NEC 2026 Article 720: General Requirements for Limited-Energy Systems

Article 720 is the foundation of NEC 2026's restructured Chapter 7—the "Article 300 equivalent" for limited-energy systems. If you install fire alarm, security, access control, structured cabling, or any power-limited system, this is where inspectors will look first.

Quick Answer

Article 720 establishes the general wiring methods and materials requirements for all limited-energy systems in the 2026 NEC. It consolidates rules previously scattered across Articles 725, 760, 770, 800, 820, and 840 into a single foundational article. Think of it as "Article 300 for low voltage"—the baseline that applies unless a more specific article says otherwise.

Why Article 720 Exists: The Big Picture

For more than 80 years, Chapter 8 (Communications Systems) operated independently from the rest of the NEC. Section 90.3 explicitly stated that Chapter 8 was "not subject to the requirements of Chapters 1–7 except where the requirements are specifically referenced." This created a parallel universe where communications installations followed different rules than the rest of the electrical system.

The result? Confusion. Contractors installing data cabling would look at Article 800, while contractors running Class 2 security circuits would reference Article 725. Fire alarm installers worked from Article 760. Each article had its own (often inconsistent) requirements for wiring methods, separation, and materials. Inspectors sometimes applied different standards to nearly identical installations depending on which article technically governed the work.

NEC 2026 eliminates this fragmentation. Code Making Panel 1 removed Chapter 8's independence, integrating communications systems into the same framework as other limited-energy systems. Article 720 is the linchpin of this restructuring—it provides the common requirements that apply to all limited-energy installations.

What Article 720 Covers

Article 720 is titled "General Requirements for Limited-Energy System Wiring Methods and Materials." Its scope includes:

Wiring methods acceptable for limited-energy installations
Materials requirements including listing and labeling
Separation requirements from power conductors and other systems
Support and routing guidelines
Environmental considerations for different installation locations
Listing requirements for communications system equipment

The article functions similarly to Article 300 for branch circuit and feeder installations. Just as Article 300 provides baseline wiring requirements that apply unless a more specific article overrides them, Article 720 establishes the foundation for all limited-energy work.

The New Chapter 7 Structure

Understanding Article 720 requires understanding how the new Chapter 7 fits together. NEC 2026 introduces a coordinated suite of articles (720–750) that work as a system:

Article	Title	What It Covers
720	General Requirements for Limited-Energy System Wiring Methods and Materials	Foundational rules—wiring methods, materials, separation, support
721	Power Sources for Limited-Energy Systems	Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 power source requirements (previously in 725.41)
722	Limited-Energy Cables	Cable types, marking, listing requirements—this is a 45-page article consolidating cable rules from 725, 760, 770, 800, 820, 840
723	Raceways, Cable Routing Assemblies, and Cable Trays	Pathway requirements for limited-energy installations
725	Class 2 and Class 3 Circuits	Retained but reorganized—references new articles for general requirements
726	Class 4 Fault-Managed Power Systems	Expanded requirements for FMPS (Power over Ethernet applications)
742	Overvoltage Protection	Surge and transient protection for limited-energy systems
750	Grounding and Bonding for Limited-Energy Systems	Consolidated grounding requirements (previously split between 725.121, 800.100, and others)

When you encounter an installation question, the process now flows logically: start with Article 720 for general requirements, then look to the specific article (725, 726, 760, etc.) for system-specific rules, with Articles 721, 722, 723, 742, and 750 providing detailed requirements for power sources, cables, pathways, protection, and grounding.

What Moved Into Article 720

Article 720 consolidates requirements previously scattered throughout the NEC. Here's where key content originated:

Topic	Previous Location	New Location
General wiring methods for Class 2/3	725.130 and related	720.x
Separation from power conductors	725.136, 760.136, 800.133	720.x (consolidated)
Cable support requirements	Multiple articles	720.x and 723.x
Listing of communications equipment	Chapter 8 articles	720.x
Environmental requirements	Scattered throughout Ch. 7 & 8	720.x

The consolidation eliminates a longstanding pain point: previously, contractors had to cross-reference multiple articles to confirm whether a wiring method was acceptable. Now, Article 720 provides the baseline answer, with specific articles adding or modifying requirements as needed.

Key Requirements in Article 720

Listing and Labeling Requirements

Article 720 establishes that limited-energy system equipment must be listed for its intended purpose. This requirement, previously stated (sometimes inconsistently) across multiple articles, now has a unified home. Equipment used in limited-energy installations must bear appropriate listing marks from a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

For communications system equipment specifically, Article 720 requires listing that accounts for the equipment's connection to the communications network. This closes gaps where some equipment fell between articles and had unclear listing requirements.

Separation from Power Conductors

One of Article 720's most critical functions is establishing consistent separation requirements. Previously, separation rules varied depending on whether you were installing Class 2 circuits (725.136), fire alarm circuits (760.136), or communications cables (800.133). While specific applications may still have additional requirements in their governing articles, Article 720 provides the baseline separation framework.

This matters practically because mixed installations—security systems sharing pathways with fire alarm cables sharing space with structured cabling—are now evaluated against a consistent standard rather than multiple potentially conflicting requirements.

Support and Securing Requirements

Article 720 addresses how limited-energy cables must be supported, working in conjunction with Article 723 for raceway and cable tray specifics. Support requirements include:

Maximum support intervals
Acceptable support methods
Requirements for cables in accessible spaces
Provisions for plenum and riser installations

Environmental Considerations

The article addresses installation in various environments including wet locations, outdoor installations, and areas subject to physical damage. Rather than having separate environmental requirements in each system-specific article, Article 720 provides coordinated guidance that applies across all limited-energy systems.

Practical Impact for Contractors

Simplified Code Navigation

The most immediate benefit of Article 720 is simplified code research. Instead of bouncing between Articles 725, 760, 770, 800, 820, and 840 to piece together requirements, contractors can start with Article 720 for baseline rules. This reduces the "article-hopping" that has long frustrated limited-energy installers.

Consider a typical commercial project with structured cabling, security cameras, and access control. Under the previous code structure, you might reference:

Article 800 for data cabling
Article 725 for Class 2 camera power
Article 725 again for access control circuits
Multiple cross-references for separation when these systems share pathways

Under NEC 2026, you start with Article 720 for general requirements, then reference specific articles only where system-specific rules apply. The framework is logical rather than historical.

Clearer Material Takeoffs

With consolidated cable requirements in Article 722 and general wiring methods in Article 720, estimators can more confidently specify materials. The reduced ambiguity means fewer change orders resulting from code interpretation disputes during installation or inspection.

Training Simplification

Training technicians on NEC requirements becomes more straightforward when the code itself is organized logically. Rather than explaining the historical reasons why Chapter 8 operated differently, trainers can present a unified framework where all limited-energy systems follow the same general requirements with specific additions as needed.

Documentation Alignment

Project managers and estimators can align specifications and submittal documents with the new NEC structure. Specifications can reference Article 720 for general compliance requirements, with specific articles cited only where additional requirements apply.

Inspection Implications

What Inspectors Will Look For

Electrical inspectors will approach limited-energy systems with a new framework in mind. When inspecting a fire alarm, security, or communications installation, expect inspectors to:

Start with Article 720 to verify general wiring method compliance
Check Article 722 for proper cable types and marking
Verify Article 750 compliance for grounding and bonding
Reference the system-specific article (725, 726, 760, etc.) for additional requirements

This systematic approach replaces the previous method where inspectors might look only at the system-specific article and potentially miss general requirements that applied from Chapter 1-4.

Unified Enforcement

The integration of Chapter 8 into the broader NEC framework means inspectors now have a consistent basis for enforcement across all limited-energy systems. Previously, the "independence" of Chapter 8 created situations where similar installations might receive different treatment depending on technical classification. Article 720 provides a common foundation that reduces these inconsistencies.

Transitional Considerations

During the adoption period, inspectors (like contractors) will be learning the new structure. Both parties benefit from the logical organization, but expect some adjustment period as everyone becomes familiar with where requirements now reside. The good news: requirements themselves haven't fundamentally changed—they've been reorganized and consolidated.

How Article 720 Affects Different Trades

Fire Alarm Contractors

Fire alarm installations remain primarily governed by Article 760, but general wiring method requirements now trace back to Article 720. When Article 760 doesn't specify a requirement, Article 720 provides the default. Additionally, power-limited fire alarm circuits now share grounding requirements (Article 750) with other limited-energy systems, providing consistency across trades.

Security and CCTV Contractors

Security installations typically involve Class 2 circuits (Article 725), IP video over structured cabling (formerly Article 800, now integrated), and sometimes PoE power distribution (Article 726). Article 720 provides the common foundation for all of these, simplifying compliance when multiple systems share pathways or enclosures.

Access Control Contractors

Access control systems—reader circuits, controller wiring, and door hardware power—fall under Article 725 for Class 2 circuits with fire alarm interface requirements from Article 760. Article 720 provides consistent wiring method requirements that apply regardless of which specific article governs the circuit classification.

Structured Cabling and Data Contractors

This trade sees perhaps the most significant impact. Communications circuits previously governed by the independent Chapter 8 now integrate into the Chapter 7 framework. Article 720 provides general requirements, with Article 800 (now titled "Communications Systems—Outside and Entering Buildings") covering exterior and entrance requirements while interior installations follow the unified Chapter 7 structure.

AV Integrators

Audio/visual installations often combine Class 2 audio circuits, video distribution (structured cabling or dedicated video cable), and increasingly PoE-powered devices. Article 720's unified approach simplifies compliance for these mixed-technology installations.

Relationship to Chapter 8 Changes

Understanding Article 720 requires understanding what happened to Chapter 8. The revised Chapter 8 is now titled "Communications Systems—Outside and Entering Buildings." This title clarifies its new scope: Chapter 8 addresses installations external to the building and the point of entry. Once inside the building, communications systems follow the same Chapter 7 requirements as other limited-energy systems.

This change eliminates the long-standing anomaly where identical cables might be governed by different requirements depending on whether they carried "communications" signals or other Class 2/3 signals. Article 720 ensures consistent treatment.

Common Questions About Article 720

Does Article 720 replace Article 725?

No. Article 725 (Class 2 and Class 3 Circuits) remains in effect for system-specific requirements. However, general wiring method requirements that previously appeared in Article 725 have moved to Article 720, with Article 725 now referencing Article 720 for baseline requirements and adding Class 2/3-specific provisions.

Do I need to learn entirely new requirements?

The requirements themselves haven't fundamentally changed—they've been reorganized and consolidated. If you're familiar with current limited-energy installation practices, you'll find the same requirements in new locations. The benefit is that finding and applying these requirements becomes more logical.

When do these changes take effect?

NEC 2026 has a national effective date of September 1, 2026. However, actual adoption varies by jurisdiction. Some states adopt new codes quickly; others lag by several years. Check your state's adoption timeline—the NEC 2026 Adoption by State Tracker provides current information.

How does Article 720 interact with local amendments?

Local jurisdictions may amend NEC requirements. Article 720 provides the baseline that jurisdictions may modify. When working in a jurisdiction with local amendments, verify whether those amendments affect Article 720 or the specific system articles.

Pro Tips for Article 720 Compliance

Update your code reference workflow. When researching requirements for a limited-energy installation, start with Article 720, then move to specific articles. This matches how inspectors will approach your work.
Cross-reference cable requirements. Article 722 (Limited-Energy Cables) works closely with Article 720. When specifying cables, verify both the general requirements (720) and specific cable requirements (722).
Don't assume Chapter 8 habits still apply. If you've installed communications systems under the old Chapter 8 framework, recognize that the "independence" exception no longer exists. General NEC requirements now apply.
Use the new grounding article. Grounding requirements have consolidated into Article 750. For grounding and bonding questions on limited-energy systems, look here rather than in system-specific articles.
Verify support requirements. With Article 723 addressing raceways and cable routing assemblies, ensure your support methods comply with both the general requirements and pathway-specific requirements.
Consider PoE implications. If your installation includes Power over Ethernet, Article 726 (Class 4 Fault-Managed Power Systems) works with Article 720 to govern these installations. The integration is now explicit rather than implied.

Stay Ahead of Code Changes

NEC 2026 adoption is rolling out state by state, changing how limited-energy projects are inspected and approved. Stay ahead of projects in your area.

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Last updated: February 2026. This article provides general guidance on NEC 2026 Article 720. Always consult the actual code text and your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for specific requirements. NEC 2026 adoption timelines vary by state and local jurisdiction.

NEC 2026 Article 720: General Requirements for Limited-Energy Systems – Complete Guide