2026 National Electrical Code Presentation — original pdf

Backup

2026 City of Austin Electrical Code Amendments Austin Development Services | Date Meeting Purpose To present proposed changes to the 2026 City of Austin Electric Code Amendments. 2 Reduce Local Amendments ▪ Goal: To minimize the number of amendments and return to model Code. ▪ Reasons for amendments ▪ Council mandated ▪ Business needs ▪ Clarification purposes ▪ ISO Rating ▪ Strikethroughs in this presentation means removed from amendments and return to model Code. 3 25-12-4 Electrical Code AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING ARTICLE 4 OF CHAPTER 25-12 TO ADOPT THE 2023 2026 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE AND LOCAL AMENDMENTS; AND CREATING OFENSES AND PENALTIES. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. City Code Chapter 25-12 is amended to repeal Article 4 (Electrical Code) and replaced with a new Article 4 to read as follows: Removed 2023 and replaced it with 2026 thru-out 4 25-12-4 Electrical Code 25-12-111 ELECTRICAL CODE. 5 25-12-4 Electrical Code (A) The National Electrical Code, 2023 2026 Edition and Annex H (collectively “2023 2026 Electrical Code”), published by the National Fire Protection Association are adopted and incorporated by reference into this section with the deletions in Subsection (B) and amendments in Sections 25-12-113 (Local Amendments to the 2023 2026 Electrical Code – Administration and Enforcement) and 25-12-114 (Local Amendments to the 2023 2026 Electrical Code - Technical). 6 25-12-4 Electrical Code (B) The following provisions of the 2023 2026 Electrical Code are deleted: Section 80.2 Section 80.15 Section 80.19(C) Section 80.19(D) Section 80.19(E) Section 80.21 Section 80. 23(B) Section 80.27 Section 80.35 Section 110.12 (except (A) & (B)) Section 210.5(C)(1) Section 230.70(A) Section 680.41 7 25-12-4 Electrical Code 25-12-113 LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE 2023 2026 ELECTRICAL CODE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT. 8 25-12-4 Electrical Code Removing any specification reference 80.19 (C) Issuance of Permits. (1) Standard Permits. (b) The building official is responsible for reviewing applications plan specifications, and other data submitted by an applicant. Other departments review the plans as necessary to verify compliance with applicable laws. 9 25-12-4 Electrical Code (c) The building official must issue a permit to an applicant if: (i) the building official finds that the work described in the permit application and in the plans, specifications , and other support data submitted with the application conform to the requirements of the Electrical Code and other applicable laws and ordinances; and (ii) the required fees have been paid. (d) A permit issued by the building official is not effective unless it includes a written statement that the plans and specifications were reviewed. In this section, a written statement means a stamp that reads “REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE” and is placed on the plans and specifications. 10 25-12-4 Electrical Code (e) After the permit is issued, a person may not change, modify, or alter plans and specifications without the approval of the building official. (f) Work regulated by the Electrical Code shall be done consistent with reviewed plans and specifications. 11 25-12-4 Electrical Code (i) The building official may issue a permit for the construction of part of an electrical system before the plans and specifications for the entire system have been submitted or approved if the applicant provides adequate information and detailed statements that comply with the requirements of the Electrical Code. The electrical permit holder may proceed at the permit holder's own risk, without assurance that the permit for the entire building, structure, or building service will be approved. The issuance of a permit for part of an electrical system does not obligate the building official to approve the remaining electrical permits. 12 25-12-4 Electrical Code (3) Exempt work. (j) to install temporary wiring for experimental, testing, and training purposes in a suitable experimental laboratory; (l) to install or repair an electrical devices, appliances, apparatus’, equipment, raceways, wireways, or electrical writing wiring operating at less than 25 30volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 1000 watts(Volt/Ampere) of energy; 13 25-12-4 Electrical Code Homestead requirements are already covered in 4.6.6 (5) Homestead permit. (a) Meet the requirements in 4.6.6 of the Building Criteria Manual A person who is not licensed to perform electrical work may perform electrical work under a homestead permit if: (i) (ii) (iii) the person has not secured a homestead permit for another the residence is the person's homestead and principal residence; the electrical work does not include the main electric system; residence within the prior 12-month period; (iv) the person has owned and occupied the property as of January 1 of the tax year in which the person applies for a homestead permit; the person applies for a homestead permit in person and files an affidavit stating that the location where the work will be done is the person's homestead; (v) 14 25-12-4 Electrical Code vi. the person obtains a homestead permit and pays any required permit fees before electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work begins; the person does not allow or cause another person to perform electrical work under the permit; vii. the person does not transfer the homestead permit to another person; viii. the person will present a picture identification to the building official to verify that the person is authorized to perform the work under the homestead permit; and the work that will be done is not for a mobile, modular, or manufactured home unless the person owns the land on which the mobile, modular, or manufactured home is located. ix. 15 25-12-4 Electrical Code 80.19 (D) Annual permit. Electrical work may be performed in a facility participating in the registered industrial plan program under an annual permit issued pursuant to Section 105.1.1 (Annual Permit) of the Building Code. 16 25-12-4 Electrical Code 80.42 Other Applicable City Code and Criteria Manual Requirements. When applicable, an electrical installation shall also comply with: (1) Chapter 25-2, Subchapter C, Article 13 (Docks, Bulkheads, and Shoreline Access); (2) Building Criteria Manual, Section 5.2.4 (Wiring Over and Under Navigable Water); (3) Building Criteria Manual, Section 5.2.10 (Subchapter E, Section 2.5, Exterior Lighting Rules for Alternative Equivalent Compliance); and (4) Building Criteria Manual, Section 4.4.7 (Visitability); and (5) 2024 International Fire Code, Section 913.2.2.1 (Fire Pump Disconnect) 17 25-12-4 Electrical Code 25-12-114 LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE ELECTRICAL CODE -TECHNICAL. 18 25-12-4 Electrical Code 230.70(A) Service Disconnecting Means Location. (1) Except as provided in Subsection (A)(2), the service disconnecting means shall be installed at readily accessible location that is located outside of a building or structure. (2) The service disconnecting means may be installed at a readily accessible location that is located: (a) inside of a building or structure that is not a one- or two-family dwelling; (b) at the nearest point of entrance to the service conductors; (c) on a direct path that 25-feet or less from an exterior entrance; and (d) is first floor accessible from an exterior entrance inside of a building or structure. (3) A service disconnecting means may not be installed in a bathroom. After discussions with Austin Fire, we are returning to model code concerning the main disconnect. 19 Significant Changes 2026 National Electrical Code 20 2029 NEC Restructuring • Going from 9 chapters to 20+. • Proposed structure in Annex L. • • It was started in 2023, and in the 2026 edition more foundational work is occurring in preparation. Isolated into three major categories: 1. Limited-energy systems 2. Systems over 1000 volts- medium voltage 3. Everything else • Chapter 8 is no longer a stand-alone chapter. 21 22 Art. 110.16 Arc Flash Hazard Marking Arc-flash warning labels now apply to all non- dwelling distribution equipment and must include nominal system voltage, arc-flash boundary, incident energy or PPE levels, and the assessment date. 23 Art. 210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel New informational note was added to recognize Class A GFCI’s marked HF and HF+. These will address high-frequency ground-faults. 24 Art. 210.8(F) Outdoor Outlets The amperage threshold has been increased from 50 amps to 60 amps for single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground. New Exception No. 3 permits a listed Class C SPGFCI protection for listed HVAC equipment. When a Class C SPGFCI is used for HVAC applications, the disconnecting means must be clearly labeled with the warning: “Warning: Class C SPGFCI Protection Provided for HVAC Unit.” The exception will expire September 1, 2026 25 Art. 210.8(F) Outdoor Outlets 1. A standard Class A GFCI device 2. A Class A GFCI device marked HF or HF+ 3. A Class C SPGFCI 4. A Class C SPGFCI marked HF or HF+ 26 Art. 210.52(A)(5) & 210.52(C)(4) Receptacle Outlet Locations Prohibited Receptacle outlets are prohibited within 24” of countertops at islands, peninsulas and other work surfaces. This includes any adjacent wall space. There is an exception for receptacle outlets installed in drawers. 27 Art. 225.41 Emergency Disconnect The upcoming 2026 NEC clarifies the location of service disconnects for one- and two- family dwellings, and includes a key exception tied to remote service or feeder installations. In these cases, the service disconnect is permitted to be located remotely, if an emergency disconnect is installed in accordance with Section 225.41. 28 Art. 225.41 Emergency Disconnect 1. Located on or within sight of the dwelling, outdoors and readily accessible 2. Grouped if more than one is provided 3. Installed within equipment rated for the available fault current 4. Clearly marked as EMERGENCY DISCONNECT on the outside front of the disconnect enclosure. Labeling requirements are provided. 29 Art. 230.70(A) Service Disconnect Location The 2026 revision mandates that the service disconnecting means for one- and two-family dwellings must now be located in a readily accessible outdoor location, either: • On the dwelling unit, or • Within sight of the dwelling unit, as defined in Section 110.29. The exception allows for the service disconnect not to be installed on or within sight of a dwelling, if the requirements of Art. 225.41 are met. 30 Art. 230.70(F) Remote Disconnect Control A remote disconnect control device used to actuate the service disconnect shall not be considered a service disconnect. *** Consult your utility provider and the fire department in your area for any additional requirements or restrictions. 31 Art. 312.11(A) Splices, Taps, and Feed- Through Service conductors are to be located within the service equipment, was added to the required conditions. 32 Art. 314.27(B)(2) Boxes at Ceiling- Suspended (Paddle) Fan Outlets New required locations for ceiling fan boxes. 1. 2. Centrally, in ceilings of living and sleeping areas. At locations, where indicated by the installer, designer, or building owner 33 Art. 625.43(D) Emergency Shutoff Permanently connected EVSEs for other than one- and two-family dwelling settings must include an emergency shutoff device located no closer than 20 ft and no farther than 100 ft from the equipment and clearly marked. 34 Art. 625.44(B) Hand Fastened Equipment All 30A, 50A, and 60A receptacles for EV charging must be listed for EVSE use 35 Art. 680.26(B)(2)(a) Perimeter Surfaces Now requires Conductive paved portions of perimeter surfaces, including pavers, to contain an equipotential bonding grid. The provision for a Single Wire has been REMOVED. The three acceptable methods are: 1. Unencapsulated structural reinforcing steel 2. Conductor grid made of copper or 40 percent copper-clad steel 3. Unencapsulated steel structural welded wire reinforcement bonded together by steel tie wire fully embedded within the pavement unless pavement will not allow embedding. 36 Art. 680.26(B)(2)(a) Perimeter Surfaces If structural reinforcing steel is absent or encapsulated in a non-conductive compound, or if embedding is not possible, unencapsulated welded steel reinforcement or conductive grid made of copper or 40% copper-clad steel shall be provided. 1. Secured under the paving no more than 6” below finish grade. 2. Where not fully embedded, listed for corrosion resistance and mechanical performance. Listing effective January 1, 2029. 37 Art. 680.26(B)(2)(a) Perimeter Surfaces Conductor grid and unencapsulated welded steel reinforcement shall also meet the following. 1. Use minimum #3 rebar tied in a 12” x 12” grid, chaired to be fully embedded in the paving. 2. Use minimum ASTM 6×6-W2.0 x W2.0 welded wire sheet, chaired to be fully embedded in the paving. 3. Use minimum # 8 solid bare copper wire grid, welded in a 12” x 12” grid. Embedding not required, can be installed on or in the earth or paving. 4. Follow contour of pool not less than 3’-0” horizontally beyond the inside walls of the pool. 38 Q & A 39 We want your feedback! 40