424.48 Heating cables in walls
What changed in 424.48
Heating cables can go in or behind walls if identified for it, GFCI and AFCI protected, grounded, and kept within 4 feet of the floor, starting January 1, 2026.
Point by point
- New section lets heating cable go in, on or behind a wall, unless 424.38(B) prohibits it.
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Get the whole breakdown
- 4 more points on exactly what changed
- The 2020 rule next to the 2023 rule, side by side
- 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®NewYou're here
Heating cables can go in or behind walls if identified for it, GFCI and AFCI protected, grounded, and kept within 4 feet of the floor, starting January 1, 2026.
2026 NEC®No change
This section did not change from 2023 to 2026.
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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