130.50 General
A power control system (PCS) is an energy management system with controls required to prevent conductor and equipment overload.
130.60 Monitoring and malfunctions
The PCS must monitor and automatically prevent overloads of associated conductors, power sources and distribution equipment. If monitoring or control fails, it must transition to a controlled state that prevents overload. For circuits other than branch circuits, a PCS malfunction must not cause the circuit's overcurrent protective device (OCPD) to open.
130.70 Settings
Control settings must be settable in amperes for each controlled conductor, source or load.
The PCS control setting is considered a continuous load.
Only qualified persons may access adjustable overload settings, through methods specified by the listing.
130.80 Marking and documentation
Required markings identify the control settings, the managed loads and sources, and that circuits are PCS-controlled and only qualified persons may change settings. Except in one- and two-family dwellings, also identify the calculation date and the qualified person determining the settings.
Document monitoring, control functions, equipment and settings, keep it available to qualified persons, and identify the PCS as single-source or multisource. If control equipment is not within sight of the controlled circuits' OCPDs, post a device and circuit directory on the control-device enclosure, disconnect or OCPD.
Why it matters
The load calculation, control sequence, markings and installed settings must agree.
Do
Document normal operation and malfunction response.
Verify settings against the design.
Provide required markings and directories.
Do not
Assume a tripped feeder breaker is an acceptable PCS malfunction response.
Leave control settings undocumented.
Field tip
At commissioning, compare settings, labels and control documentation with the load calculation. Next: NEC 2026 Article 130 Energy Management Systems: 3-Part Recap (#036–#038).
Questions to settle before design
What settings will the PCS use, and how were they calculated?
What is the documented response to a monitoring or control failure?
Who is qualified to change the settings, and how is access controlled?
MasterBuild field checklist
At commissioning, record the settings and compare them with the calculation and the labels.
Verify the documented malfunction response during commissioning, as the manufacturer allows.
Where the control equipment is not within sight of the overcurrent devices, check whether the adopted NEC requires a directory, and post it.
MasterBuild recommendation: process steps for design and site review, not code text.
Where MasterBuild helps
Load calculations prepared and reviewed by the PE, or send your project background. The fee is quoted in writing before work starts.
Code basis and applicability
Study edition: NEC 2026 (NFPA 70). Florida enforces NEC 2020 under the 2023 Florida Building Code (8th Edition). The 9th Edition (published; state adoption pending) adopts NEC 2023 for permit applications on or after 12/31/2026. Section numbers and some rules differ between editions. Verify the edition that governs your permit. NEC 2020 and NEC 2023, which Florida enforces, have no Article 130; energy management systems are in Article 750 and power control systems in 705.13. Verify the section in the adopted edition. Educational reference to NEC 2026 Sections 130.50–130.80. Check the complete NFPA 70 text, the locally adopted edition and amendments, the authority having jurisdiction, and the selected equipment instructions before project use.