For more than 80 years, Chapter 8, covering communications systems, has not been subject to the requirements in chapters 1–7, except where the requirements are specifically referenced in Chapter 8. That has all changed with the revisions to Section 90.3 and Figure 90.3 in the 2026 NEC. The existing text in Section 90.3 in the 2026 NEC indicates that chapters 1–4 still apply generally, so there isn’t a change there. The third sentence was rewritten to state that chapters 5–8 may supplement or modify the requirements in chapters 1–8. This change means that Chapter 8 is no longer a standalone chapter. 

In addition, Chapter 8’s title has been changed from “Communications Systems” to “Communications Systems—Outside and Entering Buildings” in the 2026 NEC. This change makes it clear that Chapter 8 has specific limited-energy communications system installation requirements that apply external to the building and that may modify the limited-energy requirements in Chapter 7. In other words, Chapter 7 will contain communications system installation requirements for wiring inside of buildings, while Chapter 8 will cover communications systems outside and entering into buildings. 

This title change clarifies that Chapter 8 only applies to communication systems on the outside of buildings on overhead aerial wiring on poles or outside of buildings in underground installations with the cables directly buried or installed in raceways. 

Chapter 8 now consists of four articles. Article 800 covers the general requirements for communications systems installed outside of and entering buildings. Article 810 covers antenna systems. Article 820 covers community antenna television and radio distribution systems, and Article 830 covers network-powered broadband communications systems. All other communications systems installed in buildings are covered in Chapter 7. Chapter 7’s title has also been changed from “Special Conditions” to “Specific Conditions and Systems.”

Section 800.2 requires communications wires, such as distributing frame and jumper wires, to be listed as being resistant to the spread of fire. Based on 800.48, unlisted communications cables, outside plant CATV coaxial cable and conductive and nonconductive optical fiber cables are still acceptable in building spaces of up to 50 feet if entering into it. 

To use unlisted cables, all five of these requirements, as applicable, must be met: 

1. The length of the cable within the building, measured from its point of entrance, does not exceed 50 feet.
2. The cable enters the building from outside.
3. The unlisted outside plant communications cable is terminated in an enclosure or on a listed primary protector.
4. The unlisted outside plant CATV type coaxial cable is terminated at a grounding block. 
5. The unlisted conductive or nonconductive optical fiber cable is terminated in an enclosure. 

Most existing requirements for overhead outside wiring from pole to pole, pole spacing, climbing spaces, clearance requirements and location of communications wires below any power or lighting remain unchanged in the 2026 NEC. 

Part III of Article 800 dealing with grounding methods for communications cables entering into the building remains relatively unchanged in the 2026 edition.

Most communications system wiring for inside of buildings are in Chapter 7 in the 2026 NEC. General requirements for limited-­energy wiring methods and materials are covered in Article 720, such as the listing of communications system equipment. Article 722 covers listing requirements for limited-energy communications cabling, such as limited-use limited-energy cables, specialty-use limited-energy cables, general-­purpose limited-energy cables, riser limited-energy cables and plenum limited-­energy cables. 

All limited-energy cables must follow marking requirements in Section 722.100 and Table 722.100 with AWG size at least every 24 inches, the temperature rating where the insulation exceeds 60°C or 140°F, and the manufacturer’s name, trademark or other distinctive marking. The insulation’s voltage rating is not marked on cables to prevent potential confusion or incorrect use of the conductor in applications for which the insulated cable is not approved.

Article 723 provides installation requirements for raceways, cable routing assemblies and cable trays for limited-­energy systems. These wiring methods must be listed as resistant to the spread of fire and suitable for its specific use in ducts specifically fabricated for environmental air, in other spaces used for environmental air (ducts) and other areas.

Users must reevaluate how the 2026 NEC is used since communications systems are now part of its entirety.

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