NEC 2026 Outdoor HVAC Rule
The new electrical code wants to protect you. It might just turn off your AC instead.
Every three years, the National Electrical Code (NEC) updates. Most of it is boring paperwork. But the 2026 update regarding outdoor HVAC units is something every homeowner needs to know about.
The New Rule: The code now strictly enforces GFCI protection for your outdoor AC unit. Ideally, this prevents shock hazards on wet ground. It’s a safety win.
The Reality (The Nuisance Trip): Here is the problem the inspectors won’t tell you: AC compressors and GFCI breakers don’t always get along. Motors naturally “leak” a tiny amount of current during startup. A standard GFCI sees that leak, thinks you are getting shocked, and kills the power.
The Solution: If you are installing a new unit this year, do not let a handyman just “swap the breaker.” You need a unit designed to be GFCI-compatible, or you need a specific “Hard Start Kit” to smooth out that electrical spike. If you don’t do it right, you’re going to wake up in a hot house because your breaker tripped for no reason.
We follow the code, but we also make sure your stuff actually works.
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