also known as NFPA 70).

Many electricians, inspectors, end users, installers, laborers, test lab specialists and manufacturers (Belden included) spent time in Torrance, California, to make sure the latest safety and technology practices are implemented in the 2026 National Electrical Code, which will be issued next year.

As a member of NFPA 70 Code-Making Panel 3 (wiring methods and materials) and Code-Making Panel 16 (signaling systems), I was part of this crucial process. There are some important changes coming to the 2026 version of the NEC, and I want to share them with you.

The theme for this round of NEC changes has to do with keeping the code relevant, which is a fancy way of saying that these changes will make the information within the NEC easier to find, understand and apply.

1. Removal of Independence of NEC Chapter 8

In previous versions of the NEC, Chapter 8—which covers communications systems and cables—has been independent of and not subject to the requirements of Chapters 1-7, except when and where they are specifically referenced within Chapter 8. This independence was made because communications systems and cables are installed differently than circuits and wires used for electrical distribution.

But the previously separate and distinct limited power and fault-managed power systems referenced in Chapter 7 and communication systems referenced in Chapter 8 are morphing into complete systems within one cable (communication and power), making the inspector’s job more difficult, which means it’s time to change the NEC.

During the last code cycle, there were many committee discussions about removing this exemption statement for Chapter 8, but it didn’t happen. In the 2026 version, however, this change will be made to create a more cohesive and unified set of standards.

2. Establishing a Definition for ‘Limited-Energy Cables’

The removal of independence of Chapter 8 leads us to another important change to the NEC for 2026: We supported this removal of independence by creating the term “limited energy cables” to establish a single term to reference throughout.

Limited-energy cables and systems in Chapters 7 and 8 are commonplace (no longer “special”), morphing into systems that mimic Chapter 3 wiring methods, but aren’t exactly the same. When a wiring method does not apply, using a single term (as opposed to an exhaustive list) to define an exception is easier to understand and supports the unified flow of all the articles within the NEC.

The definition is as follows:

Cable, Limited-Energy. (Limited-Energy Cable). A factory assembly of one or more conductors or optical fibers used for the following circuits and systems:

• Class 2 circuits
• Class 3 circuits
• Class 4 circuits and systems
• Optical fiber systems
• Communications circuits
• Community antenna television circuits (CATV)
• Network-powered broadband low-power communications circuits
• Premises communications circuits and systems
• Power-limited fire alarm (PLFA) circuits

The definition will be included in Article 100, which will allow this term to be used globally throughout the NEC. Having these cables grouped together under one term makes it easier to understand that limited-energy cables are treated the same, installed the same and must be kept separate from non-limited-energy cables.

3.  Movement and Consolidation of Articles into NEC Chapter 7

Finally, as a result of the removal of independence of Chapter 8 and the creation of a standardized definition for “limited-energy cables,” many of the articles in Chapters 7 and 8 will be moved and consolidated into fewer articles. This movement will also allow for the flow of limited-energy articles to match the flow of articles in front-of-the-book chapters.

To ensure the proper removal of Chapter 8’s independence, it was critical that we make sure existing articles don’t call out something that won’t support how the industry has always installed its cables. This allows everyone to continue to do the work they’ve always done. Consolidating redundant information also ensures consistent use of exceptions for limited-energy cables. The plan coming out of the second revision meetings is to have a general article that covers the general wiring methods and materials requirements, then points to other articles that are needed to support the many facets of limited-energy systems.

Although we’ll have to wait for the publishing of the second revision report to get an accurate list, this is how it looks going into recent meetings: Articles 720, 721, 722, 723, 742 and 750 pertain to all parts of the limited-energy system, with the remaining nine including additional information for the specific system of interest.

• Article 720: Limited-Energy System Installation
• Article 721: Limited-Energy Power Sources
• Article 722: Limited-Energy Cable
• Article 723: Raceways, Cable Routing Assemblies, and Cable Trays for Limited-Energy Systems
• Article 725: Class 2 and Class 3 Power-Limited Circuits and Equipment
• Article 726: Class 4 Fault-Managed Power Circuits and Equipment
• Article 742: Overvoltage Protection of Limited-Energy Systems
• Article 750: Limited-Energy System Grounding
• Article 760: Fire Alarm Systems
• Article 772: Fire-Resistive Cable Systems — Type FR
• Article 800: General Requirements for Communications Systems Outside and Entering Building
• Article 810: Antenna Systems
• Article 820: Community Antenna and Television and Radio Distribution Systems
• Article 830: Network-Powered Broadband Low-Power Communications Systems
• Article 840: Premises-Powered Broadband Communications Systems

Luckily, when it came to how to make these articles exist without exempting them from the rest of the book, we had a good example to follow. A similar process took place with NEC Article 770 regarding fiber optic cables. At that time, the committees did a great job of adding clauses and exceptions to make sure exceptions were in place for fiber that were intended for applications in the front of the book (high-voltage and medium-voltage systems).

Anticipating NEC 2026

After it’s issued as a standard next year, the 2026 National Electrical Code will be available as a book or viewing online. The best way to learn more about the NEC is to spend time looking through it and reading what it says.

You can always access a free version of the most recent edition of the NEC online (click the “view free access” button).

As things continue to change, we will keep you updated about the issuance of the 2026 National Electrical Code. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Related resources:

A Telecommunications Trailblazer: Belden’s Recent Recognition

An Inside Look at NFPA’s Process for Developing Standards

Why We Choose to Get Involved in the Creation of Cable Standards