2026 NEC® Changes: Alternative Energy and Limited Energy

This course reviews the 2026 NEC® updates for alternative energy and limited energy systems. Participants will learn how to apply new requirements, including rounding fractions of volts or amperes, using engineering for PV voltage and current calculations, and understanding the relocation of PV disconnection requirements to Article 705. The course covers bonding options for movable PV components, maximum fuel cell system voltages, service conductor interconnection options in existing buildings, DC source conductor marking, and overcurrent protective devices suitable for back-feed.

Additionally, the course explores limited energy system requirements, including recently added or deleted articles, the purpose and scope of Article 720, communication outlet requirements in dwelling units, wiring methods in ducts for dust, grease, and other hazardous materials, raceway sharing between limited and non-limited energy cables, Class 4 system requirements, and the coverage of Articles 724 and 800. This course equips participants to implement alternative and limited energy system requirements under the 2026 NEC®.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain when fractions of a volt or ampere can be dropped from calculations.
• Discuss when engineering may be used for calculating PV voltage and current.
• Indicate why the PV disconnection requirements were moved to Article 705.
• List the options for bonding movable PV components.
• Recall the maximum voltage for fuel cell systems.
• Discuss the options for existing buildings with service conductor interconnections to another source.
• Describe the conductor marking requirements for DC source conductors.
• Indicate which overcurrent protective devices are suitable for back-feed.
• Explain which articles were added and which were deleted as it relates to limited energy systems.
• Explain why Article 720 was created and what it covers.
• Discuss the requirement for a communications outlet in dwelling units.
• List the allowable wiring methods in ducts for dust, loose stock, grease, or flammable vapors.
• Explain when a limited energy cable can share a raceway with non-limited energy circuits.
• List the requirements for Class 4 systems in dwelling units.
• Describe what Article 724 covers.
• Describe what Article 800 covers.