NEC® Changes · 2023 NEC®

700.4 Emergency system capacity

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

What changed in 700.4

Emergency system capacity now has to cover rapid load changes and transients, and a new subsection sets the rules for running emergency sources in parallel.

Point by point

  • (A) Capacity is still figured by Article 220 or an AHJ-approved method, and now must cover rapid load changes and transient power needs.

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  • 4 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®Revised

Emergency system capacity is now based on an Article 220 load calculation or another approved method.

Open the 2020 page →
2023 NEC®RevisedYou're here

Emergency system capacity now has to cover rapid load changes and transients, and a new subsection sets the rules for running emergency sources in parallel.

2026 NEC®Revised

Commissioning was clarified, digital records are allowed, and the temporary connection rule was clarified.

Open the 2026 page →

More 2023 changes in Article 700

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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