Texas electrical professionals have an important date to mark on their calendars.

On July 28, 2026, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation voted unanimously to adopt the 2026 National Electrical Code as the statewide electrical code. The new code will take effect September 1, 2026.

The announcement appeared in the inaugural issue of The Texas Circuit, a new monthly newsletter from TDLR State Deputy Chief Electrical Inspector Josh Hall.

What Is Changing?

Beginning September 1, 2026:

  • The 2026 NEC will become the statewide minimum standard for non-exempt electrical work in Texas.
  • The change applies to work performed both within municipal boundaries and in unincorporated areas.
  • Texas electrical licensing examinations will be based on the 2026 NEC.
  • Texas will retain an amendment to NEC Section 210.8(F) that does not require GFCI protection for outlets supplying listed outdoor dwelling HVAC equipment.

The HVAC exception addresses continuing concerns about incompatibility and nuisance tripping involving certain HVAC equipment and Class A GFCI protection. The adopted Texas amendment removes the September 1, 2026, expiration from the exception for listed HVAC equipment.

Which Code Applies to a Project?

The applicable code edition may depend on when the work or permitting process begins.

According to TDLR’s electrical compliance guidance, when no permit is required, an installation follows the state-adopted code in effect on the date electrical materials or equipment begin to be installed. When a permit is required, the installation generally follows the state-adopted code in effect when the permit is obtained.

Municipalities may establish permitting requirements and adopt local amendments to the state-adopted NEC. Contractors and electricians should continue checking with the applicable authority having jurisdiction before beginning work.

What Contractors Should Do Now

Electrical contractors should begin preparing for the transition by:

  • Obtaining 2026 NEC codebooks and reference materials.
  • Updating internal specifications, estimating resources, and field documentation.
  • Reviewing significant changes with supervisors, foremen, and field employees.
  • Confirming the applicable code edition and local amendments with each authority having jurisdiction.
  • Ensuring employees preparing for a licensing examination study from the correct NEC edition.

IEC Fort Worth Is Preparing for the Transition

IEC Fort Worth has already begun transitioning its continuing education, code-change training, and instructional materials to the 2026 NEC. The upcoming school year integrates the 2026 into the curriculum. School starts September 1!

We will continue providing training and resources to help electrical contractors, licensed electricians, instructors, apprentices, and exam candidates understand the changes and prepare for the September 1 implementation date.

Watch the IEC Fort Worth training calendar for upcoming 2026 NEC continuing education and code-update classes.

For additional regulatory information, visit the TDLR Electricians Program website.