2026 NEC Analysis of Changes - Part 4 - Article 645 through Chapter 9

This online course analyzes the major changes to the National Electrical Code (NEC®) for the 2026 cycle. Members of the eighteen NEC® code-making panels contributed to the development of the authoritative text used in this online course.

The course covers more than 110 of the most significant code changes from Article 645 through Chapter 9. Specifically, the course examines specific conditions and systems, communications systems, tables and informative annexes.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Describe code changes to limited energy cables
• Describe code changes to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
• Describe codes changes to communication systems outside and entering buildings
• Describe optional standby systems code changes
• Discuss class 1, 2, and 3 power-limited circuits code changes
• Discuss code changes reacted to swimming pools, fountains and similar installations
• Discuss code changes related to legally required standby systems
• Discuss code changes related to stand-alone systems
• Explain code changes to limited-energy overcurrent protection, and grounding and bonding
• Explain emergency systems code changes
• Explain information technology equipment codes changes
• Explain limited-energy system power sources code changes
• Identify code changes related to fire pumps
• Identify code changes to class 4 fault-managed power systems
• Identify code changes to energy storage systems and critical operations power systems (COPS)
• Summarize code change to natural and artificially made bodies of water
• Summarize code changes related to Chapter 9 tables and informative annexes
• Summarize code changes to general requirements for limited-energy system wiring methods and materials
• Summarize code changes to interconnected electric power production services
• Understand code changes related to fire alarm systems
• Understand code changes to limited energy systems raceways, cable routing assemblies and cable trays
• Understand fuel cell systems code changes

Mike Ornoski

Mike Ornoski has been with the City of Phoenix since 2004 and in total has 34 years of experience in the electrical and construction industry, Mike Ornoski brings unmatched expertise and leadership to his role with the City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department (PDD) and the Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA).

Mike’s career began with an electrical apprenticeship with the ABA, leading to roles as an electrician, electrical foreman, and owner/operator of an electrical contracting business before transitioning into public service as an Electrical Inspector and later as an Electrical Inspections Field Supervisor with the City of Phoenix.

Since 2014, Mike has managed PDD’s commercial inspection team, which includes specialists in fire, structural, plumbing, mechanical, combination (PBI), and electrical inspections. In this role, he works closely with the development community to ensure projects meet code compliance and progress smoothly.

Mike excels at managing complex construction projects, collaborating with inspectors, developers, contractors, owners, and design professionals to solve problems and keep projects on track. He also has 12 years of teaching electrical code (NEC). Electrical instructor for the Arizona Building Officials (AZBO) teaching commercial, industrial and residential electrical code classes. He is also a contributing publication code review editor for the Soares Grounding and Bonding & One- and Two-Family book publications through Independent Alliance of the Electrical Industry.