DECIPHERING THE 2026 NEC: THE LIMITED ENERGY REORGANIZATION The 2026 NEC update reflects one of the most significant shifts for ICT infrastructure in a generation. Historically, Article 725 was a catch-all of sorts for remote-control, signaling, and power- limited circuits. The reorganization streamlines this, recognizing that FMP and high-wattage PoE are no longer niche technologies – they are the new standard.
or a lethal shock. It is, quite literally, "touch-safe" high power. FMP systems accomplish this important safety action by constantly monitoring for a variety of faults. This rapid response time is critical for limiting the energy that goes into a fault and therefore mitigating the risks of fire and electric shock. This operating methodology permits FMP to deliver high power. Because it responds to a wide variety of electrical faults quickly, limiting the energy delivered into a fault, there is no need to limit the source energy. Therefore, very high-power delivery occurs safely. FMP systems continuously monitor the FMP power circuit for these faults: • Overcurrent conditions • Short circuits • Line-to-line faults • Ground faults • Arc faults • Any other condition that presents a fire or shock hazard
system, preventing the system itself from being a source of hazard. Given this sophisticated fault- management architecture, FMP provides the safety benefits of a source-limited technology such as PoE while delivering power capacity on par with traditional high voltage systems. In doing so, at least three key benefits are realized: 1. Safer installations : FMP’s capabilities eliminate the need for stringent wiring methods like conduit in Class 1 circuits. Class 4 FMP circuits use the same flexible infrastructure practices as Class 2 circuits. 2. Higher power capacity : Class 2 and Class 3 systems have strict power limits to maintain their inherent safety. FMP systems have no power limit,
A good way to think about FMP capability is “kilowatts over kilometers.” All current FMP systems use pulsed DC power. Normative standards for FMP do not preclude other power formats besides pulsed DC. Pulsed DC power is simply the contemporary. The NEC sets the operating voltage limit for Class 4 power (FMP) at 450 V. That is a staggering difference from PoE’s upper limit of 56 V. Does that mean that PoE has had its day in the sun? Absolutely not. There is no better way to supply communications and DC power to end devices. PoE gets the job done well “locally,” but it needs help to succeed at an enterprise-wide scale. The PoE switches draw sufficient power from the FMP circuits to operate the switching function and power the PoE ports, creating an energy and networking solution with exceptional performance and capabilities. This architecture also delivers exceptional flexibility. The optical fiber uplinks and FMP power cables can go up to 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) in length. Additionally, FMP delivers unsurpassed configuration flexibility to locate network assets where it is most convenient without the restriction of proximity to a telecommunications room (TR) or available building main’s power.
Why the Change Matters
1. Streamlined Design : The new structure clarifies the distinctions between Class 2, Class 3, and the burgeoning Class 4 (FMP) systems. This removes
the ambiguity that often leads to "over- engineering" systems out of caution.
meaning they can deliver hundreds, even thousands of watts over long distances.
2. Simplified Inspections : By creating a more logical hierarchy for limited energy systems, the Code provides inspectors with a clearer roadmap. This
3. Improved efficiency : Class 4 systems transmit power more efficiently over long cable runs, reducing energy loss, a positive benefit for energy costs and sustainability goals.
reduces the friction between installers and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), thus accelerating project timelines.
FMP also oversees its own monitoring and control
Feature
Class 2 (Power-Limited)
Class 4 (Fault-Managed)
Safety Philosophy
Passive/Inherent : Limits power at the source so it cannot start a fire
Active/Intelligent : Constantly monitors for faults and cuts power in milliseconds
Max Power Output
100 watts (VA)
Unlimited (typically hundreds to thousands of watts)
Max Voltage
60 V DC/30 V AC (general limits)
Up to 450 V DC/AC (peak line-to-line)
Primary Risk Mitigation
Low energy prevents ignition and lethal shock
Real-time monitoring prevents energy discharge into a fault
Typical Application
PoE, thermostats, security sensors 5G small cells, smart building backbones, EV chargers
Cabling Requirement
Class 2 (CL2) rated
Class 4 (CL4) rated (UL 1400-2)
FIGURE 1 : A network architecture using FMP systems to distribute power and data to remote PoE switches and devices. Source: Panduit
TABLE 2 : Comparison of Class 2 (Power-Limited) and Class 4 (Fault-Managed) Electrical Systems.
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ICT TODAY
April/May/June 2026
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