in-20261118-IR-675260062FRA: INDIANA ELECTRICAL CODE UPDATES

TITLE 675 FIRE PREVENTION AND BUILDING SAFETY COMMISSION Final Rule LSA Document #26-62 DIGEST INDIANA ELECTRICAL CODE UPDATES Adds a new 675 IAC 17-1.9 concerning the 2026 Indiana Electrical Code. Repeals 675 IAC 17-1.8. Effective 30 days after filing the publisher. HISTORY Notice of First Public Comment Period: 20260311-IR-675260062FNA Regulatory Analysis submitted with Notice of First Public Comment Period: 20260617-IR-675260062RAA Date of First Hearing: April 16, 2026 Notice of Second Public Comment Period6: 20260617-IR-675260062SNA Regulatory Analysis submitted with Notice of Second Public Comment Period: 20260617-IR-675260062RAA Date of Second Hearing: July 23, 2026 SUMMARY/RESPONSE TO COMMENTS The Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission (the Commission) requested public comment from March 11, 2026, through April 10, 2026, and during the public hearing on April 16, 2026. Additionally, due to receiving substantive comments, the Commission further requested public comment from June 17, 2026, through July 17, 2026, and during the public hearing on July 23, 2026: Comment 1: This comment was regarding 675 IAC 17-1.9-23, which deletes Section 230.85; emergency disconnects for first responders. The commentor stated that this section of the code provides first responders with a disconnect means on the outside of the dwelling unit to allow for the quick disconnection of the utility power to the structure if needed in case of a fire or some other instance where removal of power is necessary. The commentor further stated that equipment shortages, which were discussed by the subcommittee, are no longer an issue. The commentor seeks to have Section 230.85 retained when Indiana adopts this proposed rule. Response 1: The Commission acknowledges the vital importances of maintaining the safety of first responders. Installation of this emergency disconnect is something that should be recommended for use. However, one-and two-family dwelling units supplied by a Feeder(s) or Branch Circuit(s) already require a means for disconnecting. Requiring an additional emergency disconnect on the exterior is an unnecessary expense. This would have a cost impact of $12,000,000. Comment 2: This comment addressed two (2) areas in the proposed rule. First, the commentor seeks the deletion of 675 IAC 17-1.9-11, regarding Section 210.8(F); outdoor outlets. The commentor seeks to have the expiration date of the HVAC exception for GFCI protection remain when Indiana adopts this proposed rule. The commentor states that high frequency GFCI devices address the problem of unwanted tripping. The commentor states that this technology has been in the works, and had been worked on, for six years. It is now finally coming and the commentor wants to make sure the residents of Indiana can take advantage of this technology The commentor further addressed 675 IAC 17-1.9-16, 675 IAC 17-1.9-17, 675 IAC 17-1.9-22 and regarding Section 215.18(A), 215.18(D), and 230.67; surge protection. The commentor seeks the adoption of the model code language. The commentor states that a lot of people think surge events are only caused by lightning, but they can be caused by lots of events. Even surge events internal to the home can cause damage to electronic equipment. The commentor further states this is not just a protection of property angle, which is fully acceptable within the scope of the NEC, but this is also concerned with life safety as well. Many of the electronics that are in the home, GFCI devices, fire alarm systems, single station and multi station smoke alarms, all of those are electronics that depend upon surge devices for protection Response 2: The Commission took extensive public comment regarding the expiration date of the HVAC exception for GFCI protection in Section 210.8(F). Due to continued concerns regarding the availability and compatibility of this new technology, the Commission determined that removal of the expiration date is appropriate. Regarding surge protection, the Commission determined that the deletion of the Section 215.18(A) requirement for surge protection to feeders supplying a dwelling unit is appropriate. This should be a business decision for the property owner. There would also be a cost impact of $81,000. The Commission further determined that deletion of the surge protection requirements in Sections 215.18(D) and 230.67 is appropriate, as it keeps the Indiana Electrical Code consistent with being an installation code. Comment 3: This commentor addressed 675 IAC 17-1.9-13 regarding Section 210.12(B); AFCI Protection. The commentor noted that House Bill 1001 prohibited requiring AFCIs in non-transient housing, which would be one and two family dwelling units. The commentor wanted to make clear that instead of being a cost impact of $7,500,000 with the General Assembly's actions this year, that becomes a $500,000 fiscal savings to take into consideration. Response 3: The Commission agrees with this comment and has made corresponding changes. Section 8 of Public Law 73 added IC 22-13-2-3.6. That new code section prohibits the Commission or another state agency from adopting rules requiring the installation of an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) in a Class 2 structure or a structure classified as an R-2 building occupancy classification under the Indiana building code constructed after June 30, 2026. This also eliminates the cost impact of $7,500,000. This proposed rule has been amended to add the deletion of Section 210.12(B) in 675 IAC 17-1.9-13. Comment 4: This commentor supported the removal of the expiration date of the HVAC exception for GFCI protection in Section 210.8(F). The commentor expressed concerns that the technology would not be widely available by September 1, 2026. Response 4: As stated in Response 2, above, the Commission agrees that the removal of the expiration date should remain in the proposed rule, 675 IAC 17-1.9-11. Comment 5: This commentor proposed amending Section 702.4(A) to add the language from the 2026 NEC Section 702.4(A)(3). This is regarding System capacity, and the commentor stated that the 2023 language does not account for multimode inverter-based systems evaluated for PCS overload control. Response 5: The Commission rejected this proposed change, as the language in the 2026 version of Section 702.4(A) references provisions that are not addressed in the 2023 model NEC. This would create internal inconsistency. Comment 6: The Commission received two (2) additional comments supporting the proposed rule, as drafted, and thanking the Commission for their work on this matter. Response 6: The Commission appreciates these comments and thanks these commentors for their involvement in this process. SECOND COMMENT PERIOD Comment 1: This comment was a continued request for the proposed rule to address multimode inverter-based systems. Response 1: The Commission rejects this proposed change, as the language in the 2026 version of Section 702.4(A) references provisions that are not addressed in the 2023 model NEC. This would create internal inconsistency. This adopted version of the rule is the same as or does not substantially differ from the last published version of the proposed rule. FINAL RULE Sec. 1. That certain document, being titled as National Electrical Code, 2023 Edition, first printing, published by the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, is hereby adopted by reference and made a part of the rule, except those portions amended and incorporated in sections 3 through 55 of this rule. Sec. 2. (a) This rule shall be known as the Indiana Electrical Code, 2026 Edition, and published, except for incorporated documents, by the department of homeland security, legal and code services, for general distribution and use under the title. For purposes of this rule, the term "this code", including incorporated documents, means the 2026 Indiana Electrical Code. (b) This rule, with the incorporated National Electrical Code, 2023 Edition, is available for review and reference at the Department of Homeland Security, 402 West Washington Street, Room W246, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Sec. 3. (a) Section 90.2 is amended to read as follows: Section (C) Installations Covered is amended as follows: (b) Section (D) Installations Not Covered is amended as follows: Sec. 4. Section 90.4 is deleted in its entirety and inserted to read as follows: Sec. 5. Section 90.8 is deleted in its entirety and without substitution. Sec. 6. Amend Article 100 Definitions as follows: Sec. 7. Section 110.15 is amended by adding an informational note that reads as follows: Sec. 8. Section 110.26(A)(1)(b) is amended by deleting "By special permission" and inserting to read as follows: When approved Sec. 9. In Section 210.8(A): Sec. 10. In Section 210.8(A)(5), delete line (5) Basements and insert to read as follows: Sec. 11. In Section 210.8(F), delete the last line of Exception No. 2 in its entirety without substitution. Sec. 12. In Section 210.11(C): Sec. 13. Delete Sections 210.12(B) and 210.12(E) in their entirety without substitution. Sec. 14. Delete the text in the Exception and insert to read as follows: Sec. 15. Delete the text of 210.52(I) and insert to read as follows: Sec. 16. Section 215.18(A) is amended as follows: Sec. 17. Delete Section 215.18(D) in its entirety without substitution. Sec. 18. Section 225.30(C) is amended by deleting "By special permission" and inserting to read as follows: Where approved Sec. 19. Delete Section 225.41 in its entirety without substitution. Sec. 20. Delete Section 225.42(D) in its entirety without substitution. Sec. 21. Amend Section 230.2 as follows: Sec. 22. Delete Section 230.67(D) in its entirety without substitution. Sec. 23. Delete Section 230.85 in its entirety without substitution. Sec. 24. In sub-paragraph (D), in the last line, delete "250.24(C)(1)". Sec. 25. Delete the text in Section 250.52(A)(5)(2) and insert to read as follows: Sec. 26. Amend Section 250.90 by adding an Exception to read as follows: Sec. 27. Amend Section 250.104(A)(1) as follows: Sec. 28. Amend Section 250.110 by deleting "If exempted by special permission" in Exception No. 1 and inserting to read as follows: Where approved. Sec. 29. Amend Section 250.114 by deleting "exempted by special permission" in Exception No. 2 to (2) and inserting to read as follows: where approved Sec. 30. Amend Section 250.122(D)(2) by deleting "430.52(C)(1), Exception No. 1" and inserting "430.52(C)(1)(a)". Sec. 31. Add Section 300.3(D) titled "Separation from Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing" and insert text to read as follows: Sec. 32. Amend Section 314.16(B)(2) by deleting the last line of the paragraph and inserting to read as follows: Sec. 33. Amend Section 372.20 by deleting "by special permission" and inserting to read as follows: where approved. Sec. 34. Amend Section 374.20 by deleting "by special permission" and inserting to read as follows: where approved. Sec. 35. Amend Section 394.10 as follows: Sec. 36. Amend Section 395.30(C)(3) by deleting "490.24(a)" and inserting "495.24". Sec. 37. Amend Section 422.5(A) as follows: Sec. 38. Amend Section 430.22(E) by deleting "the authority having jurisdiction grants special permission for" and inserting to read as follows: special permission is granted for. Sec. 39. Amend Section 430.111(B)(3) by deleting "by special permission" and inserting to read as follows: when approved. Sec. 40. Amend Section 500.8(E) by inserting a sentence at the end of the paragraph to read as follows: Sec. 41. Amend Section 501.15(D) by deleting "501.15(D)(2) through (D)(3)" and inserting "501.15(D)(1) through (D)(3)". Sec. 42. Amend 505.9(E) by inserting a sentence at the end of the paragraph to read as follows: Sec. 43. Amend Section 513.7(F) by deleting "FT" in the second warning label and inserting "METERS". Sec. 44. Amend Section 513.10(B) by deleting the third warning label in its entirety without substitution. Sec. 45. Amend Section 517.71(C) by deleting "490" and inserting "495". Sec. 46. Amend Section 550.18(B), sub-paragraph (3), by deleting "Table 550.18(B)" and inserting "550.18(B)(2)". Sec. 47. Amend Section 600.1 by adding, after "voltage" in the first sentence, the following: for electric signs and outline lighting as defined in Article 100 of this code that are within or connected to Class 1 or Class 2 buildings or structures. Sec. 48. Amend Section 600.3 by deleting "by special permission" without substitution. Sec. 49. Amend Section 680.26(A) as follows: Sec. 50. Amend Section 680.26(B)(2) as follows: Sec. 51. Amend Section 695.4(B)(3), sub-paragraph (e)(3), by deleting "(f)" and inserting "(4)". Sec. 52. Amend Section 701.12(I) by deleting "701.12(H)" and inserting "700.12(H)". Sec. 53. Amend Section 702.4(A)(2) by deleting "(B)(2)(b)" and inserting to read as follows: (A)(2)(b). Sec. 54. Amend Section 706.1 as follows: Sec. 55. Amend Informative Annex C by updating the "Conduit, Tubing, and Cable Tray Fill Tables for Conductors and Fixture Wires of the Same Size" table as follows: Table Page C.1 - Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) 744 C.1(A)* - Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) 777 C.2 - Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT) 778 C.2(A)* - Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT) 781 C.3 - Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC) 782 C.3(A)* - Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC) 785 C.4 - Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) 786 C.4(A)* - Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) 789 C.5 - Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC-A) 790 C.5(A)* - Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC-A) 793 C.6 - Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC-B) 794 C.6(A)* - Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC-B) 797 C.7 - Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC-C) 798 C.7(A) - Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC-C) 802 C.8 - Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC) 803 C.8(A)* - Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC) 806 C.9 - Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) 807 C.9(A)* - Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) 810 C.10 - Rigid PVC, Conduit Schedule 80 811 C.10(A)* - Rigid PVC, Conduit Schedule 80 814 C.11 - Rigid PVC Conduit, Schedule 40 and HDPE Conduit 815 C.11(A)* - Rigid PVC Conduit, Schedule 40 and HDPE Conduit 818 C.12 - Type A, Rigid PVC Conduit 819 C.12(A)* - Type A, Rigid PVC Conduit 822 C.13 - Type EB, PVC Conduit 823 C.13(A)* - Type EB, PVC Conduit 826 C.14 - Type MC Cables Permitted in Cable Tray 827 C.15 - Type MC Cables Permitted in Cable Tray 828 C.16 - Type TC Cables Permitted in Cable Tray 829 C.17 - Type TC Cables Permitted in Cable Tray 830 C.18 - Single Conductor Cables Permitted in Cable Tray 831 C.19 - Single Conductor Cables Permitted in Cable Tray 832 C.20 - Single Conductor Cables Permitted in Cable Tray 833 LSA Document #26-062 Notice of First Public Comment Period: March 11, 2026 Last Hearing Held: June 23, 2026 Approved by Attorney General: October 7, 2026 Approved by Governor: October 19, 2026 Filed with Publisher: October 23, 2026, 10:04 a.m. Documents Incorporated by Reference: NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2023 Edition Small Business Regulatory Coordinator: Alyssa Schroeder, Legislative Director, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, 302 West Washington Street, Room E208, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 775-2607 aschroeder1@dhs.in.gov