Switches, Receptacles, and Panelboards

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Electrical Construction and Maintenance

Mike Holt, NEC Consultant

Wed, 2012-02-01 12:00

Article 404 of the NEC applies to switches of all types, although the Code doesnt include a specific definition for
a switch. However, six types of switches are defined in Art. 100, which gives us a pattern to follow.
A dictionary definition of a switch is a device that opens or closes a circuit, or changes the connections from one
circuit to another. In this regard, a circuit breaker is a special kind of switch and is included in the scope of Art.
404 (click here to see Fig. 1).

Neutrals
When wiring lighting circuits supplied by a grounded general-purpose branch circuit, the 2011 NEC now
requires you to provide a neutral conductor at nearly every switch point [404.2(C)]. The purpose for this is to
complete a circuit path for electronic lighting control devices, such as occupancy sensors. For many such
devices, you must provide standby voltage and current at the switch. When neutral conductors are not installed
at switches, the unfortunate result is the equipment grounding conductor (EGC) may be used to fulfill the
function of the neutral conductor. While the current from an electronic lighting device on the EGC is typically
less than 0.50mA, the installation of many electronic control devices at switch locations in a building can result
in an accumulation of excess current on the EGCs. With this Code change, gone are the days of using dead-end
3-way switches and 2-conductor switch loops. You are allowed to omit the grounded conductor if:
1. Using a raceway that is sized to accommodate an added neutral. The use of a raceway obviously allows the
installer to pull in a neutral conductor should the need arise in the future, provided the raceway is large
enough [404.2(C) Ex 1].
2. For cable wiring methods, if an additional cable can be fished into the switch location in the future
without removing finish materials, such as drywall. This would require access through a framing cavity
that is open at the top or bottom or through a wall, floor, or ceiling that is unfinished on one side
[404.2(C) Ex 2] (click here to see Fig. 2)

Grounding Switch Plates

The metal mounting yokes for switches, dimmers, and similar control switches must be connected to an EGC of
a type recognized in 250.118, whether or not a metal faceplate is installed [404.9(B)] (click here to see Fig. 3).
A few years ago, a listed switch constructed entirely of plastic entered the market. These switches dont allow a
metallic faceplate to be installed on them. Because a plastic (nonconductive) component is inherently safer than
a metal component connected to an EGC, a new exception allows for this product [404.9(B), Ex 2].
Another exception addresses the use of wiring devices with integral enclosures. Similar to the switches discussed
above, these have nonmetallic faceplates and dont allow for the attachment of metallic ones [404.9(B), Ex 3].

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Switches, Receptacles, and Panelboards

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Receptacle Replacements
Receptacle requirements are in Art. 406 (see Article 406 on page 29). New requirements have been added for
the replacement of receptacles to address replacements in areas requiring AFCI protection, tamper-resistant
receptacles, or weather-resistant receptacles [406.4(D)].
As aging wiring systems have become a growing concern in the electrical industry, the Code is taking a proactive
approach to providing protection of these systems. Many areas of a dwelling now require the use of AFCI
protection to help avoid electrical fires.
When AFCIs were first introduced into the NEC, the substantiation for their inclusion was based largely on
electrical fires in older homes. However, the Code began by protecting new and future wiring systems but didnt
address the older ones that contained many of the fires discussed in the AFCI arguments. The 2011 NEC expands
the AFCI requirements to older homes. Because older homes often dont contain an EGC, installation of an AFCI
circuit breaker does little in the way of protecting the branch circuits. The receptacle-type AFCIs also provide a
significantly lower level of protection, but they will be required nonetheless.
The 2008 NEC introduced the concept of tamper-resistant receptacles in dwelling units. The requirements of
that section (406.11, now 406.12) apply to new installations. The 2011 Code now also requires that on existing
dwelling units, any receptacles that are replaced will be replaced with tamper-resistant receptacles.
A similar change was made for weather-resistant receptacles, using the same logic as that used for tamperresistant receptacles.

Wet Locations
For receptacles in wet locations, the 2011 Code includes a new requirement for extra-duty outlet box hoods
[406.9(B)(1)]. All 15A and 20A receptacles installed in a wet location must be within an enclosure thats
weather-proof when an attachment plug is inserted. For other than one- or two-family dwellings, the outlet box
hood must be listed for extra-duty use if supported from grade (click here to see Fig. 4). All nonlocking type
15A and 20A, 125V and 250V receptacles in a wet location must be listed as weather resistant.
Exposed plastic surface material of weather-resistant receptacles must have UV resistance to ensure that
deterioration from sunlight is minimal or prevented. In testing, receptacles are subjected to temperature cycling
from very cold to very warm conditions, and then subjected to additional dielectric testing. The rapid transition
from the cold to warm temperatures will change the relative humidity and moisture content on the device. The
dielectric test ensures that this wont create a breakdown of the insulation properties.
Exception: Receptacles rated 15A and 20A that are subjected to routine high-pressure washing spray may have
an enclosure thats weatherproof when the attachment plug is removed.

Tamper-Resistant Receptacles in Dwelling Units

Receptacles installed above 5 ft obviously dont pose the same risk to small children as those below that
elevation. Likewise, receptacles that are rendered inaccessible by equipment and those that are part of
luminaires dont pose the same risk. The 2011 Code recognizes these facts and includes relevant exceptions for
them [406.12 Ex]. This exception also makes an allowance for replacements of nongrounding receptacles,
because there are currently no tamper-resistant receptacles that are nongrounding.
The 2011 Code changes include the term nonlocking to describe the types of receptacles to which this rule
applies. Only those receptacles that are of the straight blade configuration must comply with the tamperresistant requirements of 210.52 and 406.12.

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Guest rooms and guest suites often have children staying in them; therefore, tamper-resistant receptacles have
been added as a requirement for these locations as well [406.13]. Guest suites that provide complete facilities for
living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation are considered dwelling units by the NEC. As such, they were already
required to provide tamper-resistant receptacles. The 2011 NEC explicitly requires tamper-resistant receptacles
in all guest rooms and guest suites.
Many children spend a great deal of time in child care facilities, yet the 2008 NEC required tamper-resistant
receptacles only in dwelling units. Proponents of these devices immediately began hoping for expansion of these
receptacles to other areas that have children as occupants. The 2011 Code now requires areas such as schools
and day care facilities to use these receptacles [406.14]. Other areas where the rules arent quite as clear,
however, include hospitals and other medical centers.
What exactly is a child care facility? A new definition in Art. 406 defines it as a structure used for educational,
supervision, or personal care services for more than four children seven years in age or less [406.2].

Marking panelboards
The 2008 Code added a requirement to 408.3(F)(1) that panelboards installed in high-leg systems be marked
accordingly. While a high-leg system does present some challenges for electricians particularly those who
have never worked on one the challenges encountered working on an ungrounded system are even greater.
Due to the unusual characteristics of an ungrounded system, panelboards must now be marked to warn
qualified persons that the panelboard theyre about to work on is installed as part of an ungrounded system
[408.3(F)(2)].
Another issue arises in large commercial and industrial facilities, which may have dozens of panelboards in a
single building. In such buildings, its often difficult to determine from where a given panelboard receives its
electrical supply. Unfortunately, this may result in electricians working on energized panelboards, simply
because they cant locate the disconnecting means needed to de-energize the equipment. The 2011 NEC now
requires that all panelboards (other than one- and two-family dwellings) be marked to indicate where their
source of supply is [408.4(A)]. This change should greatly reduce the risk encountered on service calls and
maintenance work.

SIDEBAR: Article 406

Article 406 covers the rating, type, and installation of receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs (cord
caps). It also addresses their grounding requirements. Some key points worth noting include:
Follow the grounding requirements of the specific type of device youre using.
When installing replacement receptacles, follow the requirements of 406.4(D).
Mount receptacles following the requirements of 406.5.
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