EC&M Editor-in-Chief, Ellen Parson, discusses “2026 NEC Code Changes: Key Impacts on Electrical Contractors” with subject matter expert Chad Kennedy, director of industry standards at Schneider Electric.
In this third and final part of three video interviews, we’ll explore several of NEC’s key revisions to microgrids and critical systems — and NEC’s new rules that help keep them secure and reliable. The video highlights new rules designed to improve the safety, reliability, and integrity of distributed energy resources (DERs) in building electrical systems, as well as major code changes including updates to NEC 705.11, 705.20, and 705.32. We also discuss how to review critical system requirements in several key areas, including bypass and isolation for emergency transmission equipment (700.6), microgrid/DER interconnection equipment for emergency power (700.12(F)), and enhanced conductor protection for critical systems. This code talk explains revised requirements for microgrids, critical systems, source connections, disconnection means, and ground fault protection to improve safety, reliability, and maintainability in modern electrical installations.
In case you missed them, be sure to watch:
