National Electrical Code (NEC) 2026 and Changes from 2023 Including North Dakota Electrical Laws and Rules

This is an online continuing education course for master, journeyman, power limited and class B electricians licensed in the State of North Dakota. It provides a comprehensive, two-part learning experience covering:
 

1. Part I: National Electrical Code NEC 2026 and Changes from NEC 2023
2. Part II: North Dakota Laws and Rules

This course is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of the 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and North Dakota Electrical Laws, Rules, and Wiring Standards, providing electricians and non-electricians with an in-depth understanding of its structure, purpose, and practical application.

Part I – National Electrical Code NEC 2026 and Changes from NEC 2023: This section 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 chapters 1 to 7 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:
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  • Article 100 – Definitions
  • Article 110 – General Requirements for Electrical Installations
     
• 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:
   
  • 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
     

• 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:
   

• 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

• 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

• 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 2
  • Article 503 – Class III Locations
  • Article 504 – Intrinsically Safe Systems

• 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

• 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

Part II – North Dakota Laws and Rules: This section summarizes the state regulatory framework governing electrical work and licensing. It explains the roles and authority of the North Dakota State Electrical Board, including licensing, inspections, and enforcement. The course reviews electrician license classifications such as Master, Journeyman, Class B, and Power Limited electricians, along with qualification requirements, examinations, apprenticeship registration, and supervision rules. It also outlines licensing renewal requirements, continuing education standards, and the responsibilities of licensed electricians when performing electrical work. It further covers wiring certificates, inspection procedures, and compliance requirements for electrical installations, as well as key wiring standards adopted from the National Electrical Code (NEC) and related safety codes. Topics also include contractor responsibilities, insurance requirements, inspection authority, prohibited activities, and penalties for violations or unlicensed electrical work.

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, including most recent North Dakota electrical laws and rules. 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.