The Next 10 Most Tested Changes in the 2026 NEC (Advanced Exam Prep Guide)
10 More Verified 2026 NEC Changes Electricians Must Know (Different List)
If you’re doing electrical exam prep, NEC exam prep, journeyman electrician exam prep, or master electrician exam prep, the 2026 Code cycle introduced several high-impact changes that show up in inspections, plan review, and real-world installations. Below are ten additional changes (not repeated from the prior article), presented with precise NEC references and exam-relevant application notes.
1) Manufacturer Instructions Must Comply with NEC Requirements
The 2026 NEC clarifies that manufacturer installation and use instructions cannot reduce NEC requirements. Instructions may exceed the NEC where allowed, but they can’t conflict with or undermine Code rules.
- Exam trap: “Follow manufacturer instructions” is not unlimited—NEC still governs.
- Field impact: AHJs can reject installs where “the manual says so” violates the NEC.
2) Optional Dwelling Method: “First 10 kVA” Becomes “First 8 kVA”
Under the optional method for dwellings, the demand treatment shifts so that the first “block” of general loads is now based on the first 8 kVA at 100% (previously 10 kVA at 100%). This changes the computed service/feeder demand.
- Exam math: candidates who memorize old values will miscalculate the demand load.
- Design impact: can slightly reduce calculated demand, affecting service size and feeder selection.
3) General Lighting + General-Use Receptacles Reduced to 2 VA per ft²
The general load basis for dwellings is revised from the historical 3 VA/ft² to 2 VA/ft² for general lighting and general-use receptacles (with the floor area determined per 120.5(C)).
- Exam prep: watch for “load calc” questions that quietly test the VA/ft² value.
- Real-world: changes computed demand and can affect feeder/service sizing outcomes.
4) Optional Dwelling Method: EVSE Load Must Be Taken at 100%
For the dwelling optional method, EVSE is now explicitly calculated at 100% of nameplate (no demand factor), recognizing EV charging as a significant and sustained load.
- Exam trap: don’t apply diversity assumptions where the NEC requires 100% treatment.
- Field reality: EV additions often trigger service/feeder upgrades if not planned correctly.
5) Kitchen Countertop Safety: Receptacles Prohibited Within 24 Inches Below
The 2026 NEC tightens receptacle placement near kitchen countertops by prohibiting receptacle outlets within 24 inches below the countertop surface in the identified configurations.
- Exam prep: common question type: “Is this receptacle location permitted?”
- Install impact: affects island, peninsula, and freestanding bar/counter arrangements.
6) One- and Two-Family: Service Disconnect Location Rules Reorganized
The 2026 NEC reorganizes dwelling service disconnect location rules into 230.70(A), requiring the service disconnect to be readily accessible and located outdoors per the permitted location conditions (with sight/distance tied to 110.29).
- Exam prep: location questions now anchor to 230.70(A) language for dwellings.
- Inspection: compliance is judged by placement, accessibility, and “within sight/not more than 50 ft” conditions where applicable.
7) Service Disconnect Markings Expanded and Standardized
Marking requirements for service disconnects are expanded and made more explicit, including required text and durability requirements. For example, “SERVICE DISCONNECT” marking is required in specified contexts and must be permanently affixed (not handwritten), consistent with 110.21(B).
- Exam prep: marking questions often test “what must it say” and “how must it be applied.”
- Field: labeling failures are common because installers treat signage as optional.
8) Remote-Actuation Devices Are Not the Service Disconnect
The 2026 NEC clarifies that a remote-control device (example: a pushbutton operating a shunt-trip breaker) is not considered the service disconnecting means.
- Exam trap: “It opens the service” ≠ “it is the service disconnect.”
- Design: remote functions can supplement but not replace the required disconnecting means.
9) Damaged Conductors and Wiring Methods Must Be Replaced
The 2026 NEC explicitly requires replacement of conductors and wiring methods that are no longer suitable due to overheating, fire damage, corrosive influences, or water damage. This removes ambiguity around “reconditioning” damaged wiring.
- Exam: look for “flooded,” “fire,” “overheated,” “corrosion” scenario questions.
- Field: this supports a hard-line compliance position for post-event evaluation.
10) Cable Ties Used for Support Must Be Listed and Identified for That Purpose
A new rule specifies that cable ties used as a means of securing and supporting cables or flexible raceways must be listed and identified for that purpose. This targets improper use of generic ties where they become a “support system.”
- Exam prep: watch for wording like “supported by cable ties” versus “bundled for organization.”
- Inspection: ties can no longer be assumed acceptable as support unless evaluated/identified for support.
Turn These 2026 NEC Changes into Exam Points
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