zmVault/nfpa-70_406_receptacles.md

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	nec-406	Article 406 Receptacles, Cord Connectors, and Attachment Plugs (Caps)	authorship/other destiny/permanent exclude-from-word-count status/incomplete topic/construction/electrical type/media/reference	false

Article 406 Receptacles, Cord Connectors, and Attachment Plugs (Caps)

406.1 Scope.

This article covers the rating, type, and installation of receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs (cord caps).

406.2 Definitions.

The definitions in this section shall apply only within this article.

Child Care Facility.

A building or structure, or portion thereof, for educational, supervisory, or personal care services for more than four children 7 years old or less.

Outlet Box Hood.

A housing shield intended to fit over a faceplate for flush-mounted wiring devices, or an integral component of an outlet box or of a faceplate for flush-mounted wiring devices. The hood does not serve to complete the electrical enclosure; it reduces the risk of water coming in contact with electrical components within the hood, such as attachment plugs, current taps, surge protective devices, direct plug-in transformer units, or wiring devices.

406.3 Receptacle Rating and Type.

406.3(A) Receptacles.

Receptacles shall be listed and marked with the manufacturer’s name or identification and voltage and ampere ratings. Receptacles shall not be permitted to be reconditioned.

406.3(B) Rating.

Receptacles and cord connectors shall be rated not less than 15 amperes, 125 volts, or 15 amperes, 250 volts, and shall be of a type not suitable for use as lampholders.

[!info] Informational Note: See 210.21(B) for receptacle ratings where installed on branch circuits.

406.3(C) Receptacles for Aluminum Conductors.

Receptacles rated 20 amperes or less and designed for the direct connection of aluminum conductors shall be marked CO/ALR.

406.3(D) Isolated Ground Receptacles.

Receptacles incorporating an isolated equipment grounding conductor connection intended for the reduction of electromagnetic interference as permitted in 250.146(D) shall be identified by an orange triangle located on the face of the receptacle.

406.3(D)(1) Isolated Equipment Grounding Conductor Required.

Receptacles so identified shall be used only with equipment grounding conductors that are isolated in accordance with 250.146(D).

406.3(D)(2) Installation in Nonmetallic Boxes.

Isolated ground receptacles installed in nonmetallic boxes shall be covered with a nonmetallic faceplate.

[!important] Exception: Where an isolated ground receptacle is installed in a nonmetallic box, a metal faceplate shall be permitted if the box contains a feature or accessory that permits the connection of the faceplate to the equipment grounding conductor.

406.3(E) Controlled Receptacle Marking.

All nonlocking-type, 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles that are controlled by an automatic control device, or that incorporate control features that remove power from the receptacle for the purpose of energy management or building automation, shall be permanently marked with the symbol shown in Figure 406.3(E) and the word “controlled.”

For receptacles controlled by an automatic control device, the marking shall be located on the receptacle face and visible after installation.

In both cases where a multiple receptacle device is used, the required marking of the word “controlled” and symbol shall denote which contact device(s) are controlled.

Figure 406.3(E) Controlled Receptacle Marking Symbol.

[!important] Exception: The marking shall not be required for receptacles controlled by a wall switch that provide the required room lighting outlets as permitted by 210.70.

406.3(F) Receptacle with USB Charger.

A 125-volt 15- or 20-ampere receptacle that additionally provides Class 2 power shall be listed and constructed such that the Class 2 circuitry is integral with the receptacle.

406.4 General Installation Requirements.

Receptacle outlets shall be located in branch circuits in accordance with Part III of Article 210. General installation requirements shall be in accordance with 406.4(A) through (F).

406.4(A) Grounding Type.

Except as provided in 406.4(D), receptacles installed on 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits shall be of the grounding type. Grounding-type receptacles shall be installed only on circuits of the voltage class and current for which they are rated, except as provided in 210.21(B)(1) for single receptacles or Table 210.21(B)(2) and Table 210.21(B) (3) for two or more receptacles.

406.4(B) To Be Grounded.

Receptacles and cord connectors that have equipment grounding conductor contacts shall have those contacts connected to an equipment grounding conductor.

[!important] Exception No. 1: Receptacles mounted on portable and vehicle-mounted generator sets and generators in accordance with 250.34.

[!important] Exception No. 2: Replacement receptacles as permitted by 406.4(D).

406.4(C) Methods of Grounding.

The equipment grounding conductor contacts of receptacles and cord connectors shall be connected to the equipment grounding conductor of the circuit supplying the receptacle or cord connector.

[!info] Informational Note: For installation requirements for the reduction of electromagnetic interference, see 250.146(D).

The branch-circuit wiring method shall include or provide an equipment grounding conductor to which the equipment grounding conductor contacts of the receptacle or cord connector are connected.

[!info] Informational Note No. 1: See 250.118 for acceptable grounding means.

[!info] Informational Note No. 2: For extensions of existing branch circuits, see 250.130.

406.4(D) Replacements.

Replacement of receptacles shall comply with 406.4(D)(1) through (D)(7), as applicable. Arc-fault circuit-interrupter type and ground- fault circuit-interrupter type receptacles shall be installed in a readily accessible location.

406.4(D)(1) Grounding-Type Receptacles.

Where a grounding means exists in the receptacle enclosure or an equipment grounding conductor is installed in accordance with 250.130(C), grounding-type receptacles shall be used and shall be connected to the equipment grounding conductor in accordance with 406.4(C) or 250.130(C).

406.4(D)(2) Non–Grounding-Type Receptacles.

Where attachment to an equipment grounding conductor does not exist in the receptacle enclosure, the installation shall comply with 406.4(D)(2)(a), (D)(2)(b), or (D)(2)(c).

• (a) A non–grounding-type receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be replaced with another non–grounding-type receptacle(s).

• (b) A non–grounding-type receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be replaced with a ground-fault circuit interrupter-type of receptacle(s).

These receptacles or their cover plates shall be marked “No Equipment Ground.” An equipment grounding conductor shall not be connected from the ground-fault circuit-interrupter-type receptacle to any outlet supplied from the ground-fault circuit- interrupter receptacle.

• (c) A non–grounding-type receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be replaced with a grounding-type receptacle(s) where supplied through a ground-fault circuit interrupter. Where grounding-type receptacles are supplied through the ground-fault circuit interrupter, grounding-type receptacles or their cover plates shall be marked “GFCI Protected” and “No Equipment Ground,” visible after installation. An equipment grounding conductor shall not be connected between the grounding-type receptacles.

[!info] Informational Note No. 1: Some equipment or appliance manufacturers require that the branch circuit to the equipment or appliance includes an equipment grounding conductor.

[!info] Informational Note No. 2: See 250.114 for a list of a cord-and-plug-connected equipment or appliances that require an equipment grounding conductor.

406.4(D)(3) Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection.

Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protected receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be so protected elsewhere in this Code.

[!important] Exception: Where the outlet box size will not permit the installation of the GFCI receptacle, the receptacle shall be permitted to be replaced with a new receptacle of the existing type, where GFCI protection is provided and the receptacle is marked “GFCI Protected” and “No Equipment Ground,” in accordance with 406.4(D)(2)(a), (D)(2)(b), or (D)(2)(c), as applicable.

406.4(D)(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection.

If a receptacle outlet located in any areas specified in 210.12(A), (B), or (C) is replaced, a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following:

• (1) A listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter receptacle

• (2) A receptacle protected by a listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter type receptacle

• (3) A receptacle protected by a listed combination type arc-fault circuit-interrupter type circuit breaker

[!important] Exception: Section 210.12(D), Exception, shall not apply to replacement of receptacles.

406.4(D)(5) Tamper-Resistant Receptacles.

Listed tamper-resistant receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be tamper-resistant elsewhere in this Code, except where a non-grounding receptacle is replaced with another non-grounding receptacle.

406.4(D)(6) Weather-Resistant Receptacles.

Weather-resistant receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be so protected elsewhere in this Code.

406.4(D)(7) Controlled Receptacles.

Automatically controlled receptacles shall be replaced with equivalently controlled receptacles. If automatic control is no longer required, the receptacle and any associated receptacles marked in accordance with 406.3(E) shall be replaced with a receptacle and faceplate not marked in accordance with 406.3(E).

406.4(E) Cord- and Plug-Connected Equipment.

The installation of grounding-type receptacles shall not be used as a requirement that all cord-and plug-connected equipment be of the grounded type.

[!info] Informational Note: See 250.114 for types of cord-and plug-connected equipment to be grounded.

406.4(F) Noninterchangeable Types.

Receptacles connected to circuits that have different voltages, frequencies, or types of current (ac or dc) on the same premises shall be of such design that the attachment plugs used on these circuits are not interchangeable.

406.5 Receptacle Mounting.

Receptacles shall be mounted in identified boxes or assemblies. The boxes or assemblies shall be securely fastened in place unless otherwise permitted elsewhere in this Code. Screws used for the purpose of attaching receptacles to a box shall be of the type provided with a listed receptacle, or shall be machine screws having 32 threads per inch or part of listed assemblies or systems, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

406.5(A) Boxes That Are Set Back.

Receptacles mounted in boxes that are set back from the finished surface as permitted in 314.20 shall be installed such that the mounting yoke or strap of the receptacle is held rigidly at the finished surface.

406.5(B) Boxes That Are Flush.

Receptacles mounted in boxes that are flush with the finished surface or project therefrom shall be installed such that the mounting yoke or strap of the receptacle is held rigidly against the box or box cover.

406.5(C) Receptacles Mounted on Covers.

Receptacles mounted to and supported by a cover shall be held rigidly against the cover by more than one screw or shall be a device assembly or box cover listed and identified for securing by a single screw.

406.5(D) Position of Receptacle Faces.

After installation, receptacle faces shall be flush with or project from faceplates of insulating material and shall project a minimum of 0.4 mm (0.015 in.) from metal faceplates.

[!important] Exception: Listed kits or assemblies encompassing receptacles and nonmetallic faceplates that cover the receptacle face, where the plate cannot be installed on any other receptacle, shall be permitted.

406.5(E) Receptacles in Countertops.

Receptacle assemblies for installation in countertop surfaces shall be listed for countertop applications. Where receptacle assemblies for countertop applications are required to provide ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel in accordance with 210.8, such assemblies shall be permitted to be listed as GFCI receptacle assemblies for countertop applications.

406.5(F) Receptacles in Work Surfaces.

Receptacle assemblies and GFCI receptacle assemblies listed for work surface or countertop applications shall be permitted to be installed in work surfaces.

406.5(G) Receptacle Orientation.

406.5(G)(1) Countertop and Work Surfaces.

Receptacles shall not be installed in a face-up position in or on countertop surfaces or work surfaces unless listed for countertop or work surface applications.

406.5(G)(2) Under Sinks.

Receptacles shall not be installed in a face-up position in the area below a sink.

406.5(H) Receptacles in Seating Areas and Other Similar Surfaces.

In seating areas or similar surfaces, receptacles shall not be installed in a face-up position unless the receptacle is any of the following:

• (1) Part of an assembly listed as a furniture power distribution unit

• (2) Part of an assembly listed either as household furnishings or as commercial furnishings

• (3) Listed either as a receptacle assembly for countertop applications or as a GFCI receptacle assembly for countertop applications

• (4) Installed in a listed floor box

406.5(I) Exposed Terminals.

Receptacles shall be enclosed so that live wiring terminals are not exposed to contact.

406.5(J) Voltage Between Adjacent Devices.

A receptacle shall not be grouped or ganged in enclosures with other receptacles, snap switches, or similar devices, unless they are arranged so that the voltage between adjacent devices does not exceed 300 volts, or unless they are installed in enclosures equipped with identified, securely installed barriers between adjacent devices.

406.6 Receptacle Faceplates (Cover Plates).

Receptacle faceplates shall be installed so as to completely cover the opening and seat against the mounting surface.

Receptacle faceplates mounted inside a box having a recess-mounted receptacle shall effectively close the opening and seat against the mounting surface.

406.6(A) Thickness of Metal Faceplates.

Metal faceplates shall be of ferrous metal not less than 0.76 mm (0.030 in.) in thickness or of nonferrous metal not less than 1.02 mm (0.040 in.) in thickness.

406.6(B) Grounding.

Metal faceplates shall be grounded.

406.6(C) Faceplates of Insulating Material.

Faceplates of insulating material shall be noncombustible and not less than 2.54 mm (0.10 in.) in thickness but shall be permitted to be less than 2.54 mm (0.10 in.) in thickness if formed or reinforced to provide adequate mechanical strength.

406.6(D) Receptacle Faceplate (Cover Plates) with Integral Night Light and/or USB Charger.

A flush device cover plate that additionally provides a night light and/or Class 2 output connector(s) shall be listed and constructed such that the night light and/or Class 2 circuitry is integral with the flush device cover plate.

406.7 Attachment Plugs, Cord Connectors, and Flanged Surface Devices.

All attachment plugs, cord connectors, and flanged surface devices (inlets and outlets) shall be listed and marked with the manufacturer’s name or identification and voltage and ampere ratings. Attachment plugs, cord connectors, and flanged surface devices shall not be permitted to be reconditioned.

406.7(A) Construction of Attachment Plugs and Cord Connectors.

Attachment plugs and cord connectors shall be constructed so that there are no exposed current-carrying parts except the prongs, blades, or pins. The cover for wire terminations shall be a part that is essential for the operation of an attachment plug or connector (dead-front construction).

406.7(B) Connection of Attachment Plugs.

Attachment plugs shall be installed so that their prongs, blades, or pins are not energized unless inserted into an energized receptacle or cord connectors. No receptacle shall be installed so as to require the insertion of an energized attachment plug as its source of supply.

406.7(C) Attachment Plug Ejector Mechanisms.

Attachment plug ejector mechanisms shall not adversely affect engagement of the blades of the attachment plug with the contacts of the receptacle.

406.7(D) Flanged Surface Inlet.

A flanged surface inlet shall be installed such that the prongs, blades, or pins are not energized unless an energized cord connector is inserted into it.

406.8 Noninterchangeability.

Receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs shall be constructed such that receptacle or cord connectors do not accept an attachment plug with a different voltage or current rating from that for which the device is intended. However, a 20-ampere T-slot receptacle or cord connector shall be permitted to accept a 15-ampere attachment plug of the same voltage rating. Non–grounding-type receptacles and connectors shall not accept grounding-type attachment plugs.

406.9 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations.

406.9(A) Damp Locations.

A receptacle installed outdoors in a location protected from the weather or in other damp locations shall have an enclosure for the receptacle that is weatherproof when the receptacle is covered (attachment plug cap not inserted and receptacle covers closed).

An installation suitable for wet locations shall also be considered suitable for damp locations.

A receptacle shall be considered to be in a location protected from the weather where located under roofed open porches, canopies, marquees, and the like, and will not be subjected to a beating rain or water runoff. All 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking receptacles shall be a listed weather-resistant type.

[!info] Informational Note: The types of receptacles covered by this requirement are identified as 5-15, 5-20, 6-15, and 6-20 in ANSI/NEMA WD 6–2016, Wiring Devices — Dimensional Specifications.

406.9(B) Wet Locations.

406.9(B)(1) Receptacles of 15 and 20 Amperes in a Wet Location.

Receptacles of 15 and 20 amperes, 125 and 250 volts installed in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted. An outlet box hood installed for this purpose shall be listed and shall be identified as “extra- duty.” Other listed products, enclosures, or assemblies providing weatherproof protection that do not utilize an outlet box hood need not be marked “extra duty.”

[!info] Informational Note No. 1: Requirements for extra-duty outlet box hoods are found in ANSI/UL 514D–2016, Cover Plates for Flush-

Mounted Wiring Devices. “Extra duty” identification and requirements are not applicable to listed receptacles, faceplates, outlet boxes, enclosures, or assemblies that are identified as either being suitable for wet locations or rated as one of the outdoor enclosure–type numbers of Table 110.28 that does not utilize an outlet box hood.

[!important] Exception: 15- and 20-ampere, 125- through 250-volt receptacles installed in a wet location and subject to routine high-pressure spray washing shall be permitted to have an enclosure that is weatherproof when the attachment plug is removed.

All 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking-type receptacles shall be listed and so identified as the weather-resistant type.

[!info] Informational Note No. 2: The configuration of weather-resistant receptacles covered by this requirement are identified as 5-15, 5-20, 6- 15, and 6-20 in ANSI/NEMA WD 6–2016, Wiring Devices — Dimensional Specifications.

406.9(B)(2) Other Receptacles.

All other receptacles installed in a wet location shall comply with 406.9(B)(2)(a) or (B)(2)(b).

• (a) A receptacle installed in a wet location, where the product intended to be plugged into it is not attended while in use, shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof with the attachment plug cap inserted or removed.

• (b) A receptacle installed in a wet location where the product intended to be plugged into it will be attended while in use (e.g., portable tools) shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof when the attachment plug is removed.

406.9(C) Bathtub and Shower Space.

Receptacles shall not be installed within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. The identified zone is all-encompassing and shall include the space directly over the tub or shower stall.

[!important] Exception: In bathrooms with less than the required zone the receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be installed opposite the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold on the farthest wall within the room.

406.9(D) Protection for Floor Receptacles.

Standpipes of floor receptacles shall allow floor-cleaning equipment to be operated without damage to receptacles.

406.9(E) Flush Mounting with Faceplate.

The enclosure for a receptacle installed in an outlet box flush-mounted in a finished surface shall be made weatherproof by means of a weatherproof faceplate assembly that provides a watertight connection between the plate and the finished surface.

406.10 Grounding-Type Receptacles, Adapters, Cord Connectors, and Attachment Plugs.

406.10(A) Grounding Poles (Connections).

Grounding-type receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs shall be provided with one fixed grounding pole in addition to the circuit poles. The grounding contacting pole of grounding-type plug-in ground-fault circuit interrupters shall be permitted to be of the movable, self-restoring type on circuits operating at not over 150 volts between any two conductors or any conductor and ground.

406.10(B) Grounding-Pole (Connection) Identification.

Grounding-type receptacles, adapters, cord connections, and attachment plugs shall have a means for connection of an equipment grounding conductor to the grounding pole.

A terminal for connection to the grounding pole shall be designated by one of the following:

• (1) A green-colored hexagonal-headed or -shaped terminal screw or nut, not readily removable.

• (2) A green-colored pressure wire connector body (a wire barrel).

• (3) A similar green-colored connection device, in the case of adapters. The grounding terminal of a grounding adapter shall be a green-colored rigid ear, lug, or similar device. The equipment grounding connection shall be so designed that it cannot make contact with current-carrying parts of the receptacle, adapter, or attachment plug. The adapter shall be polarized.

• (4) If the terminal for the equipment grounding conductor is not visible, the conductor entrance hole shall be marked with the word green or ground, the letters G or GR, a grounding symbol, or otherwise identified by a distinctive green color. If the terminal for the equipment grounding conductor is readily removable, the area adjacent to the terminal shall be similarly marked.

[!info] Informational Note: See Informational Note Figure 406.10(B) (4).

Informational Note Figure 406.10(B)(4) One Example of a Symbol Used to Identify the Termination Point for an Equipment Grounding Conductor.

406.10(C) Grounding Terminal Use.

A grounding terminal shall not be used for purposes other than connection to the equipment grounding conductor.

406.10(D) Grounding-Pole (Connection) Requirements.

Grounding-type attachment plugs and mating cord connectors and receptacles shall be designed such that the equipment grounding connection is made before the current-carrying connections. Grounding-type devices shall be so designed that grounding poles of attachment plugs cannot be brought into contact with current-carrying parts of receptacles or cord connectors.

406.10(E) Use.

Grounding-type attachment plugs shall be used only with a cord having an equipment grounding conductor.

[!info] Informational Note: See 250.126 for identification of equipment grounding conductor terminals.

406.11 Connecting Receptacle Grounding Terminal to Box.

The connection of the receptacle grounding terminal shall comply with nfpa-70_250_grounding#250.146 Connecting Receptacle Grounding Terminal to an Equipment Grounding Conductor..

406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles.

All 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking-type receptacles in the areas specified in 406.12(1) through (8) shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles.

• (1) Dwelling units, including attached and detached garages and accessory buildings to dwelling units, and common areas of multifamily dwellings specified in 210.52 and 550.13

• (2) Guest rooms and guest suites of hotels, motels, and their common areas

• (3) Child care facilities

• (4) Preschools and education facilities

• (5) Business offices, corridors, waiting rooms and the like in clinics, medical and dental offices, and outpatient facilities

• (6) Subset of assembly occupancies described in 518.2 to include places of awaiting transportation, gymnasiums, skating rinks, and auditoriums

• (7) Dormitory units

• (8) Assisted living facilities

  [!info] Informational Note No. 1: This requirement would include receptacles identified as 5-15, 5-20, 6-15, and 6-20 in ANSI/NEMA WD 6- 2016, Wiring Devices — Dimensional Specifications.

  [!info] Informational Note No. 2: Assisted living facilities are Institutional Use Group I-1 per IBC 2015.

[!important] Exception to (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) and (8): Receptacles in the following locations shall not be required to be tamper resistant:

• (1) Receptacles located more than 1.7 m (5 1⁄2 ft) above the floor

• (2) Receptacles that are part of a luminaire or appliance

• (3) A single receptacle, or a duplex receptacle for two appliances, located within the dedicated space for each appliance that, in normal use, is not easily moved from one place to another and that is cord-and-plug-connected in accordance with 400.10(A)(6), (A)(7), or (A)(8)

• (4) Nongrounding receptacles used for replacements as permitted in 406.4(D)(2)(a)

406.13 Single-Pole Separable-Connector Type.

Expanded scope of the article

Single-pole separable connectors shall be listed and labeled and shall comply with 406.13(A) through (D).

406.13(A) Locking or Latching Type.

Single-pole separable connectors shall be of either the locking or latching type and marked with the manufacturer’s name or identification and voltage and ampere ratings.

406.13(B) Identification.

Connectors designated for connection to the grounded circuit conductor shall be identified by a white-colored housing; connectors designated for connection to the grounding circuit conductor shall be identified by a green-colored housing.

406.13(C) Interchangeability.

Single-pole separable connectors shall be permitted to be interchangeable for ac or dc use or for different current ratings or voltages on the same premises, provided they are listed for ac/dc use and marked in a suitable manner to identify the system to which they are intended to be connected.

406.13(D) Connecting and Disconnecting.

The use of single-pole separable connectors shall be performed by a qualified person and shall comply with at least one of the following conditions:

• (1) Connection and disconnection of connectors are only possible where the supply connectors are interlocked to the source, and it is not possible to connect or disconnect connectors when the supply is energized.

• (2) Line connectors are of the listed sequential-interlocking type so that load connectors are connected in the following sequence and that disconnection is in the reverse sequence:

  • (a) Equipment grounding conductor connection

  • (b) Grounded circuit conductor connection, if provided

  • (c) Ungrounded conductor connection

• (3) A caution notice that complies with 110.21(B) is provided on the equipment employing single-pole separable connectors, adjacent to the line connectors, indicating that connections are to be performed in the following sequence and that disconnection is in the reverse sequence:

  • (a) Equipment grounding conductor connectors

  • (b) Grounded circuit-conductor connectors, if provided

  • (c) Ungrounded conductor connectors

[!info] Informational Note: A single-pole locking-type separable connector is investigated in accordance with ANSI/UL 1691-2014, Single Pole Locking-Type Separable Connectors.