Power-Limited Circuits

NFPA 70 committees are replacing the legacy **Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3** circuit classifications with the more functional concept of **power-limited circuits** as part of the NEC’s broader reorganization. The older classifications evolved across separate articles and applications, producing overlapping terminology, requirements and wiring rules that became increasingly difficult to apply as controls, communications, PoE, LED lighting and other low-energy technologies converged. The new framework organizes requirements around available electrical power and associated hazards rather than historical circuit labels. The objective is greater consistency, easier navigation and a code structure better suited to emerging power and communications technologies.