NEC® Changes · 2020 NEC®

555.5 Maximum voltage

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

What changed in 555.5

Pier power distribution is now capped at 250 volts phase to phase, down from 600, unless qualified people service it under engineering supervision.

Point by point

  • Pier power distribution can't go over 250 volts phase to phase.

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  • One more point on exactly what changed
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This section across NEC® editions

2020 NEC®RevisedYou're here

Pier power distribution is now capped at 250 volts phase to phase, down from 600, unless qualified people service it under engineering supervision.

2023 NEC®No change

This section did not change from 2020 to 2023.

2026 NEC®Revised

The voltage cap for pier power distribution went back up, from 250 volts to 600 volts phase-to-phase.

Open the 2026 page →

More 2020 changes in Article 555

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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