RedVector JCOM-00146

2026 NEC® Changes: Branch Circuits

2026 NEC® Changes: Branch Circuits

1 hr. Online Course

Level: Intermediate

Item#: JCOM-00146

SME: Ryan Jackson

This course provides a focused overview of the 2026 National Electrical Code® (NEC®) updates affecting branch circuits and their real-world application. Learners will explore key changes to conductor marking, GFCI requirements, and ground-fault protection, along with updated rules for dwelling units, dormitories with cooking facilities, and 10-ampere circuits. The course also addresses accessibility considerations and specialized installation scenarios, including receptacle placement, lighting requirements, and high-voltage branch circuits. By the end, participants will be equipped to apply current NEC® requirements with confidence, ensuring safe, compliant, and effective electrical installations.

Course Objectives

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

  • Recall the conductor marking requirements for branch circuits.
  • Describe the revised requirements for GFCIs in the 2026 NEC®.
  • Discuss the requirements for ground-fault protection of equipment for branch circuits.
  • Recall the requirements for dormitories with permanent cooking facilities.
  • Explain when 10-ampere branch circuits are allowed and when they are prohibited.
  • Indicate where accessibility requirements for dwelling unit construction can be found.
  • Explain the rules for dwelling unit receptacles.
  • Explain when lighting from an adjacent area can be used as required lighting.
  • Describe where the code covers branch circuits exceeding 1,000 volts.
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Ryan Jackson
Ryan Jackson Photo
Ryan Jackson is a combination inspector in the Salt Lake City, Utah, area. He began his career as a carpenter while in high school, and began doing electrical work at the age of 18. At the age of 23 Ryan landed his first job as an electrical inspector, and subsequently became certified in building, plumbing, and mechanical inspection, as well as building and electrical plan review. Two years after becoming an inspector, he was approached by a friend in the area asking him to fill in at an electrical seminar for him. After his first class he was hooked, and is now a highly sought after seminar instructor. Ryan has taught in several states, and loves helping people increase their understanding of the Code.

 

He has been involved in writing and editing over 25 books on the National Electrical Code, and has taught the subject in multiple states and for multiple colleges and universities. He is self-employed as an NEC® consultant and inspector.

 
When Ryan isn’t working, he can often be found in his garage turning wood on his lathe, in his basement exercising, or any quiet place where he can dive into a book. He is also a rabid University of Utah football fan. Ryan married his high school sweetheart, Sharie, and they have two beautiful children together: Kaitlynn and Aaron.
State Licenses
AK - Engineer (General)
AL - Engineer (General)
AR - Engineer (General)
CO - Electrician (General)
DE - Engineer (General)
DE - Home Inspector (General)
FL - Engineer (General - 0000271)
Accreditation: This course reviews key 2026 NEC® updates related to branch circuits, including changes to conductor marking, GFCI requirements, and ground-fault protection. Participants will learn updated requirements for dwelling units, receptacle and lighting installations, accessibility considerations, and specialized branch circuit applications to support safe and compliant electrical installations.
GA - Engineer (General)
IA - Engineer (General)
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KS - Engineer (Health, Safety & Welfare)
KY - Engineer (General)
LA - Engineer (General)
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ME - Engineer (General)
MI - Engineer (General)
MN - Engineer (General)
MO - Engineer (General)
MS - Engineer (General)
MT - Engineer (General)
MT - Home Inspector (General)
NC - Engineer (General)
ND - Engineer (Health, Safety & Welfare)
NE - Engineer (General)
Accreditation: Vector Solutions is authorized by IACET to offer 0.1 CEUs for this program.
NH - Engineer (General)
NJ - Engineer (General - 24GP000006300)
NM - Engineer (General)
NM - Home Inspector (General)
NV - Engineer (General)
NY - Engineer (General)
Accreditation: Vector Solutions is authorized by IACET to offer 0.1 CEUs for this program.
OH - Engineer (General)
OK - Engineer (General)
OR - Engineer (General)
PA - Engineer (General)
PR - Engineer (General)
SC - Engineer (General)
SD - Engineer (General)
TN - Engineer (Health, Safety & Welfare)
TX - Engineer (General)
UT - Electrician (Core - 24729)
UT - Engineer (General)
VA - Engineer (General)
VA - Home Inspector (General)
VT - Engineer (General)
WI - Engineer (General)
WI - Home Inspector (General)
WV - Engineer (General)
WV - Home Inspector (General)
WY - Engineer (General)
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American Academy of Environmental Engineers - AAEES - Member (General)
American Society of Civil Engineers - ASCE - Academy of Coastal, Ocean, Port & Navigation Engineers (ACOPNE) (General)
American Society of Civil Engineers - ASCE - Academy of Geo-Professionals (AGP) (General)
American Society of Civil Engineers - ASCE - American Academy of Water Resources Engineer (AAWRE) (General)
American Society of Home Inspectors - ASHI (General)
Association for Facilities Engineering - AFE - Certification (General)
Association of Energy Engineers - AEE - Certification (Technical)
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International Facility Management Association - IFMA - Certified Facility Manager (CFM) (General)
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National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies - NICET (General)