2026 National Electrical Code

Published in September 2025, the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC) developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a model code that sets minimum electrical safety standards for the installation and removal of electrical conductors and equipment.

The NEC technical committee is made up of a correlating committee and eighteen code-making panels. NAHB maintains a voting membership on Code-Making Panel 2 which is responsible for branch circuits, AFCI and GFCI requirements, receptacle locations and load calculations. NAHB staff also monitor the work of several other panels which have responsibility for ceiling fan requirements, surge protection, EV charging, energy management systems, etc.

Among the most significant changes to the residential provisions from the previous 2023 edition:

• The optional dwelling unit load calculations were updated, potentially allowing a smaller electrical service and panel, e.g., a 100-amp service instead of a 200-amp service.
• An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) load can be calculated at its nameplate rating instead of a minimum of 7200 watts. Where Level 1 EVSEs are installed, this could decrease the cost of installation.
• A service disconnect can function as an emergency disconnect, omitting the need for a redundant emergency disconnect.
• The number of ceiling outlet boxes where fan-rated boxes are required were limited to 1) those centrally located in the ceilings of living and sleeping areas, 2) in locations that are typical for the installation of a ceiling-suspended fan and 3) where indicated by the installer, designer, or building owner.
• Multiple changes applying to electrical vehicle supply equipment were also made.

NAHB provides resources in the 2026 National Electrical Code Adoption Kit to help builders and state and local HBAs navigate the new model electrical code requirements. The kit includes:

• List of significant changes from the 2023 NEC to the 2026 NEC
• Cost analysis of the 2026 NEC significant code changes by Home Innovation Research Labs, which shows potential overall cost savings for the 2026 NEC compared to the previous edition
• List of recommended amendments to 2026 NEC supported with substantiating information
• A summary table with the status of state adoption of different editions of the NEC around the country with a focus on AFCI and GFCI amendments

See the code adoption kits page to find adoption kits for previous editions of the NEC as well as I-Codes (including the IRC and IBC) and the International Energy Conservation Code.