NEC changes and where to research them
A new NFPA video explains how to research why changes were made in the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC).
The video features Corey Hannahs, Master Electrician and Senior Electrical Specialist at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), who demonstrates how users can access draft documents, committee statements and public input records to understand the reasoning behind specific revisions.
He explains that the 2026 NEC was issued last fall and that the public input stage is already open for the 2029 NEC, reflecting the three-year development cycle used across NFPA codes and standards.
Using NFPA tools to compare first and second drafts
Hannahs demonstrates how to navigate the NFPA standards development process and the NEC document information webpage at nfpa.org/70 to view current and prior editions.
He shows how the first draft presents changes from the 2023 NEC, with additions and deletions clearly marked, and explains that users must log in with a free NFPA account to view the draft material.
Using section 110.16 as an example, he outlines how users can select individual revisions to view committee statements explaining the intent behind changes, along with associated public inputs.
He then moves to the second draft view, describing how it presents a refined version of the first draft language after public comments have been reviewed and additional revisions made.
Committee reasoning and public input behind revised wording
Hannahs explains that committee statements and public comments provide insight into how and why wording changes are made.
He highlights examples where language was adjusted to align with the NEC style manual and where revisions were introduced to clarify marking requirements and practical application.
He also points to changes in arc flash marking requirements, including an update to the timestamp label so it reflects the date when the arc flash risk assessment was completed rather than the date the label was applied, which he says provides clearer context for future system reviews and modifications.
He says the video is intended to help users independently investigate NEC changes, gain clarity on committee decisions and build a better understanding of how draft revisions develop into final code language.