NEC 2026 Article 750: Grounding and Bonding for Limited-Energy Systems

Grounding and bonding requirements for fire alarm, security, communications, and other limited-energy systems were scattered across six different articles. NEC 2026 Article 750 consolidates them into one location. Here's what you need to know.

Why Grounding Matters for Limited-Energy Systems

Grounding and bonding in limited-energy systems serves different purposes than in power systems. While power system grounding provides fault current paths for overcurrent protection, limited-energy grounding primarily:

• Equalizes potential - Keeps all systems at the same voltage reference to prevent equipment damage
• Dissipates transients - Provides a path for lightning and surge energy
• Reduces interference - Minimizes electrical noise that affects sensitive electronics
• Protects personnel - Eliminates shock hazards from voltage differences between systems

The most dangerous scenario in limited-energy systems isn't a short circuit—it's voltage differences between systems. When a lightning strike or utility fault causes the power system ground to rise, any communications or security equipment not bonded to that same ground can experience destructive voltage differences. Article 750 addresses this by requiring all limited-energy systems to bond to the building's grounding electrode system.

What Article 750 Consolidates

Before NEC 2026, grounding requirements were distributed across multiple articles:

Previous Location	System Type	Key Requirements
725.121	Class 2/3 Circuits	Power source grounding
760.x	Fire Alarm	PLFA circuit grounding
770.x	Optical Fiber	Non-conductive cable provisions
800.100	Communications	Primary protector grounding, shield bonding
820.x	CATV/Coaxial	Shield grounding
840.x	Premises-Powered Broadband	Equipment grounding

Each article had similar—but not identical—requirements, creating confusion when systems interconnected or shared pathways. Article 750 resolves this by providing a single reference point that applies to all limited-energy systems.

Key Requirements in Article 750

Bonding to Building Grounding Electrode System

The fundamental requirement of Article 750 is that all limited-energy systems must bond to the building's grounding electrode system. This ensures equipotential bonding—all systems reference the same ground potential.

Acceptable connection points include:

• Intersystem bonding termination (IBT) per 250.94
• Grounding electrode conductor
• Grounding electrode system
• Grounded service conductor (at service equipment only)
• Service equipment enclosure
• Metallic service raceway

Intersystem Bonding Termination (IBT)

The IBT is the preferred connection point for limited-energy system bonding. Per NEC 250.94, an IBT must be installed at:

• Service equipment
• Metering equipment enclosure
• Disconnecting means for additional buildings or structures

IBT Requirements:

• External to enclosures (accessible without opening panels)
• Capacity for at least three intersystem bonding conductors
• Connected to building grounding electrode system with minimum 6 AWG copper
• Listed as grounding and bonding equipment

The IBT provides a dedicated, accessible termination point where communications, CATV, security, and other limited-energy contractors can make their bonding connections without accessing electrical service equipment.

Bonding Conductor Requirements

Article 750 specifies bonding conductor sizing:

Application	Minimum Size	Material
General bonding conductors	14 AWG	Copper or corrosion-resistant
Maximum size	6 AWG	Copper
Bonding separate electrodes	6 AWG	Copper
IBT connection to GES	6 AWG	Copper

Conductors must be insulated, solid or stranded, and made of corrosion-resistant materials.

Length Limitations

For one- and two-family dwellings, grounding conductors for communications and similar systems must not exceed 20 feet. This limitation ensures low-impedance paths for transient energy dissipation.

Exception: Where the 20-foot length cannot be achieved, a separate grounding electrode may be installed closer to the equipment—but that electrode must be bonded to the building's power grounding electrode system with a minimum 6 AWG copper conductor.

Shield and Sheath Bonding

For cables with metallic shields or sheaths (coaxial, shielded twisted pair, etc.), Article 750 requires:

• Outer conductive shields must be bonded or grounded
• Connection devices must be listed or part of listed equipment
• Exception for systems completely contained within buildings and isolated from outside cable systems—shield may bond to equipment grounding conductor per 250.118

Practical Application by System Type

Security and Access Control Systems

Most security systems operate as Class 2 circuits, which have historically had minimal grounding requirements for the field wiring itself. However, Article 750 applies to:

• Control panels - Equipment chassis should bond to building ground
• Power supplies - Class 2 power source grounding per Article 721
• IP cameras and network equipment - Structured cabling shields per 750 requirements
• Outdoor equipment - Particularly important for gate operators, outdoor cameras, and perimeter devices

For entirely indoor Class 2 systems with no connection to outdoor wiring, grounding requirements are minimal. The concern increases significantly when systems connect to outdoor devices or to telecommunications networks.

Fire Alarm Systems

Power-limited fire alarm (PLFA) systems now reference Article 750 for grounding and bonding instead of the former provisions in Article 760. Key considerations:

• Fire alarm control panels - Must bond to building grounding electrode system
• Notification appliance circuits - Follow Article 750 when circuits exit the building
• Addressable device loops - Generally Class 2, minimal additional grounding required
• Mass notification systems - May have additional requirements per NFPA 72

Structured Cabling and Communications

Communications systems see the most significant impact from Article 750, as the former Chapter 8 independence is eliminated. Requirements include:

• Entrance cables - Shield/sheath bonding at building entrance
• Primary protectors - Grounding per Article 750
• Equipment rooms - Telecommunications grounding busbar (TGB) connections
• Shielded cabling - Shield termination at both ends or single-point grounding per design

The transition from Article 800 to Article 750 doesn't change the technical requirements significantly—it reorganizes them within the broader limited-energy framework.

CATV and Coaxial Systems

Coaxial cable installations must bond the outer shield per Article 750:

• Service entrance - Ground block at point of entry
• Shield continuity - Maintained through splitters and amplifiers
• Bonding to IBT - Connect ground block to intersystem bonding termination

Audio/Visual Systems

AV installations increasingly include network components (AVoIP, Dante, etc.) that fall under limited-energy requirements:

• Rack grounding - Equipment racks should bond to building ground
• Shield termination - Balanced audio cables with shields require proper termination
• Outdoor speakers/displays - Bonding required for outdoor installations

Common Grounding Mistakes

Separate Ground Rods

The most dangerous and common violation is installing a separate ground rod for a communications or security system without bonding it to the building's power grounding system. This creates two separate ground references that can have significant voltage differences during lightning or fault events—exactly the condition proper grounding is meant to prevent.

Correct approach: Any supplemental grounding electrode must be bonded to the power grounding electrode system with minimum 6 AWG copper.

Missing IBT Connections

Many low-voltage contractors skip the IBT connection entirely, leaving their equipment "floating" relative to the building ground. While this may seem to work under normal conditions, it creates shock and equipment damage risks during abnormal events.

Correct approach: Always connect to the IBT (or other approved bonding point) regardless of whether the system "seems" to work without it.

Undersized Conductors

Using wire smaller than 14 AWG for bonding conductors, or using non-copper materials without proper ratings, fails to provide adequate fault current capacity.

Correct approach: Minimum 14 AWG copper, maximum 6 AWG, using listed connectors.

Excessive Conductor Length

Running grounding conductors more than 20 feet in residential applications increases impedance and reduces effectiveness for transient protection.

Correct approach: Keep conductors short and direct. If over 20 feet is unavoidable, install a supplemental electrode and bond it to the main system.

Inspection Considerations

Electrical inspectors reviewing limited-energy installations will now reference Article 750 for grounding and bonding compliance. Expect verification of:

1. IBT presence - Is an intersystem bonding termination installed?
2. Connection made - Is the limited-energy system actually connected to the IBT or other approved point?
3. Conductor sizing - Minimum 14 AWG, proper material?
4. Shield bonding - Are cable shields properly terminated?
5. No isolated electrodes - Any supplemental electrodes bonded to main system?

The unified Article 750 framework means inspectors can apply consistent standards across all limited-energy systems rather than referencing different articles for different trades.

Coordination with Other Grounding Standards

TIA-607 (Telecommunications Grounding)

TIA-607 provides telecommunications-specific grounding guidance that complements NEC requirements. Key elements include:

• Telecommunications Main Grounding Busbar (TMGB) - Central bonding point in equipment rooms
• Telecommunications Grounding Busbar (TGB) - Secondary bonding points in telecom rooms
• Telecommunications Bonding Backbone (TBB) - Interconnects TGBs throughout building

TIA-607 recommendations often exceed NEC minimums—following both ensures robust grounding infrastructure.

BICSI Standards

BICSI's TDMM (Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual) provides additional grounding best practices for structured cabling systems, including detailed guidance on shield termination and ground loop prevention.

Manufacturer Requirements

Many equipment manufacturers specify grounding requirements that may exceed code minimums. Fire alarm panels, network switches, and access control systems often have specific grounding instructions that should be followed in addition to Article 750 requirements.

Grounding for PoE and Class 4 Systems

Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Class 4 fault-managed power systems present unique grounding considerations because they combine power delivery with data transmission:

• Equipment grounding - PoE switches and injectors require proper equipment grounding per their installation instructions
• Cable shields - If using shielded Ethernet cable, follow Article 750 for shield termination
• Outdoor PoE devices - Cameras, access points, and other outdoor equipment require particular attention to bonding

Article 726 (Class 4 Fault-Managed Power Systems) works in conjunction with Article 750 for grounding requirements specific to FMPS installations.

Pro Tips for Article 750 Compliance

1. Identify the IBT early. During site surveys, locate the intersystem bonding termination. If one doesn't exist (common in older buildings), note it for the customer and plan accordingly.
2. Include bonding in proposals. Many low-voltage proposals omit grounding work. Include IBT connection as a line item to set proper expectations and ensure compliance.
3. Carry bonding materials. Keep 14 AWG and 6 AWG copper, listed ground clamps, and split-bolt connectors on service vehicles. Proper materials ensure code-compliant connections.
4. Document connections. Photograph IBT connections and bonding points. This provides inspection evidence and future reference for system modifications.
5. Don't "borrow" grounds. Connecting to random metallic objects (pipes, building steel) instead of proper bonding points creates code violations and safety hazards.
6. Coordinate with electricians. If the building lacks an IBT, coordinate with the electrical contractor to have one installed rather than attempting workarounds.

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
• What is Limited Energy? Understanding NEC 2026's New Terminology
• NEC 2026 Chapter 7 and 8 Changes: Complete Guide for Low Voltage Contractors
• Class 4 Fault-Managed Power: What Low Voltage Contractors Need to Know

Stay Ahead of Code Changes

Proper grounding isn't just about code compliance—it protects your installations from lightning damage, equipment failures, and liability. As NEC 2026 adoption spreads, inspectors will apply the unified Article 750 framework across all limited-energy systems.

LVN Signal monitors permit activity in your area, helping you stay ahead of projects and code adoption timelines.

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Last updated: February 2026. This article provides general guidance on NEC 2026 Article 750 grounding and bonding requirements. Always consult the actual code text and your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for specific requirements. For telecommunications infrastructure, also reference TIA-607 and BICSI standards.

Sources

• IAEI Magazine: NEC 2026 Significant Code Changes
• Electrical Association: 7 Key 2026 NEC Changes
• ExpertCE: Intersystem Bonding Termination per NEC 250.94
• EC&M: Communications Systems Grounding Rules
• Electrical License Renewal: 250.94 Bonding for Communication Systems