EC&M Magazine recently published an article about the top 25 changes to the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC). Here are their top seven lighting and EV charger changes to the 2026 NEC.
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Section 120.82(B) General Lighting Demand, First 8kVA
Analysis of the change:
The demand load for optional dwelling unit load calculations was reduced from the first “10kVA” at 100% to the first “8kVA” at 100%. The effect is a slightly smaller demand load — the treatment of the first 10kW of load at 100% is reduced.
New or revised Code language:
(B) General Loads. The demand load must not be less than 100% of the first 8kVA, plus 40% of the remaining kVA for the following loads.
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Section 120.82(B) General Lighting Load, 2VA/sf
Analysis of the change:
Based on studies by the Department of Energy, the general lighting and receptacle load in a dwelling unit was reduced from “3VA” to “2VA” per square foot for feeder/service load calculations.
New or revised Code language:
(1) General Lighting. The general lighting load is based on 2VA per sq ft for general lighting and general-use receptacles. The sq ft area is determined in accordance with Sec. 120.5(C).
(2) Small-Appliance and Laundry Circuits. Add 1,500VA for each 20A small-appliance circuit required by Sec. 210.11(C)(1)(a) with a minimum of two circuits per dwelling unit, and 1,500VA for each 20A laundry circuit required by Sec. 210.11(C)(2), with a minimum of one circuit per dwelling unit.
(3) Appliances. The nameplate rating of the following appliances:
- Appliances that are fastened in place, permanently connected (hard-wired), or located on a specific circuit
- Ranges, wall-mounted ovens, and counter-mounted cooking units
- Clothes dryers that are not connected to the laundry branch circuit
- Water heaters
(4) Motor VA. The nameplate ampere or kVA rating of all permanently connected motors not included in Sec. 120.82(B)(3).
(C) Air-Conditioning and Heating Equipment. The larger of Sec. 120.82(C)(1) through (6):
(1) Air-Conditioning Equipment. Use 100% of the air-conditioning nameplate ratings.
(2) Heat-Pump Compressor without Supplemental Heating. Use 100% of the heat-pump nameplate rating.
(3) Heat-Pump Compressor with Supplemental Heating. Use 100% of the nameplate rating of the heat pump, and use 65% of the supplemental electric heating for central electric space-heating systems.
(4) Space-Heating Units (Three Units or Less). Use 65% of the nameplate ratings.
(5) Space-Heating Units (Four or More Units). Use 40% of the nameplate ratings.
(6) Electric Thermal Storage and Other Heating. Use 100% of the nameplate rating.
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Section 120.82(D) Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Load at 100%
Analysis of the change:
For the dwelling unit optional method, the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) load is required to be calculated at 100% with no demand factor because it represents a significant load.
New or revised Code language:
(D) Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Use 100% of the electric vehicle supply equipment nameplate rating in accordance with Sec. 120.57.
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Section 625.4 Qualified Persons
Analysis of the change:
A new Section requires that permanently installed electric vehicle power transfer equipment (such as Level 2 or higher chargers) must be installed by a qualified person (as defined in Art. 100).
New or revised Code language:
Permanently installed electric vehicle power transfer system equipment must be installed by qualified persons (Fig. 22).
Note: See NECA 413, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) (Fig. 23).
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Section 625.5 Field Markings on EVSE Enclosures
Analysis of the change:
A new section requires permanent, visible markings on the outside of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) enclosures. These markings show the voltage, number of phases, frequency, full-load current, and short-circuit current rating. Since EVSE installations allow field-adjustable current settings, these markings provide a quick way to verify proper circuit sizing and short-circuit rating before energizing the equipment.
EVSE equipment can have the full load current adjusted in accordance with Sec. 625.42(B); therefore, this field marking is necessary to verify proper circuit sizing.
New or revised Code language:
Electric vehicle supply equipment must have permanent field markings on the outside of the equipment enclosure that are visible after the installation, containing the following:
(1) Supply voltage, number of phases, frequency, and full-load current for each incoming supply circuit
(2) Short-circuit current rating of the electric vehicle supply equipment based on one of the following:
- Short-circuit current rating of a listed and labeled assembly
- Short-circuit current rating established utilizing an approved method
Note: For an example of an approved method, see UL 2594, Standard Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment.
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Section 625.43 Disconnecting Means
Analysis of the change:
New emergency shutoff requirement for permanently connected EVSEs was added for first responders. For other than one- and two-family dwellings, permanently connected EVSEs must have an emergency shutoff device installed within sight — and located no closer than 20 ft and no farther than 100 ft — from the equipment. This provides a safe distance in the event of an electric vehicle fire. The emergency shutoff device must be clearly marked to warn that the vehicle will remain energized — even after the EVSE is de-energized. With charging stations becoming more common, this rule ensures first responders and personnel have a quick, safe way to disconnect power in an emergency.
New or revised Code language:
(D) Emergency Shutoff.
(1) Emergency Disconnect. For other than one- and two-family dwellings, the emergency shutoff disconnect for EVSE and WPTE must:
(1) Be installed at a readily accessible location not less than 20 ft, or more than 100 ft, and within sight of equipment
(2) Be located within sight of the emergency shutoff
(3) Be marked “EVSE EMERGENCY DISCONNECT” and “WARNING: ELECTRIC VEHICLES WILL REMAIN ENERGIZED” in accordance with Sec. 110.22(A)
(4) Be a manual reset type
(5) Disconnect all phase conductors of the circuits simultaneously from the source of supply
(2) Equipment Disconnect Serving as Emergency Shutoff Disconnect. The equipment disconnect [Sec. 625.43(C)] is permitted to serve as the emergency shutoff disconnect — if the equipment disconnect complies with Sec. 625.43(D) requirements.
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Section 625.44 Equipment Connections
Analysis of the change:
A new rules addresses when receptacles for EVSE must be listed for EVSE use. The most common point of failure in an electrical system is at the connection point. All 30A, 50A, and 60A receptacles used for EV charging must be listed for EVSE use. This change addresses the growing issue of receptacle failures due to high temperatures under continuous loads — especially with cord and plug connections. Receptacles listed for EVSE use are specifically designed and tested for continuous load conditions, helping ensure safe and reliable charging over extended periods.
There are concerns in the industry about the failure of the standard-grade (residential) receptacle used for the connection of EV equipment. Consideration should be given to the use of receptacles that are specifically designed for EV equipment use.
New or revised Code language:
(B) Hand-Fastened Equipment. Equipment that is hand-fastened must be connected to the premises wiring system by one of the following methods:
(1) Nonlocking, 2-pole, 3-wire grounding-type receptacle outlet rated 125V or 250V, single-phase, in accordance with one of the following:
- 15A or 20A
- 30A or 50A listed for EVSE and WPTE use (Fig. 24)
(2) Nonlocking, 3-pole, 4-wire grounding-type receptacle outlet rated 250V, 3-phase, in accordance with one of the following:
- 15A or 20A
- 30A, 50A, or 60A listed for EVSE and WPTE use
(3) Nonlocking, 3-pole, 4-wire grounding-type receptacle outlet rated 125V/250V, single-phase, in accordance with one of the following:
- 15A or 20A
- 30A, 50A, or 60A listed for EVSE and WPTE use
More information is available here.
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