The 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code® (NEC) marks a pivotal shift in how electrical systems are designed, installed, and maintained, especially in commercial and industrial environments. Whether you’re a contractor, specifier, engineer, or facility manager, understanding these updates is essential to ensure compliance, safety, and future-ready infrastructure.
At Schneider Electric, we’re committed to helping professionals across the electrical ecosystem navigate these changes with confidence. Here’s what you need to know.
Advanced load calculations with PCS and EMS
The NEC 2026 integrates Power Control Systems (PCS) and Energy Management Systems (EMS) into Chapter 1, refining load calculation methods. This addition supports smarter electrical demand assessments and helps reduce oversized service installations. By optimizing, design professionals and engineers can now use PCS settings to manage load profiles, enabling smarter system sizing and avoiding unnecessary service upgrades, especially in EV infrastructure projects.
Worker safety: Expanded protections and clearer standards
Safety remains a cornerstone of the NEC. Key updates include:
- Broadened arc flash labeling requirements on various equipment types, no matter the amperage.
- Clarified working space regulations for safe movement with equipment doors open to 90 degrees.
- Compulsory GFCI protection for outdoor HVAC units starting September 1, 2026, with HF-rated GFCIs recommended for inverter systems.
Equipment and system safety: Streamlining compliance
- Surge protection is now required in sleeping quarters such as dorms and fire stations.
- Outdoor service disconnects, clearly marked, are essential for single-family and duplex homes and serve as emergency disconnects for first responders.
- Medium voltage (MV) equipment must be listed or field-evaluated, easing approval processes for AHJs and specifiers.
EV infrastructure: Supporting the electrification boom
- Emergency shutoffs are required for EV chargers in commercial and public settings.
- EVSE receptacles must be listed for EV use—no more 50A receptacles on 40A circuits.
- GFCI protection is required for EV receptacles.
Microgrids and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)
- Single system disconnects are now allowed for combined sources.
- Ground fault protection must account for all interconnected sources.
- Emergency systems must include interconnection equipment to isolate DERs during outages.
Critical systems and fire protection
- Bypass-isolation is now required for transfer switches in high-occupancy buildings.
- Surge protection is mandated for legally required standby systems.
- Concrete encasement for conductors must now be 5 inches unless alternative two-hour rated systems are used.
What’s next?
Whether you’re designing a new facility, upgrading existing infrastructure, or managing ongoing operations, staying current with NEC 2026 is essential. Understanding the latest updates and requirements can help you make informed decisions and ensure compliance with evolving codes and standards. Staying proactive in adapting to these changes can streamline your operations and improve overall efficiency. Schneider Electric offers tools, training, and expert support to help you implement these changes effectively.
Read the full NEC 2026 eGuide.
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