National Electrical Code (NEC) 2026 and Changes from 2023

This is a State Board-approved online continuing education course for Electrical Master and Journeyman licensed in the State of Arkansas. It is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of the 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC), providing electricians and non-electricians with an in-depth understanding of its structure, purpose, and practical application.
 

This online NEC interactive video presentation covers key definitions, sections, articles, examples and tables of the NFPA 70®, aka, The National Electrical Code, and a summary of 2026 changes and updates. It encompasses all nine chapters of the NFPA 70®, whereby each chapter is thoroughly discussed, from general installation requirements to specialized systems and emerging technologies. The following chapters, including Article 90 Introduction, are briefly discussed below and illustrated in this course:

• Article 90 – Introduction: Explains the scope and purpose of the NEC. It sheds light on the difference between mandatory and permissive rules and directing users to interpret and apply the code properly.
   
• Chapter 1 – General: Sets the basis by discussing essential definitions and outlining proper installation requirements including grounding, clearances and electrical equipment approval. The following articles are covered:
   
  • Article 100 – Definitions
  • Article 110 – General Requirements for Electrical Installations
  • Article 120 – Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Load Calculations
  • Article 130 – Energy Management Systems
     
• Chapter 2 – Wiring and Protection: Provides wiring requirements of circuits and protective devices, including grounded conductors’ requirements, overcurrent protection, and grounding and bonding. The following articles are covered:
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  • Article 206 – Non-Power-Limited Remote-Control and Signaling Circuits
  • Article 210 – Branch Circuits Not Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal
  • Article 215 – Feeders
  • Article 225 – Outside Branch Circuits and Feeders
  • Article 230 – Services
  • Article 240 – Overcurrent Protection
  • Article 242 – Overvoltage Protection
  • Article 245 – Overcurrent Protection for Systems Rated Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal
  • Article 250 – Grounding and Bonding
  • Article 265 – Branch Circuits Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal
  • Article 266 – Feeders Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal
  • Article 267 – Outside Branch Circuits and Feeders Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal
     
• Chapter 3 – Wiring Methods and Materials: Focuses on electrical installations as well as acceptable wiring methods such as raceways, conduit, and cable assemblies. The following articles are covered:
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  • Article 300 – General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials
  • Article 305 – General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials for Systems Rated Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal
  • Article 314 – General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials for Systems Rated Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal
  • Article 315 – Medium Voltage Conductors, Cable, Cable Joints, and Cable Terminations
  • Article 326 – Integrated Gas Spacer Cable: Type IGS
  • Article 330 – Metal-Clad Cable: Type MC
  • Article 334 – Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable: Types NM and NMC
     
• Chapter 4 – Equipment for General Use: Covers a wide range of electrical equipment (lighting fixtures, appliances, motors, panelboards) including installation and performance requirements. The following articles are covered:
   
  • Article 404 – Switches
  • Article 406 – Wiring Devices
  • Article 409 – Industrial Control Panels
  • Article 426 – Fixed Outdoor Electric Deicing and Snow-Melting Equipment
     
• Chapter 5 – Special Occupancies and Locations: Reviews specific requirements and risks for special environments like hazardous locations, health care facilities and agricultural buildings. The following articles are covered:
   
  • Article 500 – Hazardous (Classified) Locations, Classes I, II, and III, Divisions 1 and 
  • Article 503 – Class III Locations
  • Article 504 – Intrinsically Safe Systems
  • Article 513 – Aircraft Hangars
  • Article 515 – Bulk Storage Plants
     
• Chapter 6 – Specific Equipment: Discusses safe integration for modern and specialized systems including solar photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle charging, generators, and industrial machinery. The following articles are covered:
   
  • Article 600 – Electric Signs and Outline Lighting
  • Article 620 – Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators, Moving Walks, Platform Lifts, and Stairway Chairlifts
  • Article 624 – Electric Self-Propelled Vehicle Power Transfer Systems (ESVSEs)
  • Article 625 – Electric Vehicle Power Transfer
     
• Chapter 7 – Specific Conditions and Systems: Deals with power systems functioning under emergency or special conditions, such as emergency and standby systems, fire alarms, and energy storage. The following articles are covered:
   
  • Article 700 – Emergency Systems
  • Article 701 – Legally Required Standby Systems
  • Article 705 – Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources
  • Article 720 – General Requirements for Limited-Energy System Wiring Methods and Materials
  • Article 721 – Power Sources for Limited-Energy Systems
     
• Chapter 8 – Communications Systems: Addresses proper installation and protection for low-voltage communication systems such as telephone, internet, radio, and TV cabling. The following articles are covered:
   
  • Article 800 – General Requirements for Communications Systems Outside and Entering Buildings
  • Article 820 – Community Antenna Television and Radio Distribution Systems
  • Article 830 – Network-Powered Broadband Communications Systems
     
• Chapter 9 – Tables: Provides reference tables for conductor properties, conduit and tubing fill, and other calculation essentials useful for sizing and design.
   

This online NEC interactive video presentation is intended for electricians and other technical personnel interested in learning about the National Electrical Code. Participants will learn insights into the most recent updates, with real-world examples that clarify how the code is applied in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This course is designed to enhance knowledge of NEC compliance, safety practices, and effective system design. It is intended to emphasize clarity, accessibility, and real-life application, making it an ideal resource for professionals seeking to stay up to date with the latest standards in electrical safety and installation.