NEC® Changes · 2020 NEC®

500.8 Hazardous location equipment

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

What changed in 500.8

New 500.8(G) requires the ignition risk from LED and laser light sources to be considered in Division-classified locations.

Point by point

  • New 500.8(G) covers equipment that gives off optical radiation, such as LED and laser sources.

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  • 3 more points on exactly what changed
  • The 2017 rule next to the 2020 rule, side by side
  • Why it changed
  • What to do and check on the job

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This section across NEC® editions

2020 NEC®RevisedYou're here

New 500.8(G) requires the ignition risk from LED and laser light sources to be considered in Division-classified locations.

2023 NEC®Revised

Operating temperatures in Class III areas are addressed, and laser and optical fiber rules were clarified.

Open the 2023 page →
2026 NEC®Revised

Equipment that gives off optical radiation is addressed.

Open the 2026 page →

More 2020 changes in Article 500

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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