RedVector JCOM-00144

2026 NEC Changes: General Requirements

2026 NEC Changes: General Requirements

1 hr. Online Course

Level: Intermediate

Item#: JCOM-00144

SME: Ryan Jackson

From cybersecurity threats to arc flash calculations, the 2026 NEC®'s general requirements are transforming how electrical professionals approach safety and compliance in an increasingly complex technological landscape. This course covers critical changes to Article 110, including new arc flash labeling requirements that mandate incident energy calculations for every commercial panel installation, clarified working space rules, and the groundbreaking requirement that both NEC® rules and manufacturer instructions must be followed equally. Participants will master essential topics including reconditioned equipment standards, updated electrical connection requirements for dissimilar metals, revised "within sight" definitions, and the expanded scope of equipment subject to working clearance requirements now that Chapter 8 communications systems must comply with general safety rules.
Course Objectives

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

  • Explain why Annex J was removed.
  • Identify if the NEC or product instructions supersede one or the other.
  • Recall the general requirements regarding short circuit current ratings.
  • State the requirements for connections of dissimilar metal.
  • Explain the marking rules for high leg delta systems.
  • Recall the revised requirements for arc flash labeling.
  • List the rules for equipment servicing.
  • Describe what reconditioning means.
  • Explain the revised working space requirements.
  • Define what “within sight” means in the NEC.
  • Recall where the general requirements for connections over 1000 volts are found.
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 examines key updates to Article 110 in the 2026 NECĀ®, including new arc flash labeling requirements, working space provisions, and equipment installation standards. Participants will gain an understanding of revised safety, compliance, and clearance requirements affecting electrical and communications system installations.
GA - Engineer (General)
IA - Engineer (General)
ID - Engineer (General)
IL - Engineer, Professional (General)
IL - Engineer, Structural (General)
KS - Engineer (Health, Safety & Welfare)
KY - Engineer (General)
LA - Engineer (General)
MA - Electrician (General)
MD - Engineer (General)
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 - 24609)
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)
Professional Organizations
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)
Board of Certified Safety Professionals - BCSP - Certification (General)
Canada - Alberta Engineer (General)
Canada - British Columbia Engineer (General)
Canada - Manitoba Engineer (General)
Canada - New Brunswick Engineer (General)
Canada - Newfoundland and Labrador Engineer (General)
Canada - Northwest Territories and Nunavut Engineer (General)
Canada - Nova Scotia Engineer (General)
Canada - Ontario Engineer (General)
Canada - Prince Edward Island Engineer (General)
Canada - Quebec Engineer (General)
Canada - Saskatchewan Engineer (General)
Canada - Yukon Engineer (General)
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors - InterNACHI - Member (General)
International Facility Management Association - IFMA - Certified Facility Manager (CFM) (General)
International Society of Automation - ISA - Certifications (General)
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies - NICET (General)