NEC® Changes · 2020 NEC®

320.23 AC cable in attics

RevisedChanged in the 2020 NEC® (from the 2017 NEC®)· Updated October 24, 2026

What changed in 320.23

Wording on protecting AC cable in accessible attics was cleaned up. Guard strip rules for cable across joists or near the floor stayed the same.

Point by point

  • Wording clarified. The attic protection requirement itself stayed the same.

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  • 4 more points on exactly what changed
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This section across NEC® editions

2020 NEC®RevisedYou're here

Wording on protecting AC cable in accessible attics was cleaned up. Guard strip rules for cable across joists or near the floor stayed the same.

2023 NEC®Revised

Attic protection rules for AC cable were reworded to cover framing members in general. The 7-foot and 6-foot rules still apply.

Open the 2023 page →
2026 NEC®No change

This section did not change from 2023 to 2026.

More 2020 changes in Article 320

This is a plain-English summary, not the NEC®'s exact wording. Always check the full section in the NEC® edition your area has adopted, plus any local amendments.

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