RedVector JCOM-00154

2026 NEC® Changes: Alternative Energy and Limited Energy

2026 NEC® Changes: Alternative Energy and Limited Energy

1 hr. Online Course

Level: Intermediate

Item#: JCOM-00154

SME: Ryan Jackson

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®.
Course Objectives

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.
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 provides an overview of the key 2026 NEC® updates for alternative and limited energy systems, including new requirements for photovoltaic (PV), fuel cell, and interconnected power systems. Participants will learn revised calculation methods, equipment requirements, conductor marking, overcurrent protection, and system interconnection rules. The course also covers limited energy system provisions, communication outlet requirements, wiring methods, and Class 4 system standards to support NEC-compliant 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 - 24603)
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 Association of Electrical Inspectors - IAEI - Certifications (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)