500.8 Hazardous location equipment
What changed in 500.8
Equipment that gives off optical radiation is addressed.
Point by point
- New 500.8(G) covers equipment with optical radiation sources, like lasers, fiber optic devices and other focused light beams.
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- 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
New 500.8(G) requires the ignition risk from LED and laser light sources to be considered in Division-classified locations.
Open the 2020 page →2023 NEC®Revised
Operating temperatures in Class III areas are addressed, and laser and optical fiber rules were clarified.
Open the 2023 page →2026 NEC®RevisedYou're here
Equipment that gives off optical radiation is addressed.
More 2026 changes in Article 500
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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