RedVector JCOM-00155

2026 NEC® Changes: Life Safety and Standby Systems

2026 NEC® Changes: Life Safety and Standby Systems

1 hr. Online Course

Level: Intermediate

Item#: JCOM-00155

SME: Ryan Jackson

The 2026 NEC introduces critical changes that could dramatically affect how life safety systems perform when lives depend on them most. This course examines the updated requirements for fire pumps, emergency systems, and standby systems, including enhanced fire protection standards requiring up to five inches of concrete encasement, new bypass and isolation provisions for transfer equipment in high-occupancy buildings, and mandatory surge protection for legally required standby systems. Participants will master these essential code changes while exploring practical implementation strategies, from utilizing listed fire-resistant cable systems to leveraging new allowances for Class 4 lighting and multimode inverters in residential applications.
Course Objectives

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

  • List the options for fire protection of fire pump feeder circuits within buildings.
  • Describe the requirements for the permanent switching means required for certain emergency systems.
  • Explain when bypass and isolation are required for emergency system transfer switches.
  • List when fire protection of emergency system feeder circuits is required.
  • Discuss the allowances for Class 2 and Class 4 lighting in emergency systems.
  • Recall the rules for interconnection equipment for emergency systems.
  • Explain the requirements for Class 4 lighting in emergency systems.
  • Explain when bypass and isolation are required for legally required standby system transfer switches.
  • List the surge protection requirements for legally required standby systems.
  • Describe the new allowance for optional standby systems supplied by multimode inverters.
  • Indicate where the surge protective device for fire alarm control panels is required.
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 2026 NEC updates affecting fire pumps, emergency systems, and standby power systems. Participants will learn new requirements for fire protection, transfer equipment, and surge protection, while exploring practical strategies for implementing these code changes in real-world applications.
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 - 24769)
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)