NEC 2026 Chapter 7 and 8 Changes: Complete Guide for Low Voltage Contractors

The 2026 National Electrical Code brings the most significant restructuring of low voltage and communications requirements in nearly a century. If you install fire alarms, security systems, data cabling, access control, or any other limited-energy systems, these changes affect how you'll reference the code, pass inspections, and potentially how you're licensed.

This guide breaks down exactly what changed, why it matters, and what you need to do about it.

The Big Picture: What Happened to Chapter 8?

For 87 years, Chapter 8 operated independently. Since 1937, communications systems had their own rules that didn't need to follow Chapters 1-7 unless specifically referenced.

NEC 2026 ends that independence. Communications requirements are now integrated into Chapter 7, and all limited-energy systems must comply with the general NEC requirements.

Why This Matters

Before NEC 2026:

• A data cable installer could largely ignore Chapter 3 wiring methods
• Fire alarm and communications had separate, sometimes conflicting rules
• Inspectors applied different standards to different systems

After NEC 2026:

• Unified requirements for ALL limited-energy systems
• Communications work subject to general installation rules
• Consistent inspection standards across trades

The New Chapter 7 Structure

NEC 2026 reorganizes Chapter 7 with new and revised articles:

New Articles Added

Article	Title	What It Covers
720	General Requirements for Limited-Energy Systems	Universal installation rules (like Article 300 for line voltage)
721	Class 2 and Class 3 Power Sources	Power supply requirements
722	Class 2 and Class 3 Cables	Cable types, ratings, markings
723	Class 2 and Class 3 Installation	Installation methods and requirements
726	Class 4 Fault-Managed Power Systems	NEW technology—PoE, digital electricity
742	Communications General Requirements	Relocated from old Chapter 8
750	Limited-Energy Grounding and Bonding	Consolidated grounding rules

Revised Articles

Article	Title	Key Changes
725	Class 2 and Class 3 Circuits	Reorganized, references new 720-723
760	Fire Alarm Systems	Updated references, integrated requirements
770	Optical Fiber	Content migrated/consolidated
800	Communications Circuits	Major revision—no longer independent
820	CATV Systems	Integrated into new framework
840	Network-Powered Broadband	Content migrated

Article-by-Article Breakdown

Article 720: General Requirements (NEW)

This is the "Article 300 equivalent" for limited-energy systems. Previously, general installation rules were scattered across multiple articles with inconsistencies.

Key provisions:

• Wiring methods and materials for all limited-energy installations
• Support and securing requirements
• Protection from physical damage
• Environmental considerations

Impact: You now have ONE place to find basic installation rules instead of hunting through 725, 760, 770, 800, and 820.

Article 721: Class 2/3 Power Sources (NEW)

Consolidates power source requirements that were previously in Article 725.

Covers:

• Listed Class 2 and Class 3 power supplies
• Transformer requirements
• Current limiting
• Marking requirements

Article 722: Class 2/3 Cables (NEW)

Cable requirements pulled from Article 725 into a dedicated article.

Key cable types:

• CL2, CL2P, CL2R, CL2X
• CL3, CL3P, CL3R, CL3X
• Substitution rules
• Listing requirements

Article 723: Class 2/3 Installation (NEW)

Installation methods from Article 725, now in a dedicated article.

Covers:

• Separation from power circuits
• Cable routing
• Raceway requirements
• Hazardous location installations

Article 726: Class 4 Fault-Managed Power (EXPANDED)

This is the growth area for the industry. Class 4 systems can deliver significant power (up to 450V) through intelligent fault management.

What's Class 4?

• Systems that limit energy into a fault, not total output power
• Enables "Power over Ethernet" at much higher wattages
• Supports digital electricity and packet energy transfer
• Uses intelligent monitoring to prevent shock/fire hazards

Key requirements:

• Listed Class 4 transmitters and receivers
• Specific cable and connector requirements
• Cannot interchange with non-power-limited connectors
• Separation requirements from other circuits

Why it matters: PoE++ (802.3bt) delivering 90W+ will become more common. Class 4 opens the door to powering larger devices—displays, access control hardware, even LED lighting—over structured cabling.

Article 742: Communications General Requirements (NEW)

This is where much of old Chapter 8 content now lives.

Covers:

• General installation requirements for communications
• Cable entrance and routing
• Bonding and grounding references
• Protection requirements

Article 750: Limited-Energy Grounding and Bonding (NEW)

Consolidates grounding requirements that were scattered across multiple articles.

Key provisions:

• Primary protector grounding
• Cable shield grounding
• Bonding to building systems
• Electrode requirements

Impact: One article for all limited-energy grounding instead of separate rules in 725, 760, 770, 800, 820, and 840.

What This Means for Each Trade

Fire Alarm Contractors

Changes:

• Article 760 updated with references to new general articles
• Grounding requirements now in Article 750
• Must comply with Article 720 general requirements

What to do:

• Review updated Article 760
• Familiarize with Article 750 for grounding
• Understand how Article 720 applies to your installations

Security/Access Control Contractors

Changes:

• Class 2/3 circuit requirements reorganized (721-723)
• Communications aspects integrated into Chapter 7
• Class 4 enables higher-power PoE devices

What to do:

• Learn new article locations for Class 2/3 rules
• Consider Class 4 training for emerging technologies
• Update your code reference materials

Structured Cabling/Data Contractors

Changes:

• Chapter 8 independence eliminated
• Must now comply with general NEC requirements
• Article 742 replaces much of old Article 800

What to do:

• Biggest adjustment of any trade
• Review Article 720 general requirements carefully
• Understand how Chapters 1-7 now apply to your work
• Expect more inspector scrutiny during transition

AV Contractors

Changes:

• Class 2/3 reorganization affects audio distribution
• Video distribution subject to integrated requirements
• PoE-powered displays enabled by Class 4

What to do:

• Review Class 2/3 changes in Articles 721-723
• Learn Article 726 for Class 4 opportunities
• Update specifications to reference new articles

Inspection Implications

What Inspectors Will Look For

With unified requirements, inspectors may pay closer attention to:

1. Support and securing - Per Article 720 general requirements
2. Separation from power - Consistent rules now apply
3. Firestopping - General requirements apply to all limited-energy
4. Grounding - Article 750 provides unified standards
5. Cable ratings - Correct plenum/riser/general purpose use

Potential Gray Areas

During the transition period (2026-2029), expect some confusion:

• Inspectors learning new article locations
• Jurisdictions interpreting "general requirements" differently
• Existing installations vs. new code requirements

Pro tip: Carry code references showing the new article locations. Be prepared to educate inspectors unfamiliar with the restructuring.

Licensing Implications

The NEC does NOT dictate licensing. That's state-by-state.

However, the old argument—"Chapter 8 is independent, so communications work doesn't need electrician oversight"—no longer works.

States to Watch

Some states may use NEC 2026 adoption as an opportunity to revisit low voltage licensing:

• States with active union/IBEW lobbying
• States that currently exempt communications from licensing
• States undergoing electrical licensing reform

What You Can Do

1. Monitor your state licensing board - Attend meetings, submit comments
2. Join trade associations - NSCA, ESA, TIA advocate for the industry
3. Document your qualifications - Training, certifications, experience
4. Engage locally - Building relationships with AHJs and inspectors

Timeline and Adoption

Milestone	Expected Date
NEC 2026 published	2025
Early adopter states	2026
Majority of states	2027-2028
NEC 2029 (further refinement)	2028-2029

Check your state's adoption schedule. Some states adopt immediately; others lag years behind.

Action Items for Contractors

Immediate (Now)

• Download or purchase NEC 2026
• Take a 2026 code update course (focused on Chapter 7)
• Update your article reference cheat sheet
• Brief your team on structural changes

Before Your State Adopts

• Update specifications and proposals to reference new articles
• Review inspection procedures with local AHJ
• Update training materials
• Verify licensing requirements haven't changed

Ongoing

• Monitor state licensing board activities
• Track local adoption timeline
• Attend code update training annually
• Engage with industry associations

Key Takeaways

1. Chapter 8 independence is gone - Communications now follows general NEC requirements
2. New articles 720-750 - Learn the new locations for familiar requirements
3. Class 4 is the future - Higher-power PoE and digital electricity are coming
4. Inspections may increase - Unified rules mean unified enforcement
5. Licensing battles ahead - Watch your state, not just the NEC
6. The work is the same - Installation practices don't fundamentally change

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Last updated: January 2026. This article provides general guidance on NEC 2026 changes. Always consult the actual code and your local AHJ for specific requirements.