How NEC 2026 Affects Fire Alarm, Security, and Access Control Contractors

The NEC 2026 restructures how limited-energy systems are organized in the code. But what does that mean for your specific trade? This guide breaks down the practical impacts for fire alarm, security/CCTV, and access control contractors.

The Universal Changes

Before diving into trade-specific impacts, understand what changed for ALL limited-energy work:

1. Chapter 8 independence eliminated - Communications now follows general NEC requirements
2. New Article 720 - General requirements for all limited-energy wiring methods
3. Article 750 - Consolidated grounding and bonding requirements
4. New umbrella term - "Limited energy" encompasses all these trades

These changes affect how you reference the code, but your day-to-day installation work largely stays the same.

Fire Alarm Contractors

Fire alarm work continues under Article 760, but with updated references and integration with the new limited-energy framework.

What Changed

Article 760 Updates

• References updated to point to new Article 720 (general requirements)
• Grounding requirements now reference Article 750
• Terminology aligned with "limited energy" framework
• Coordination with Chapter 7 articles for shared requirements

Power-Limited vs Non-Power-Limited

• PLFA (Power-Limited Fire Alarm) requirements reorganized
• NPLFA continues to have stricter installation requirements
• Class 2/3 circuit articles (721-723) apply where referenced

Integration Points

• Access control integration follows unified rules
• Mass notification systems covered under updated framework
• Emergency communications systems coordination improved

What Didn't Change

• NFPA 72 still governs fire alarm design
• State Fire Marshal licensing requirements unchanged
• Inspection and testing requirements same
• Your installation methods remain the same

Practical Impacts

Inspections

• Inspectors may reference new article numbers
• General requirements (Article 720) now apply explicitly
• Grounding inspections per Article 750

Documentation

• Update your code reference materials
• Specs may reference new article numbers
• As-built documentation should note code edition

Training

• NICET exams will eventually update
• State continuing education may cover changes
• Manufacturer training updates coming

Action Items for Fire Alarm Contractors

• Review Article 760 changes in NEC 2026
• Understand Article 720 general requirements
• Update grounding knowledge per Article 750
• Watch for NICET and state exam updates
• Update specification templates

Security and CCTV Contractors

Security systems—including CCTV, intrusion detection, and video surveillance—are affected by the Chapter 8 restructuring more than fire alarm.

What Changed

Communications Integration

• Video surveillance using IP/network protocols now under unified Chapter 7
• Previously could rely on Chapter 8 independence
• General requirements in Article 720 now apply

Cable Requirements

• Article 722 consolidates Class 2/3 cable requirements
• Article 742 covers communications cable aspects
• Substitution rules unified across system types

PoE Considerations

• PoE-powered cameras follow Class 2/3 or Class 4 rules
• Article 726 (Class 4) enables higher-power devices
• Cable requirements may increase for high-power PoE++

Coaxial Systems

• Legacy coax systems still covered
• Integration with IP systems follows new structure
• Article 820 updated for consistency

What Didn't Change

• State licensing (PSB, alarm licenses) unchanged
• Basic installation practices same
• Camera/DVR/NVR setup unaffected
• Alarm monitoring relationships unchanged

Practical Impacts

IP Camera Installations

• Network infrastructure now explicitly under NEC
• May see more inspector interest in data cabling
• PoE power delivery must meet applicable class requirements

Hybrid Systems

• Coax + IP systems follow respective articles
• Integration points may get more scrutiny
• Document which portions follow which requirements

Access Control Integration

• Unified framework simplifies multi-system projects
• Grounding requirements consistent (Article 750)
• Reader/controller wiring per Class 2/3 requirements

Action Items for Security Contractors

• Review how IP/network video fits new structure
• Understand Article 720 general requirements
• Learn Class 4 for high-power PoE applications
• Update your understanding of cable substitution rules
• Prepare for potential increased inspection attention

Access Control Contractors

Access control systems bridge multiple code sections—low voltage for readers/controllers, often integrating with fire alarm for door release, and sometimes involving higher-power door hardware.

What Changed

Class 2/3 Reorganization

• Reader and controller wiring in Articles 721-723
• Power supply requirements in Article 721
• Cable requirements in Article 722
• Installation methods in Article 723

Fire Alarm Integration

• Door holder/release integration follows updated Article 760
• Coordination between access control and fire alarm unified
• Stairwell pressurization door requirements clearer

Higher Power Devices

• Electric strikes, maglocks may approach Class 3 limits
• Class 4 (Article 726) enables new power delivery options
• PoE-powered locks follow applicable class rules

Communications Aspects

• IP-based access control follows Chapter 7 framework
• Network infrastructure requirements unified
• Card/credential systems using network protocols covered

What Didn't Change

• Door hardware requirements (fire code, ADA) unchanged
• Integration with building management same
• Credential management and programming unaffected
• State licensing requirements unchanged

Practical Impacts

Door Hardware Power

• Verify Class 2 vs Class 3 requirements for your hardware
• High-power hardware may need different wiring methods
• Document power requirements for inspection

Fire System Integration

• Understand updated Article 760 references
• Coordinate with fire alarm contractor on grounding
• Door release on alarm follows unified requirements

IP-Based Systems

• Network cabling under explicit NEC requirements
• PoE power delivery must meet class requirements
• May see increased inspector attention

Action Items for Access Control Contractors

• Review Class 2/3 reorganization (Articles 721-723)
• Understand power requirements for your hardware
• Coordinate fire alarm integration per updated Article 760
• Learn Class 4 for emerging PoE door hardware
• Update integration documentation practices

Cross-Trade Considerations

Integrated Systems

Modern projects often combine fire alarm, security, and access control. NEC 2026's unified framework actually helps:

• Consistent grounding - Article 750 applies to all
• Cable sharing - Rules for shared pathways clearer
• Power coordination - Class designations consistent
• Inspection efficiency - One framework for inspector

Specification Updates

If you write or respond to specifications:

• Note NEC edition in your scope
• Update article references (760, 720-726, 742, 750)
• Clarify Class 2/3/4 requirements for power-hungry devices
• Include grounding details per Article 750

Multi-Trade Projects

When working alongside other trades:

• Electrical contractors now share more code sections with you
• Coordination on grounding more important
• Cable pathway sharing rules consistent
• Document trade boundaries clearly

Timeline for Your Trade

Before Your State Adopts NEC 2026

• Continue using current code edition
• Learn new article locations
• Update training materials
• Monitor state adoption timeline

During Transition

• Confirm code edition for each project
• Plans submitted before effective date may use old code
• Educate inspectors unfamiliar with changes
• Document code edition on all projects

After Adoption

• All new work under NEC 2026
• Inspections against new article requirements
• Update all references and specifications
• Continue professional development

Key Takeaways by Trade

Fire Alarm

Change	Impact
Article 760 updates	Reference changes, same work
Article 720 applies	General requirements explicit
Article 750 grounding	Consolidated requirements
NFPA 72 unchanged	Design basis same

Security/CCTV

Change	Impact
Chapter 8 integration	IP video under unified rules
Class 2/3 reorganization	Cable requirements in 722
Class 4 opportunity	High-power PoE possible
Inspection attention	May increase for network infrastructure

Access Control

Change	Impact
Class 2/3 reorganization	Reader/controller wiring updated
Fire integration	Unified framework helps
Class 4 opportunity	PoE door hardware enabled
Power documentation	More important for inspection

Stay Ahead of Projects

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Last updated: January 2026. This guide provides general information about NEC 2026 changes. Consult the actual code and your local AHJ for specific requirements.