2026 National Electrical Code with 10-amps

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In the 2023 National Electrical Code a permissive rule introduced a new branch circuit rating of 10 amperes. This has raised some questions about what size conductor would be required and where the 10-amp branch circuit would be permitted? Can aluminum or copper-clad aluminum (CCA) be used for branch circuit conductors? What does a 10-amp receptacle look like? Are these 10-amp circuits restricted for use in dwelling units only?

The 10-amp branch circuit was originally intended to allow for better overload protection for branch circuits with the newer, energy saving, LED luminaires. LED technologies are expanding everywhere. The luminaries operate longer, brighter, cooler, and with much lower energy consumption. Having LED lighting equipment protected by 15- or 20-amp branch circuits can be dangerously overrated for most installations. 15- or 20-amp circuits for LED lighting might only protect against short-circuits or ground-faults without overload protection.

There has been clarification in the 2026 NEC regarding the illusive 10-amp branch circuit. The 2026 NEC changes reflect a more practical and realistic application of the Code.

When first introduced in the previous Code edition, the 10-amp branch circuit was permitted in all occupancies but only for lighting circuits. Receptacles, garage door openers and laundry equipment are not permitted on 10-amp branch circuits. Although you may find a 10-amp rated plugs or cord caps, you cannot find a receptacle rating on NEMA’s receptacle/plug charts less than 15 amps. As a contractor, I started to think about how I could install and save money by utilizing this newfound smaller ampacity branch circuit? In the 2023 NEC, the smallest size conductor permitted for the 10-amp was still a 14 AWG copper or a 12 AWG aluminum or CCA conductor. So where is the savings?

The 2026 NEC brings clarity to the rules by allowing for a 16 AWG, copper or a 14 AWG, Aluminum or CCA. Receptacles are still not permitted, and this circuit is required to supply only lighting circuits and exhaust fans on lighting circuits for dwelling unit bathrooms and laundry rooms. Additional clarity is found in the exception for 210.22 which prohibits a receptacle on an individual branch circuit rated at 10 amperes.

How might this effect installations to branch circuits in dwellings or other occupancies? First of all, I cannot find 16 AWG, copper, Nonmetallic Cable, Type-NM cable. (Romex) It appears that the cable manufactures have not kept up with the changes at least for wiring of dwellings. Copper-Clad Aluminum is produced by CopperWeld® with the smallest size at 12 AWG at this time. Section 334.104, for Romex, and 330.104 for Type MC cable, of the 2026 NEC permits the smallest copper conductor to be 16 AWG and the smallest aluminum or CCA conductors to be 14 AWG which does align with the branch circuit summary tables of 210.24(1) and (2).

With the exception of non-dwelling type occupancies, I do not see the 10-amp circuit being utilized anytime soon. The 10-amp circuit breaker is not available in a listed Arc-Fault protective device (AFCI) yet. Romex is not yet available in sizes smaller than 14 AWG copper or 12 AWG Alum. or CCA.

As for other occupancies? I can see the installation of 10-amp lighting circuits for commercial and industrial establishments. Where lighting circuits are installed and conduits are used, then 14 AWG, copper or 12 AWG, aluminum could be used for lighting circuits under both the 2023 and the new 2026 NEC, which could save money. When the 2026 NEC is finally adopted in your jurisdiction, maybe then the products required for a compliant installation will be available.