NEC 2026: Arc Flash Labels Are Now Required
Get your P.E. reviewed Arc-Flash Study and Code-Compliant Labels to meet NEC 2026 and NFPA 70E requirements.
Earlier NEC editions only specified arc flash label requirements on large service equipment, typically above 1000 amps. Now, Section 110.16 — Arc-Flash Hazard Marking — extends the rule to nearly every non-residential system: switchboards, switchgear, control panels, meter sockets, panelboards, and motor-control centers.
Residential homes are exempt, but offices, plants, hospitals, data centers, and schools are not.
The 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC) marks one of the biggest electrical safety changes in decades. For the first time, detailed arc flash hazard labels are mandatory on nearly all commercial and industrial electrical equipment — not just a few large pieces of gear.
Any equipment that could be examined, serviced, or maintained while energized must now have a permanent, compliant arc flash label. If it can be accessed live, it must be labeled.
What's Changing
In earlier NEC editions, labeling was only specified to large service equipment rated at 1000 amps and higher, and even then, most labels provided only a generic warning. That limited approach is no longer acceptable under the 2026 code.
The addition of the arc flash assessment date is significant — it reinforces NFPA 70E’s five-year review cycle and holds companies accountable for keeping studies current. Labels must also be durable and field-applied, so inspectors and workers can rely on them long after installation.
Every Label Now Needs
Nominal system voltage
Arc-flash boundary distance
Date of the arc-flash assessment
Incident energy (cal/cm²) or required PPE level
Generic “Warning – Arc Flash Hazard” stickers won’t pass inspection.
Why It Matters
Because nearly every U.S. state adopts the NEC, these changes will quickly become enforceable wherever the 2026 edition is adopted. Local inspectors (AHJs) will verify compliance during installation and modification, and OSHA can cite employers under the General Duty Clause for unlabeled electrical hazards.
For your facility, that means:
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Arc flash compliance is now code. Passing inspections will depend on accurate, specific, and up-to-date labels.
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Arc flash studies are essential. Each label’s data must reflect verified results from a Professional Engineer.
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Training must match the labels. Workers need to understand and apply the information on every piece of equipment.
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Updates are ongoing. The visible date on each label reminds everyone when the next study is due.
This isn’t just about passing inspection — it’s about giving every worker clear, reliable information before they approach energized gear.
When Does NEC 2026 Apply in My State?
Every state adopts the NEC on a different schedule. Get a quick email summary of when your state is expected to adopt the 2026 code.
Preparing For Adoption
Many states will begin adopting the 2026 NEC as early as late 2025. Preparing now ensures your electrical safety program, studies, and labeling stay compliant when inspectors arrive. A proactive review today prevents rushed updates, costly downtime, and safety gaps later.
Arc-Flash Study & Incident Energy Analysis
We perform P.E. -reviewed arc-flash studies to determine incident energy, boundaries, and PPE requirements for your electrical equipment.
NEC 2026-Compliant Arc-Flash Labels
Durable, field-applied labels showing voltage, boundary, incident energy or PPE, and the assessment date.
Multi-Site Rollouts & Label Standardization
Consistent labeling and reports for multiple facilities. Stay compliant and inspection-ready.
Things To Know
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I need a new Arc-Flash Study for NEC 2026?
If your study is over 5 years old or you've added or changed equipment, you'll need an updated study to keep your labels accurate.
What must my Arc-Flash Labels show under NEC 2026?
They must include voltage, arc-flash boundary, incident energy (or PPE), and the study date.
Are residential buildings included?
Most residential work is exempt. These changes mainly affect commercial and industrial facilities.
Keeping Your Facilities Compliant with Herzig Engineering
From code updates to field application, we make compliance clear, consistent, and verifiable.
Herzig Engineering has been helping organizations stay ahead of NFPA and NEC code changes for more than two decades. Our team combines engineering precision with field experience to make compliance straightforward and defensible. Every study we deliver is P.E.-reviewed, field-verified, and designed to meet both NEC 2026 and NFPA 70E requirements.
We collect all system data in-house using licensed electricians, ensuring accuracy from the start. Labels are applied consistently across every facility, and our engineers identify opportunities to reduce incident energy through coordination and mitigation.
For companies with multiple sites, we centralize programs and reporting so every location stays aligned — and every inspection goes smoothly. In short, we make electrical safety compliance practical, consistent, and built to last.
The Bottom Line
The NEC 2026 update closes the gap between code compliance and real-world safety. Arc flash labels now do more than warn — they inform. Workers will see the exact voltage, boundary, and PPE requirements before they ever touch energized equipment.
Herzig Engineering is here to make sure your facility leads that change — not reacts to it.
Let’s make sure your team and your equipment are ready for NEC 2026 — and that every worker Goes Home Safely.
Request your NEC 2026 Compliance Plan