2026 National Electrical Code Adoption Kit
The 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC) Adoption Kit is provided for state and local home builders associations (HBAs) and other stakeholders to help with evaluation of the new electrical provisions as their jurisdictions move forward with the code adoption process.
The code adoption kit includes the following information:
- List of significant changes to the 2026 NEC residential provisions (also shown in table below)
- List of recommended amendments to the 2026 NEC supported with substantiating information
- A document showing the status of state adoption of different editions of the NEC around the country
Significant Changes to 2026 NEC Residential Provisions
| NEC Section | Topic | Description |
| 120.82(B) | Dwelling Load Calculations | This change applies to the optional dwelling unit load calculations. It reduces the amount of the general loads calculated at 100 percent from the first 10 kVA to the first 8 kVA, and the general lighting load was reduced by one third as well. |
| 120.57 & 120.82(D) | Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Load Calculations | This change allows the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) load to be calculated at its nameplate rating even if it is less than 7200 watts. Previously, the minimum load for the calculation had to be at least 7200 watts. New text requires the load to be calculated at 100 percent because it is not considered a general load. |
| 210.8(F) | GFCIs for Outdoor Outlets | This change increases the amperage of covered outdoor outlets to include those supplied by a single-phase branch circuit rated 60 amperes or less. Previously, only circuits rated up to 50 amperes were covered. In addition, special purpose GFCIs (SPGFCIs) are permitted to provide GFCI coverage on listed HVAC equipment. |
| 210.52(A)(5) & 210.52(C)(4) | Receptacles on Kitchen Islands and Peninsulas | This change prohibits receptacle outlets from being installed within 24 inches below a countertop or work surface. There is an exception for receptacle outlets installed in a drawer. Note: Where receptacles are required under 210.52(A)(2)(3), the NEC limitations on locating the receptacle conflict with accessibility regulations. Installing a receptacle 24 inches below a 36-inch-high counter will place it lower than the reach range of someone in a wheelchair. |
| 225.41(A)(1) & 230.70(A) | Service Disconnect Location | This change intends to clarify that a service disconnect can function as an emergency disconnect for one- and two-family dwellings where located in a readily accessible outdoor location, on or within sight of the dwelling unit. |
| 230.70(B) | Service Disconnect Markings | This change adds requirements for the labeling of service disconnect enclosures to correlate with the requirements for emergency disconnects. |
| 314.27(B) | Boxes at Ceiling Fan Outlets | This change reduces the number of ceiling outlet boxes where fan-rated boxes are required to those centrally located in the ceilings of living and sleeping areas and in locations that that are typical for the installation of a ceiling-suspended fan and where indicated by the installer, designer, or building owner. |
| 625.5 | Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Markings | This change requires permanent markings to be applied to all equipment enclosures with electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). The markings must include information about the supply circuit and the short-circuit current rating of the EVSE. |
| 625.43 | Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Disconnecting Means | This change requires multifamily buildings to identify which disconnecting means corresponds to the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) or wireless power transfer equipment (WPTE) where multiple EVSE or WPTE are each served through individual disconnecting means. It also expands the requirement for disconnecting means to all permanently connected EVSE and WPTE regardless of amperage or voltage. Provisions for emergency disconnects are added for multifamily dwellings applying to permanently connected EVSE and WPTE and include location and marking requirements. |
| 625.44 | Receptacles Supplying Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment | This change requires all 30-, 50-, and 60-ampere receptacles used for EV charging to be listed for EVSE use. |
Current and past editions of the National Electrical Code can be viewed on NFPA’s website free of charge or can be purchased as a subscription or pdf.
