Low Voltage to Limited Energy

The Shift From “Low Voltage” to “Limited Energy”: Understanding NEC 2026

The National Electrical Code® (NEC) 2026 introduces a major terminology and structural update that reshapes how the industry classifies and governs power‑limited and communications systems. The long‑used phrase “low voltage” has been officially replaced with “limited energy,” reflecting the convergence of ICT and electrical systems and the need for clearer, more accurate definitions.

Why the NEC Retired the Term “Low Voltage”

For decades, “low voltage” was used inconsistently across industries. Electric utility workers consider 120 volts “low,” while ICT professionals do not. As technologies like PoE, Class 4 fault‑managed power, and intelligent building systems expanded, the old terminology no longer reflected real‑world applications or safety expectations.

NEC 2026 resolves this by introducing a formal definition for Limited‑Energy Cable in Article 100. This definition now anchors all related requirements throughout the code, eliminating ambiguity and aligning terminology with modern system behavior.

A New Code Structure for a Converged Industry

One of the most significant changes is the removal of Chapter 8’s historical independence. Communications systems are no longer exempt from Chapters 1–7. Instead, limited‑energy systems now fall under a reorganized structure that includes:

• Articles 720–723 for wiring methods, materials, power sources, and routing
• Article 742 for overvoltage protection
• Article 750 for grounding and bonding

This reorganization acknowledges that ICT and electrical systems now share pathways, power sources, and safety considerations. The code now reflects the reality of converged infrastructure.

Industry Impact: What Changes and What Doesn’t

The shift to limited‑energy terminology affects every part of the ecosystem. Designers must update specifications. Installers must align wiring methods and documentation with the new structure. AHJs will apply a more consistent interpretive framework. Workforce development programs must revise training materials. Manufacturers will need to update labeling and product literature.

This is not a cosmetic vocabulary update. It is a structural realignment that will influence design, installation, inspection, and long‑term industry acceptance.

FAQ: Limited‑Energy Terminology (NEC 2026)

What does “limited energy” mean?
“Limited energy” is the NEC’s new, formally defined category for circuits and cabling that operate at power levels low enough to present reduced shock and fire hazards. It replaces the vague “low voltage” label and now covers Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 circuits, as well as optical fiber, broadband, fire alarm, and premises communications cabling. The definition in Article 100 gives the industry a single, consistent term that applies across all relevant articles, ensuring designers, installers, and AHJs are speaking the same language. It also reflects the reality that modern ICT systems often carry both power and data, and therefore require clearer classification for safety, routing, and inspection.

Why did the NEC replace “low voltage”?
The term “low voltage” had become misleading and inconsistent. In the electrical world, 120 volts is considered low. In the ICT world, it is not. This mismatch created confusion in design documents, inspections, and training programs. By shifting to “limited energy,” the NEC provides a precise, code‑defined term tied to actual power limitations and hazard levels—not just voltage. This helps eliminate misinterpretation, aligns with modern technologies like PoE and Class 4, and ensures that safety requirements match the real behavior of the systems being installed.

What happened to Chapter 8?
Chapter 8 is no longer independent. Historically, communications systems operated outside the rules of Chapters 1–7, which govern electrical wiring methods. NEC 2026 removes that exemption. Now, ICT systems must follow the same structural rules for routing, protection, support, and installation as other wiring systems. This change reflects the convergence of electrical and communications infrastructure and ensures that all wiring in a building is evaluated under a unified safety framework. It also reduces inspection disputes by giving AHJs a clearer, more consistent basis for enforcement.

Does this affect PoE and Class 4 systems?
Yes—significantly. PoE and Class 4 fault‑managed power systems fall squarely under the limited‑energy umbrella. NEC 2026 reorganizes the articles governing these systems so that power delivery, cable ratings, routing, and protection requirements are aligned with the new terminology. For PoE, this means clearer expectations around cable heating, bundling, and installation practices. For Class 4, it means the code now treats fault‑managed power as a defined limited‑energy system with specific rules for safety, grounding, and overcurrent protection. The result is a more predictable and enforceable framework for both emerging and established technologies.

Will this change how systems are designed or installed?
In many cases, yes. Because limited‑energy systems now fall under the reorganized structure of Articles 720–723, designers and installers must follow updated rules for routing, mechanical protection, grounding, bonding, and separation from other systems. This may affect pathway selection, cable support methods, enclosure requirements, and how mixed‑voltage environments are handled. The shift also encourages closer coordination between electrical and ICT teams, since both now operate under a more unified code structure. While many day‑to‑day practices will feel familiar, the underlying compliance expectations are more clearly defined—and more consistently enforced.

Will AHJs enforce this differently?
Yes, and in a way that benefits everyone. With clearer definitions and a unified structure, AHJs now have a more consistent basis for evaluating limited‑energy installations. The removal of Chapter 8’s independence means inspectors will apply the same interpretive framework used for electrical wiring methods, reducing ambiguity and eliminating the “gray areas” that often led to inconsistent enforcement. Contractors should expect more predictable inspections, but also more scrutiny in areas like routing, protection, and grounding where ICT systems were previously treated differently.

Do contractors need to update their terminology?
They do. “Limited energy” is now the official NEC term and will appear in specifications, submittals, training materials, and inspection reports. Continuing to use “low voltage” can create confusion, especially as more stakeholders adopt the new language. Updating terminology also helps align teams internally—designers, installers, estimators, and project managers all benefit from speaking the same code‑accurate language. As the industry transitions, using “limited energy” signals professionalism, code literacy, and awareness of the 2026 changes.