NEC Code Lookup
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NEC 210.82023 & 2026Res & Com
Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel
Specifies where GFCI protection is required in dwelling units and other locations.
Category: GFCI
Key Requirements
- •All bathroom receptacles
- •Kitchen countertop receptacles
- •Garage and accessory building receptacles
- •Outdoor receptacles
- •Crawl spaces and unfinished basements
- •Laundry areas (within 6 ft of sink)
Common Jobs
All residential workSafety upgradesCode compliance
NEC 210.8(F)2026residential
GFCI Protection - Kitchens (2026 Update)
2026 NEC expands GFCI requirements to ALL kitchen outlets, not just countertop receptacles.
Category: GFCI
Key Requirements
- •ALL kitchen receptacles require GFCI protection
- •Includes dishwasher, garbage disposal, and other appliances
- •Refrigerator outlets now require GFCI
- •Applies to all dwelling unit kitchens
Common Jobs
Kitchen remodelsNew constructionCode compliance upgrades
NEC 210.112023 & 2026residential
Branch Circuits Required
Specifies the minimum number and types of branch circuits required for dwelling units.
Category: Branch Circuits
Key Requirements
- •Two or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits for kitchen
- •One 20-ampere laundry circuit
- •One 20-ampere circuit for each bathroom
- •Lighting circuits as calculated
Common Jobs
New constructionPanel upgradesKitchen remodels
NEC 210.522023 & 2026residential
Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets
Requirements for placement and spacing of receptacle outlets in dwelling units.
Category: Receptacles
Key Requirements
- •Wall space 2 ft or more requires receptacle within 6 ft
- •Kitchen counters: receptacle every 4 ft of counter space
- •Island/peninsulas ≥24" long require receptacle
- •Bathrooms require at least one receptacle within 3 ft of sink
Common Jobs
New constructionRemodelsKitchen updatesBathroom renovations
NEC 210.52(C)(5)2026residential
Island and Peninsula Receptacles (2026 Update)
Updated requirements for kitchen island and peninsula receptacle placement.
Category: Receptacles
Key Requirements
- •Islands ≥16 inches long (was 24 inches) require receptacle
- •Peninsulas ≥16 inches long (was 24 inches) require receptacle
- •Must be located within 24 inches of countertop edge
- •GFCI protection required for all kitchen outlets
Common Jobs
Kitchen remodelsIsland installationsNew construction
NEC 220.122023 & 2026residential
Lighting Load for Specified Occupancies
Standard lighting loads for calculating branch circuits and feeders.
Category: Load Calculations
Key Requirements
- •Dwelling units: 3 VA per square foot
- •Minimum 1500 VA for each 20A small appliance circuit
- •Laundry circuit: 1500 VA
- •Apply demand factors per 220.42
Common Jobs
Service calculationsPanel sizingLoad studies
NEC 220.832023 & 2026residential
Existing Dwelling Unit Loads
Optional calculation method for existing dwelling units with proven electrical loads.
Category: Load Calculations
Key Requirements
- •Existing loads based on largest of: Connected load or demand load × 125%
- •New loads calculated per standard methods
- •Total connected load cannot exceed service rating
- •Must have load data or measurements
Common Jobs
Panel upgradesService upgradesAdding loads to existing systems
NEC 230.792023 & 2026residential
Rating of Service Disconnecting Means
Requirements for service disconnecting means ratings.
Category: Services
Key Requirements
- •Minimum 100 amperes for dwelling units
- •Must not be rated less than calculated load
- •Single family: 100A minimum even if load is less
- •Multifamily: 100A minimum per unit
Common Jobs
Service installationsService upgradesPanel installations
NEC 250.522023 & 2026Res & Com
Grounding Electrodes
Acceptable grounding electrodes for electrical systems.
Category: Grounding
Key Requirements
- •Metal water piping system (if 10 ft or more in ground)
- •Concrete-encased electrode (Ufer ground)
- •Ground ring encircling building
- •Ground rods (8 ft minimum, two required if >25 ohms)
- •Other listed electrodes
Common Jobs
Service installationsNew constructionGrounding upgrades
NEC 250.662023 & 2026Res & Com
Size of Alternating-Current Grounding Electrode Conductor
Required size of grounding electrode conductor based on service conductors.
Category: Grounding
Key Requirements
- •100A service: #8 Cu or #6 Al minimum
- •200A service: #4 Cu or #2 Al minimum
- •400A service: #2 Cu or #1/0 Al minimum
- •Based on largest service conductor
Common Jobs
Service installationsPanel installationsGrounding system design
NEC 250.1222023 & 2026Res & Com
Size of Equipment Grounding Conductors
Minimum size of equipment grounding conductors based on overcurrent device rating.
Category: Grounding
Key Requirements
- •15A/20A breaker: #12 Cu equipment ground
- •30A breaker: #10 Cu equipment ground
- •40A/50A breaker: #10 Cu equipment ground
- •60A breaker: #10 Cu equipment ground
- •100A breaker: #8 Cu equipment ground
Common Jobs
Branch circuit wiringFeeder installationEquipment connections
NEC 314.162023 & 2026Res & Com
Number of Conductors in Outlet, Device, and Junction Boxes
Requirements for calculating conductor fill in electrical boxes.
Category: Boxes
Key Requirements
- •#14 AWG: 2 cubic inches per conductor
- •#12 AWG: 2.25 cubic inches per conductor
- •#10 AWG: 2.5 cubic inches per conductor
- •Count devices, cable clamps, and fixture studs
- •Grounding conductors count as one conductor
Common Jobs
Device installationJunction boxesOutlet installation
NEC 314.272023 & 2026Res & Com
Outlet Boxes
Requirements for outlet box installation and support.
Category: Boxes
Key Requirements
- •Boxes must be rigidly supported
- •Ceiling fans require fan-rated box
- •Fixture weight >50 lbs requires independent support
- •Box must be flush with finished surface
Common Jobs
Fixture installationCeiling fansDevice mounting
NEC 330.302023 & 2026Res & Com
Securing and Supporting
Requirements for securing and supporting MC cable installations.
Category: Wiring Methods
Key Requirements
- •Secured within 12 inches of every box
- •Supported at intervals not exceeding 6 feet
- •No support required for lengths ≤24 inches at terminals
- •Horizontal runs through framing require support every 6 feet
Common Jobs
MC cable installationCommercial wiringFeeder runs
NEC 334.802023 & 2026residential
Ampacity
Ampacity requirements for nonmetallic-sheathed cable installations.
Category: Wiring Methods
Key Requirements
- •90°C conductor rating with 60°C ampacity
- •#14 NM: 15 amperes maximum
- •#12 NM: 20 amperes maximum
- •#10 NM: 30 amperes maximum
- •Derating required for bundling or high temperatures
Common Jobs
Residential wiringBranch circuitsRomex installation
NEC 404.22023 & 2026Res & Com
Switch Connections
Requirements for switch connections and neutral conductors.
Category: Switches
Key Requirements
- •Switches must interrupt ungrounded conductors only
- •Neutral required at switch locations (with exceptions)
- •Switch ratings must match or exceed load
- •Listed switches required for specific applications
Common Jobs
Switch installationSmart switchesLighting controls
NEC 406.122023 & 2026residential
Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
Requirements for tamper-resistant receptacles in dwelling units.
Category: Receptacles
Key Requirements
- •All 125V, 15A and 20A receptacles in dwelling units
- •All areas accessible to children
- •Exceptions for dedicated appliances >5.5 feet high
- •Non-grounding receptacles in replacements exempt
Common Jobs
New residential constructionReceptacle replacementSafety upgrades
NEC 680.222023 & 2026residential
Area Lighting, Receptacles, and Equipment
Requirements for electrical installations near swimming pools and spas.
Category: Special Locations
Key Requirements
- •All outlets within 20 feet of pool require GFCI
- •No receptacles within 6 feet of pool edge
- •One receptacle required 6-20 feet from pool
- •Overhead lines must maintain proper clearances
Common Jobs
Pool installationsSpa wiringOutdoor electrical