NEC 2026 Impact for Texas Low Voltage Contractors: City-by-City Adoption Guide
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Texas has no single statewide electrical code—cities adopt independently and low voltage is exempt from state licensing. Here's how to navigate NEC 2026 across Texas metros.
NEC 2026 Impact for Texas Low Voltage Contractors: City-by-City Adoption Guide
Texas doesn't enforce a single statewide electrical code like most states. Major cities adopt independently, TDLR exempts most low voltage work from electrician licensing, and alarm/security contractors answer to DPS instead. Here's how to navigate NEC 2026 in the Lone Star State.
Quick Answer
Texas has a minimum statewide code (NEC 2023 as of September 2023 via TDLR), but local jurisdictions can adopt their own versions with amendments. Low voltage work on Class 2/3 circuits, fire alarm, optical fiber, and communications is exempt from state electrician licensing—though cities can override this. Alarm and security work requires DPS Private Security Bureau licensing, not TDLR. NEC 2026 will roll out city-by-city, with major metros like Dallas evaluating amendments in Spring 2026.
The Texas Difference: Why It's Complicated
Texas operates unlike any other major state for electrical code enforcement:
- TDLR Sets Minimum: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation establishes a statewide minimum (currently NEC 2023)
- Local Control: Cities and counties can adopt stricter codes or different versions
- Low Voltage Exemptions: Most low voltage work is exempt from electrician licensing at the state level
- Municipal Override: Cities can require licensing that the state doesn't
- Dual Authority: TDLR handles electricians; DPS handles alarm/security contractors
Current Texas Code Status
| Jurisdiction | Current Code | Effective Date | NEC 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Minimum (TDLR) | NEC 2023 | September 1, 2023 | Pending publication |
| Houston | NEC 2023 | September 1, 2023 | Following state |
| Dallas (NCTCOG) | NEC 2023 w/ amendments | August 2023 | Reviewing NEC 2025 (Spring 2026) |
| San Antonio | NEC 2023 w/ amendments | 2023 | TBD |
| Austin | NEC 2023 w/ amendments | 2023 | TBD |
| Fort Worth | NEC 2023 (NCTCOG) | August 2023 | Following NCTCOG |
| Unincorporated Areas | May vary or none | Varies | State minimum applies where enforced |
Note: NEC 2025 doesn't exist—the Dallas area Electrical Advisory Board is reviewing NEC 2026, which publishes in late 2025. Spring 2026 amendments will likely be for NEC 2026 adoption.
TDLR Low Voltage Exemptions
Under Texas Occupations Code Section 1305.003(a)(12), the following work is exempt from state electrician licensing:
- Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 remote control, signaling, or power-limited circuits
- Fire alarm circuits
- Optical fiber cables
- Communications circuits
This means at the state level, you don't need a TDLR electrician license to:
- Install structured cabling
- Run fire alarm systems
- Set up security camera systems
- Install access control
- Pull fiber optic cable
The Municipal Override
Here's the catch: Section 1305.201 of the Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act allows municipalities to override these exemptions and impose their own requirements.
This creates a patchwork where:
- One city might require permits and licensed electricians for low voltage work
- A neighboring city might not require anything
- Unincorporated county areas might have no enforcement at all
Always verify with the local jurisdiction before starting work.
DPS Private Security Bureau: Alarm and Security Licensing
While TDLR exempts low voltage from electrician licensing, alarm and security work has its own licensing authority: the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau (DPS PSB).
Who Needs DPS PSB Licensing?
| Work Type | License Required | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm system installation | Alarm Systems Installer (Individual) | DPS PSB |
| Alarm monitoring | Alarm Systems Monitor | DPS PSB |
| Alarm company operation | Alarm Systems Company | DPS PSB |
| Access control installation | Electronic Access Control Device Installer | DPS PSB |
| Access control company | Electronic Access Control Device Company | DPS PSB |
| CCTV only (non-alarm) | Generally exempt | N/A |
| Structured cabling only | Generally exempt | N/A |
Alarm Installer Training Requirements
DPS PSB requires:
- First 12 Months: Complete Alarm Level I training (16 hours classroom or approved online), including 2 hours on NEC as it applies to low voltage
- Continuing Education: 8 hours every 24 months in alarm-related fields, including 1 hour on NEC for low voltage
Note that DPS PSB training explicitly references the NEC—so NEC 2026 changes to limited-energy articles will eventually affect alarm installer training content.
Access Control vs. Alarm
Important distinction: A person licensed as an electronic access control device installer may NOT install alarm systems unless they also hold an alarm systems installer license. These are separate certifications even though the work often overlaps.
Major Texas Cities: NEC 2026 Outlook
Houston
The Houston Permitting Center has been reviewing electrical plans to NEC 2023 since the state mandate. Houston typically follows the state minimum with minimal local amendments.
NEC 2026 Outlook: Likely to adopt when TDLR updates the state minimum. Watch for announcement from the Houston Permitting Center.
Dallas-Fort Worth (NCTCOG Region)
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) coordinates electrical code adoption for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex through its Regional Codes Coordinating Committee.
Current status:
- NEC 2023 amendments approved August 2023
- Electrical Advisory Board currently reviewing NEC 2026
- Recommendations expected Spring 2026
NEC 2026 Outlook: The NCTCOG region is actively preparing for NEC 2026 adoption with local amendments. Expect adoption in 2026 with regional amendments.
San Antonio
San Antonio Development Services enforces electrical codes with local amendments. The city maintains its own amendment process separate from NCTCOG.
NEC 2026 Outlook: Will likely follow state adoption timeline, possibly with local amendments. Check with Development Services for specific timeline.
Austin
Austin has historically been progressive on building codes, often adopting amendments for energy efficiency and sustainability beyond state minimums.
NEC 2026 Outlook: Austin may adopt NEC 2026 relatively quickly once available, potentially with local amendments related to energy and electrification goals.
Unincorporated Areas
Many areas of Texas outside city limits have limited or no code enforcement. The state minimum applies where the state has jurisdiction, but practical enforcement varies widely.
How NEC 2026 Changes Affect Texas
Chapter 7 Reorganization
NEC 2026's new limited-energy framework affects all low voltage work:
- Article 720: General requirements for limited-energy systems
- Articles 721-723: Class 2/3 power sources, cables, installation
- Article 726: Class 4 Fault-Managed Power (already in NEC 2023)
- Article 742: Communications and overvoltage protection
- Article 750: Unified grounding requirements
For Texas contractors working on exempted low voltage circuits, these articles define the technical requirements even if state licensing doesn't apply.
Chapter 8 Independence Ending
NEC 2026 removes Chapter 8's historic independence. Communications interior wiring now follows Chapter 7 like other limited-energy systems.
Impact for Texas: The work doesn't change, but code references do. When cities adopt NEC 2026, structured cabling work will reference Article 720, 742, and 750 instead of Article 800 for interior installations.
Fire Alarm (Article 760)
Fire alarm systems remain in Article 760 but now integrate with the Article 720 general requirements.
For Texas DPS PSB licensees: Fire alarm training will eventually reference the new article structure. The core technical requirements remain similar.
Practical Guidance by Work Type
Structured Cabling / Data Centers
| Factor | Texas Status |
|---|---|
| State License Required? | No (TDLR exempt) |
| Local License May Be Required? | Yes (check municipality) |
| Permits Required? | Varies by jurisdiction |
| NEC 2026 Impact | Article 720, 722, 723, 742, 750 |
Alarm Systems (Burglar, Intrusion)
| Factor | Texas Status |
|---|---|
| State License Required? | Yes (DPS PSB) |
| License Type | Alarm Systems Installer + Company |
| CE Includes NEC? | Yes (1 hour every 24 months) |
| NEC 2026 Impact | Article 720, 725, 750 |
Fire Alarm Systems
| Factor | Texas Status |
|---|---|
| TDLR Electrician License? | No (exempt) |
| DPS PSB License? | Alarm Systems Installer may cover |
| NICET Certification? | Often required by AHJ |
| NEC 2026 Impact | Article 720, 760, 750 |
Access Control
| Factor | Texas Status |
|---|---|
| State License Required? | Yes (DPS PSB EACD) |
| Can Install Alarms? | No (need separate alarm license) |
| NEC 2026 Impact | Article 720, 725, 750 |
CCTV / Video Surveillance
| Factor | Texas Status |
|---|---|
| State License Required? | Generally no (if not integrated with alarm) |
| If Tied to Alarm? | May require DPS PSB licensing |
| NEC 2026 Impact | Article 720, 725, 742, 750 |
Timeline for Texas NEC 2026 Adoption
| Date | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | NEC 2026 published by NFPA | Code available for review |
| Spring 2026 | NCTCOG (Dallas) recommendations | DFW adoption planning |
| 2026-2027 | TDLR adopts NEC 2026 (projected) | New state minimum |
| 2026-2027 | Major cities adopt with amendments | Houston, Dallas, Austin, SA |
| Ongoing | DPS PSB updates training | Alarm installer CE reflects new articles |
Key Recommendations for Texas Contractors
- Verify Local Requirements: State exemptions don't override municipal requirements. Check each jurisdiction before bidding.
- Maintain DPS PSB Licenses: If you do alarm or access control, keep DPS Private Security Bureau licenses current.
- Track City Adoptions: Houston, Dallas (NCTCOG), Austin, and San Antonio may adopt NEC 2026 at different times with different amendments.
- Learn NEC 2026 Structure: Even without licensing requirements, understanding Articles 720-750 helps with inspections and specifications.
- Separate Alarm from Access Control: In Texas, these are separate DPS PSB license categories. Don't assume one covers both.
- Document Everything: In a patchwork enforcement environment, documentation protects you.
Key Takeaways for Texas
| Factor | Texas Status | NEC 2026 Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide Code | TDLR sets minimum (NEC 2023) | Will update to NEC 2026 |
| Local Variation | Cities adopt independently | Adoption timing will vary |
| Low Voltage Licensing | State exempt; cities may require | No change expected |
| Alarm/Security | DPS PSB, not TDLR | CE will reference new articles |
| Fire Alarm | TDLR exempt; DPS PSB may apply | Article 760 + Article 720 |
| Key Cities | Houston, Dallas, Austin, SA | Dallas/NCTCOG reviewing Spring 2026 |
Find Texas Projects Today
Texas is the second-largest construction market in the country. With city-by-city code variations and licensing requirements, knowing about projects early gives you time to verify requirements.
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Texas metros—Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth—alerting you to opportunities as they file.
Last updated: February 2026. This article provides general guidance on Texas electrical code and licensing. Always verify current requirements with TDLR, DPS PSB, and your local AHJ for specific project compliance. Municipal requirements may override state exemptions.
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