NEC 2026 Grounding and Bonding Changes: What Electricians Need to Order Differently

The 2026 National Electrical Code is now published, and jurisdictions will start adopting it through 2026 and 2027. Article 250 saw more revision than in the previous two cycles. Below is what changed, what stayed, and what it means for the material list on a service or a commercial ground ring. Always confirm which edition your AHJ enforces; many are still on 2020 or 2023.

Irreversible compression is now the default below grade

250.64(C) and 250.70 keep the language that grounding electrode conductor splices must be made with irreversible compression connectors listed as grounding and bonding equipment, or by exothermic welding. The 2026 text removes an exception that some inspectors read as allowing listed mechanical connectors on the buried run when accessible. If the splice or tap is below grade or inside concrete, plan on Figure 6, Figure 8 or C-tap compression connectors rated UL 467 and IEEE 837, and on a hydraulic crimper with the matching die.

Ground rod clamps: one rod, one clamp, listed for direct burial

250.70 continues to require a clamp listed for direct burial when the connection is buried, and 250.53(A)(1) still requires rods to be at least 8 ft with a 5/8 in minimum for listed copper-bonded rods. The practical change is enforcement: inspectors are increasingly rejecting the zinc acorn clamp on an 8 ft rod that will be covered. Bronze direct-burial clamps cost a few dollars more and end the conversation.

Table 250.66 and the aluminum GEC

The GEC sizing table is unchanged, but 250.64(A) tightened the language on aluminum and copper-clad aluminum GECs: they cannot be terminated within 18 in of earth and cannot be used outdoors where in contact with masonry. For most services that means a copper GEC, and for a 400 A service on 500 kcmil copper feeders that is a 1/0 AWG copper GEC to the rod and a 3/0 to the water pipe, so stock split bolts and pipe clamps in those ranges.

Bonding metal water piping and CSST

250.104 now explicitly references bonding of corrugated stainless steel tubing gas piping per the manufacturer and the fuel gas code, with a minimum 6 AWG copper bonding jumper. Pipe clamps with a lay-in lug that accept 6 AWG through 2 AWG cover both the water and gas bonds with one part.

Intersystem bonding termination

250.94 still requires the intersystem bonding termination at the service for communications, CATV and satellite grounds, with at least three terminals. The change is a clarification that it must be accessible and listed. Ground bars with 4 to 14 AWG positions mounted on the enclosure, or a dedicated IBT block, satisfy it.

What to add to the truck stock

• 5/8 in x 8 ft copper-bonded rods, and 3/4 in x 10 ft for rocky soil where you will drive at an angle
• Bronze direct-burial rod clamps, 5/8 and 3/4
• Figure 8 rod-to-conductor compression connectors for 2 AWG and 4/0 AWG
• C-taps for 2 AWG through 4/0 and a die set that matches
• Split bolts 6 AWG to 4/0 for above-grade taps
• Bronze pipe clamps 1/2 to 1 in and 1-1/4 to 2 in
• A 12-position aluminum ground bar for the IBT

Everything above ships same day from Oxnard, CA, and the cross-reference tool maps Burndy, Thomas and Betts and nVent ERICO part numbers to CT equivalents.