210.5 Identifying branch circuits
What changed in 210.5
New rule for premises with only one voltage system: hot conductors just have to be told apart from neutrals and grounds. Feeders got a similar change.
Point by point
- 210.5(C) now has its own rule for premises whose branch circuits come from only one nominal voltage system.
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Get the whole breakdown
- 3 more points on exactly what changed
- The 2023 rule next to the 2026 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
Hot conductors from different voltage systems are now marked by phase or line plus system voltage class, and systems sharing a voltage class can use one scheme.
Open the 2020 page →2023 NEC®No change
This section did not change from 2020 to 2023.
2026 NEC®RevisedYou're here
New rule for premises with only one voltage system: hot conductors just have to be told apart from neutrals and grounds. Feeders got a similar change.
More 2026 changes in Article 210
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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