NEC® Changes · 2023 NEC®

334.15 NM cable exposed work

RevisedChanged in the 2023 NEC® (from the 2020 NEC®)· Updated October 24, 2026

What changed in 334.15

When NM is sleeved in conduit or tubing to protect it from damage, the sleeve now needs a bushing or adapter to protect the jacket.

Point by point

  • Where exposed NM can be damaged, protect it with RMC, IMC, EMT, Schedule 80 PVC, RTRC-XW, or another approved method.

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Get the whole breakdown

  • 2 more points on exactly what changed
  • The 2020 rule next to the 2023 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®No change

This section did not change from 2017 to 2020.

2023 NEC®RevisedYou're here

When NM is sleeved in conduit or tubing to protect it from damage, the sleeve now needs a bushing or adapter to protect the jacket.

2026 NEC®No change

This section did not change from 2023 to 2026.

More 2023 changes in Article 334

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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