NEC 2023 vs NEC 2026: What Changed for Low Voltage Contractors
Join Low Voltage Nation — Find project opportunities and showcase your company to thousands of industry professionals
Complete comparison of NEC 2023 vs 2026 for low voltage contractors. Chapter 8 independence ends, new Articles 720-750 consolidate limited-energy requirements, Article 725 shrinks to three sections.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2026: What Changed for Low Voltage Contractors
The 2026 National Electrical Code represents the most significant reorganization of limited-energy requirements in over 80 years. Here's a comprehensive comparison of what changed between 2023 and 2026 editions for fire alarm, security, access control, and structured cabling contractors.
Quick Answer
NEC 2026 eliminates Chapter 8's independence, integrates communications into Chapter 7, adds new Articles 720-750 for limited-energy systems, and introduces "limited-energy cable" as a unified term. The technical requirements haven't fundamentally changed—but where you find them has. Article 725 shrinks from several pages to half a page, while new articles consolidate previously scattered requirements.
The Big Picture: Structure vs. Substance
Before diving into specifics, understand this: NEC 2026 is primarily a reorganization, not a rewrite of technical requirements. If you know how to install Class 2 circuits, fire alarm systems, or communications cabling properly under the 2023 NEC, your installation methods remain valid under 2026. What changes is where you look up the requirements.
That said, the reorganization is substantial. Some articles shrank dramatically (725), some were deleted entirely (770, 805, 840), and several new articles appeared (720, 721, 722, 723, 742, 750). Understanding the new structure is essential for code compliance and inspector interactions.
Chapter 8 Independence: Ended After 80+ Years
The most fundamental change affects how the NEC treats communications systems.
| Aspect | NEC 2023 | NEC 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 8 Status | Independent—not subject to Chapters 1-7 except where referenced | Integrated—no longer standalone |
| Chapter 8 Title | "Communications Systems" | "Communications Systems—Outside and Entering Buildings" |
| Section 90.3 | Chapter 8 operates independently | Chapters 5-8 may supplement or modify Chapters 1-8 |
| Interior Communications | Article 800+ governed installations | Chapter 7 (Articles 720-750) governs interior work |
| Exterior Communications | Article 800+ governed | Chapter 8 covers only outside and building entrance |
What This Means Practically
Under the 2023 NEC, communications contractors could largely ignore Chapters 1-7 for interior work. The "independence" exception meant Article 800 was self-contained. Inspectors applied Article 800 requirements, not general electrical requirements.
Under NEC 2026, that changes. Interior communications installations now follow Chapter 7 (limited-energy) requirements, which explicitly connect to Chapters 1-4 general requirements. Expect more consistent treatment of all limited-energy systems—and potentially more scrutiny of communications work against general electrical standards.
New Chapter 7 Articles
NEC 2026 adds several new articles to Chapter 7, creating a coordinated framework for all limited-energy systems:
| Article | Title | What It Contains | 2023 Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 720 | General Requirements for Limited-Energy System Wiring Methods and Materials | Foundational rules—the "Article 300 equivalent" for limited-energy | Consolidated from multiple articles |
| 721 | Power Sources for Limited-Energy Systems | Class 2, 3, and 4 power source requirements | From 725.121, 760.x |
| 722 | Limited-Energy Cables | Cable types, listing, marking—45+ pages consolidating all cable rules | From 725, 760, 770, 800, 820, 840 |
| 723 | Raceways, Cable Routing Assemblies, and Cable Trays | Pathway requirements for limited-energy systems | Scattered through Ch. 7 & 8 |
| 742 | Overvoltage Protection of Limited-Energy Systems | Surge and transient protection | From various articles |
| 750 | Grounding and Bonding of Limited-Energy Systems | Unified grounding requirements | From 725.121, 800.100, etc. |
What Happened to Article 725?
Article 725 (Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Circuits) undergoes the most dramatic visible change:
| Aspect | NEC 2023 | NEC 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Several pages | Less than half a page |
| Sections | Comprehensive (725.1-725.x) | Three sections only (725.1, 725.2, 725.127) |
| Power sources | 725.121 | Moved to Article 721 |
| Cable requirements | 725.154 | Moved to Article 722 |
| Installation methods | 725.130+ | Moved to Article 720 |
| Separation | 725.136 | Moved to Article 720 |
| Grounding | In article | Moved to Article 750 |
What Remains in Article 725
- Section 725.1 - Scope (defines what Article 725 covers)
- Section 725.2 - Listing and Marking of Equipment for Power and Data Transmission
- Section 725.127 - Wiring Methods on the Supply Side of Class 2/3 Power Sources
Everything else moved to the new articles. This isn't a reduction in requirements—it's a redistribution. The requirements still exist; they're just located by function rather than by circuit type.
Deleted Articles
Several articles were deleted and their content redistributed:
| Deleted Article | Previous Content | 2026 Location |
|---|---|---|
| 770 | Optical Fiber Cables and Raceways | Article 722 (cables), Article 723 (raceways) |
| 805 | Communications Circuits | Distributed to Articles 720-750 |
| 840 | Premises-Powered Broadband Communications | Distributed to Articles 720-750 |
The content wasn't eliminated—it was reorganized into the new article structure. If you need fiber optic cable requirements, look in Article 722. If you need fiber raceway requirements, look in Article 723.
Article 760 (Fire Alarm): What Changed
Article 760 remains for fire alarm-specific requirements, but now references the new Chapter 7 articles for general requirements:
| Requirement | NEC 2023 | NEC 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| General wiring methods | 760.130+ | Reference Article 720 |
| PLFA power sources | 760.41+ | Reference Article 721 |
| Cable types (FPL, FPLP, FPLR) | 760.154 | Article 722 |
| Grounding | In article | Reference Article 750 |
| Fire alarm-specific rules | Article 760 | Article 760 (retained) |
Fire alarm contractors will still reference Article 760 for system-specific requirements, but will need to cross-reference the new articles for general requirements.
Chapter 8 Remaining Articles
Chapter 8 isn't empty—it now focuses specifically on outside and building entrance installations:
| Article | NEC 2023 Scope | NEC 2026 Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | Communications Circuits (all) | General requirements for communications outside and entering buildings |
| 810 | Antenna Systems | Antenna Systems (retained, aligned with new structure) |
| 820 | CATV/Radio Distribution | CATV/Radio Distribution (retained, aligned) |
| 830 | Network-Powered Broadband | Network-Powered Broadband (retained, aligned) |
New Terminology: "Limited-Energy Cable"
NEC 2026 introduces "limited-energy cable" as a unified term in Article 100 definitions:
Limited-Energy Cable: Any factory assembly of conductors, copper conductors, or optical fiber strands for Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 circuits, including cable TV and power-limited fire alarm applications.
This single definition replaces the previous fragmented terminology across multiple articles. Instead of separately referencing Class 2 cables, PLFA cables, communications cables, and optical fiber cables, the code now uses one umbrella term where requirements apply broadly.
Chapter and Article Title Changes
| Location | NEC 2023 Title | NEC 2026 Title |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | Special Conditions | Specific Conditions and Systems |
| Chapter 8 | Communications Systems | Communications Systems—Outside and Entering Buildings |
Class 4 Fault-Managed Power Systems
Class 4 systems were introduced in NEC 2023. The 2026 edition integrates them into the reorganized framework:
| Aspect | NEC 2023 | NEC 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary article | Article 726 (new) | Article 726 (retained, expanded) |
| Integration | Standalone | Integrated with Articles 720-750 |
| Cable requirements | In Article 726 | References Article 722 |
| Grounding | In Article 726 | References Article 750 |
Class 4 (fault-managed power systems) now fits within the broader limited-energy framework rather than standing alone.
Practical Comparison: Finding Requirements
Example 1: Installing Class 2 Security Circuits
| Requirement | NEC 2023 Location | NEC 2026 Location |
|---|---|---|
| Power source limits | 725.121 + Chapter 9 Tables | 721.x + Chapter 9 Tables |
| Cable selection | 725.154 | 722.x |
| Installation methods | 725.130-725.143 | 720.x |
| Separation from power | 725.136 | 720.x |
| Grounding | 725.121(A)(4) | 750.x |
Example 2: Installing Power-Limited Fire Alarm
| Requirement | NEC 2023 Location | NEC 2026 Location |
|---|---|---|
| System-specific rules | Article 760 | Article 760 |
| Power source limits | 760.41 | 721.x (referenced) |
| Cable selection | 760.154 | 722.x (referenced) |
| Wiring methods | 760.130 | 720.x (referenced) |
| Grounding | 760.x | 750.x (referenced) |
Example 3: Installing Structured Cabling
| Requirement | NEC 2023 Location | NEC 2026 Location |
|---|---|---|
| Interior installation | Article 800 | Articles 720-750 |
| Building entrance | Article 800 | Article 800 |
| Cable selection | 800.x | 722.x |
| Raceway requirements | 800.x | 723.x |
| Grounding/bonding | 800.100 | 750.x |
What Didn't Change
Despite the reorganization, these fundamental elements remain consistent:
- Class 2/3 power limits - Chapter 9, Tables 11(A) and 11(B) unchanged
- Cable ratings - CL2, CL3, CM, FPL designations unchanged
- Plenum/riser hierarchy - Same substitution rules
- Separation distances - Same requirements, different article locations
- Listing requirements - Equipment must still be listed
- Installation practices - Physical methods remain valid
Annex L: Transition Guide
NEC 2026 includes a new Annex L specifically to help users navigate the reorganization. This annex provides:
- Cross-reference tables showing where 2023 requirements moved in 2026
- Preview of where requirements will move in 2029
- Guidance on understanding the new structure
Annex L acknowledges that 2026 is a transitional edition preparing for an even larger reorganization in 2029, which may expand from 9 chapters to 22+.
Preparing for the Transition
Update Your Code Books
- Purchase the 2026 NEC when available
- Tab the new articles (720, 721, 722, 723, 742, 750)
- Mark cross-references between old and new locations
- Review Annex L for transition guidance
Update Documentation
- Revise proposal templates with new article references
- Update specifications citing NEC sections
- Adjust training materials for new structure
Learn the New Workflow
- Start with Article 720 for general requirements
- Check Article 721 for power source requirements
- Reference Article 722 for cable specifications
- Consult Article 723 for pathway requirements
- Verify Article 750 for grounding/bonding
- Check system-specific article (725, 726, 760) for additional rules
Summary: Key Differences at a Glance
| Element | NEC 2023 | NEC 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 8 | Independent | Integrated, limited scope |
| Limited-energy framework | Scattered across articles | Coordinated (720-750) |
| Article 725 | Comprehensive | Three sections only |
| Article 770 | Exists | Deleted (content moved) |
| Terminology | "Low voltage" informal | "Limited energy" formal |
| Cable term | Multiple definitions | "Limited-energy cable" unified |
| Grounding | Per-article | Article 750 consolidated |
| Power sources | Per-article | Article 721 consolidated |
Related NEC 2026 Content
- NEC 2026 Article 720: General Requirements for Limited-Energy Systems
- NEC 2026 Articles 721-723: Class 2 and Class 3 Circuits Complete Guide
- NEC 2026 Article 750: Grounding and Bonding
- What is Limited Energy? Understanding NEC 2026's New Terminology
- NEC 2026 Chapter 7 and 8 Changes: Complete Guide
- NEC 2026 Adoption by State Tracker
Stay Ahead of Code Transitions
NEC 2026 adoption is rolling out state by state. Understanding the differences between 2023 and 2026 prepares you for projects under either code version.
LVN Signal monitors permit activity in your area, helping you stay ahead of projects regardless of which code edition applies.
Last updated: February 2026. This comparison provides general guidance on differences between NEC 2023 and NEC 2026 for limited-energy systems. Always consult the actual code text and your local AHJ for specific requirements. Check your jurisdiction's adoption status before applying 2026 requirements.
Sources
Join 35,000+ Low Voltage Pros
Get weekly permit updates, tool deals, job opportunities, and industry news. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.