NEC 2026 FAQ: 25 Questions Low Voltage Contractors Are Asking

NEC 2026 brings the biggest structural changes to the code in decades. Here are the most common questions low voltage and limited-energy contractors are asking, with straightforward answers.

General NEC 2026 Questions

1. When does NEC 2026 take effect?

NEC 2026 was published in September 2025 by NFPA. However, it does NOT automatically take effect anywhere. Each state, county, or municipality must adopt it through their own process. Adoption timelines vary widely:

• Fast adopters may implement in late 2025 or early 2026
• Most states adopt within 1-2 years of publication
• Some states (like California) run one cycle behind
• NYC has its own code separate from the NEC

Check with your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) for your specific adoption date.

2. What's the biggest change in NEC 2026?

The elimination of Chapter 8's independence. For 87 years (since 1937), Chapter 8 (Communications Systems) operated independently from Chapters 1-7. NEC 2026 ends that—communications systems now follow the same framework as other limited-energy systems in Chapter 7.

3. Why is it called "limited-energy" now instead of "low voltage"?

The NEC is shifting terminology to "limited-energy" because:

• It's more technically accurate—these systems limit energy, not just voltage
• Class 4 systems can operate above traditional "low voltage" thresholds (up to 450V)
• It aligns with how the code has always classified these circuits

This is a terminology shift, not a change in the work you do.

4. Do I need to buy a new codebook?

When your jurisdiction adopts NEC 2026, yes. The structural changes are significant enough that you'll need the 2026 edition to find requirements—they've moved between articles. Keep your 2023 edition during the transition period.

5. Will my license still be valid?

NEC adoption does not change your license. Licenses are issued by state or local licensing boards based on their own laws—not the NEC. However, continuing education requirements may include NEC 2026 content once your state adopts.

Chapter 7 Reorganization

6. What is Article 720?

Article 720 is new in NEC 2026. It provides "General Requirements for Limited-Energy Systems"—think of it as the Article 300 equivalent for limited-energy work. When you have an installation question, Article 720 is now your starting point before going to specific system articles (725, 726, 760, etc.).

7. What happened to Article 725?

Article 725 (Class 2 and Class 3 Circuits) still exists but was reorganized. Content was split into:

• Article 721: Power source requirements
• Article 722: Cable requirements
• Article 723: Raceways, cable routing, cable trays
• Article 725: Retained for circuit classification and general requirements

8. What is Article 750?

Article 750 consolidates all limited-energy grounding and bonding requirements. Previously, you had to check grounding sections in Articles 725, 760, 770, 800, 820, etc. Now it's all in one place.

9. Where do I find cable requirements now?

Article 722 is the new home for limited-energy cable requirements. It covers cables for Class 2/3, Class 4, communications, fire alarm, and optical fiber—all in one article instead of scattered across multiple articles.

Chapter 8 Changes

10. Is Chapter 8 gone?

No. Chapter 8 still exists but has a narrower scope. It's now titled "Communications Systems Outside and Entering Buildings" and only covers:

• Exterior communications wiring
• Building entrance cables and protection
• Antenna systems (Article 810)
• CATV entrance (Article 820)
• Network-powered broadband entrance (Article 830)

Interior communications wiring moved to Chapter 7.

11. What happened to Article 800?

Article 800 was significantly revised. Interior wiring requirements moved to Article 742 and the Chapter 7 framework. Article 800 now only covers communications systems outside and entering buildings—entrance cables, protectors, and grounding at the service entrance.

12. What happened to Articles 805 and 840?

Both were deleted. Their content was merged into the new Chapter 7 framework:

• Article 805 (Communications Circuits) → Merged into Articles 720, 742
• Article 840 (Premises-Powered Broadband) → Merged into limited-energy framework

Fire Alarm Questions

13. Did Article 760 change?

Article 760 (Fire Alarm Systems) remains but now integrates with the Article 720 general requirements. Grounding moved to Article 750. Cable requirements coordinate with Article 722. The core fire alarm requirements are similar—just organized differently.

14. What cables should I use for fire alarm now?

Check Article 722 for cable listings and Article 760 for fire alarm-specific requirements. The cable types (FPL, FPLR, FPLP) remain, but where you look them up changed.

15. Does NEC 2026 change NFPA 72 requirements?

No. NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) is a separate standard. NEC 2026 covers the electrical installation requirements for fire alarm systems; NFPA 72 covers system design, operation, and testing. Both apply.

Class 4 / FMPS Questions

16. Is Class 4 power new in NEC 2026?

No. Article 726 (Class 4 Fault-Managed Power Systems) was introduced in NEC 2023. NEC 2026 integrates it into the new limited-energy framework but doesn't fundamentally change Class 4 requirements.

17. Can I do Class 4 work with my low voltage license?

It depends on your state. Class 4 systems can operate up to 450V—well above the 50V-100V limits in many state low voltage license definitions. Check with your state licensing board. Some states may require electrical contractor licensing for Class 4 work.

18. What's the difference between Class 4 and PoE?

PoE is a Class 2 circuit (per Article 725), limited to 60V and 100W. Class 4 is fault-managed power (per Article 726), which can deliver up to 450V and 2,000W. Both are "limited-energy" but with very different capabilities and safety approaches.

Practical Questions

19. Do I need to change how I install cable?

Probably not. The physical installation methods for structured cabling, fire alarm, and other limited-energy systems remain largely the same. What changed is which code articles you reference—not the work itself.

20. Will inspectors know the new code?

Expect a transition period. Some inspectors will need time to learn the new article structure. Be prepared to explain where requirements moved (e.g., "Grounding is now in Article 750 instead of 725.121"). Keep a reference guide handy.

21. What if my state is still on NEC 2023?

Follow the code your jurisdiction has adopted. If they're on NEC 2023, that's your requirement. However, learning NEC 2026 now helps you prepare for the transition and may be required for continuing education.

22. Can I still use my old code references in proposals?

Update them when your jurisdiction adopts NEC 2026. Using old article numbers could cause confusion with inspectors and demonstrate you're not current on code requirements.

Licensing and Business Questions

23. Will NEC 2026 change licensing requirements?

The NEC itself doesn't set licensing requirements—states and municipalities do. However, the "limited-energy" terminology shift could prompt some states to review or update their licensing classifications. Monitor your state licensing board for any changes.

24. Do I need NEC 2026 training?

Recommended, yes. The structural changes are significant enough that training helps you navigate the code efficiently. Many CE providers, trade associations, and manufacturers will offer NEC 2026 update courses.

25. Where can I get more information?

Key resources:

• NFPA: Official NEC 2026 publication and training (nfpa.org)
• IAEI: Inspector perspectives and code interpretation (iaei.org)
• EC&M: Electrical contractor industry coverage (ecmag.com)
• Mike Holt: Code training and forums (mikeholt.com)
• Your State Licensing Board: Adoption timeline and licensing updates
• LVN: Industry-specific guidance for low voltage contractors

Quick Reference Summary

Question	Short Answer
When effective?	Varies by jurisdiction
Biggest change?	Chapter 8 independence ended
New starting point?	Article 720
Where's grounding?	Article 750
Where's cable info?	Article 722
Interior comms?	Article 742
Does work change?	No—just code references
License affected?	No—but watch for state updates

Stay Ahead of Code Changes

NEC 2026 adoption is rolling out across the country. Knowing the new structure helps you navigate inspections, update proposals, and stay competitive.

LVN Signal monitors permit activity in your area, alerting you to low voltage project opportunities regardless of which code version is in effect.

→ Explore Signal

Last updated: February 2026. This FAQ provides general guidance on NEC 2026. Always verify specific requirements with the official NEC publication and your local AHJ. Licensing questions should be directed to your state or local licensing board.