The National Electrical Code is Evolving

Submitted by Mike Miller, Curriculum & Training Manager

At a recent conference where I had the opportunity to speak, there was a break in the schedule and many attendees gathered in the hallway, catching up and sharing thoughts while waiting for the next session. As I listened in, a recurring concern emerged among the electricians in the group: the upcoming 2029 release of the NEC, reorganized into 22 chapters.

The mood was more apprehensive than optimistic. One electrician remarked that he expects a fair amount of confusion in the year following the rollout — not because the code itself is flawed, but because the familiar roadmap will be completely redrawn. Another joked, half-seriously, that it might be a good time to retire rather than face the hassle of relearning where everything ended up.

These comments weren’t complaints so much as reflections — honest reactions to a change that’s both inevitable and significant. The conversation reminded me that while progress is necessary, it’s rarely painless. And for those who’ve spent decades mastering the current structure, the shift to 22 chapters isn’t just a technical update — it’s a cultural one.

To let you know my interest in this subject, I recently assembled the Electrical Association’s 16-hour class on “2026 NEC Code Update”. I can tell;  many changes have occurred that makes it obvious that things are moving. Compared to what has moved in the 26 NEC is small to what we will see in the 2029 version. As a member of NFPA, I read their publications and thought I would share some of the things they tell us  we can look forward to that are clearly significant benefits:

♦ Easier Navigation

The new structure groups content by system type or application (e.g., energy storage, fire alarm systems), making it faster for specialists to find what they need without wading through unrelated material.

♦ Better Support for Training and Certification

With clearer chapter boundaries, instructors can build more focused training modules. Apprentices and journeymen can study in logical chunks, aligned with real-world job roles.

♦ Improved Clarity and Scope Control

By separating topics like communications, renewables, and hazardous locations into their own chapters, the NEC reduces overlap and makes it easier to update specific areas without ripple effects

♦ Future-Proofing for Emerging Technology

The new format gives the NEC room to grow. As technologies like microgrids, EV infrastructure, and smart buildings evolve, they can be slotted into dedicated chapters without disrupting the whole codebook.

Of course, this upgrade offers benefits beyond those already mentioned. While adapting to the new structure may pose challenges for some, it could ultimately be the change we needed to make the NEC more accessible, intuitive, and effective in everyday use. One of the most valuable steps you can take right now is to explore the Electrical Association’s upcoming winter offerings, including our “2026 NEC Update” course. This class will be available both in-person and as a self-paced online option, giving you flexibility to stay current on the latest code changes in a format that works for you.