Breakdown of 2014 NEC® Article 406.
Changes in the 2014 edition of NFPA 70®: National Electrical Code® impact receptacle installation across occupancy types. Receptacle outlets are the most commonly used devices by the general public, and safe installation is key to avoiding fire, shock, and other electrical hazards. In the nec connect Webisode that aired September 18th on necconnect.org, Senior Electrical Specialist Gil Moniz provided a deep dive into revised Article 406. Here are some of the most significant changes for installers and inspectors.
2014 NEC Article 406 reacts to new technologies and improves electrical safety.
First introduced into the 2002 edition of the NEC, Article 406 covers the rating, type, and installation of receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs (cord caps). While Article 406 is relatively new to the Code, it contains important installation requirements referenced daily by electrical contractors, installers, and inspectors.
A new field marking requirement for controlled outlets interfaces energy management into the 2014 NEC.
Energy codes today often stipulate that 50% of receptacles must be controlled. A new 2014 NEC rule requires field marking of 125 volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles controlled by an energy management system, timer, or some other automatic means, using the standard symbol shown in Figure 406.3(E). This is essential to prevent inappropriate connections. For example, connecting a life support system to a controlled outlet could endanger occupants.
A change in 406.4(D) ensures GFCIs and AFCIs are easily accessible for resetting and testing.
Installers and inspectors need to note a key revision in 406.4(D) that requires ready access to Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) and Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (AFCI) receptacles that are installed to replace existing receptacles. Related to this requirement is new exception 406.4(D)(3) which clarifies that GFCI protection afforded by an upstream device is permitted for replacement receptacle(s). Thus, the entire branch circuit would be protected from the GFCI down. Note that the receptacle must be properly marked.
New Code language supports safe electrical practices and facilitates inspections.
Drywall screws have never been permitted for use to secure receptacle outlets, and the 2014 NEC spells this out in requirement 406.5, which is revised to specify the acceptable screws that can be used as the means to attach a receptacle to an outlet box and by replacing the term “designed for the purpose” with “identified.”
Requirement 406.5(E) concerning receptacles in countertops and similar work surfaces specifies receptacles shall not be installed in a face-up position unless they are listed as receptacle assemblies for countertop applications. This requirement now applies to all occupancy types. And, 406.5(F) is a new provision that provides conditions under which receptacles can be installed in seating areas and similar horizontal surfaces.
Receptacles installed in wet locations are required to have in-use covers that provide weatherproofing. In 406.9(B1), the requirement regarding receptacle outlet box covers was revised to require the covers to be listed for “extra duty” regardless of how — or where — the box is mounted. The rule applies to all occupancy types.
Dimmer switches are prohibited from operating receptacle outlets. A new requirement 406.15 provides a general prohibition of controlling receptacles with a dimmer switch — unless the receptacle and dimmer combination meets specific listing and configuration provisions.
Exceptions for tamper-resistant receptacles in dwelling units now also apply to other occupancy types.
Recently introduced into the NEC, tamper-resistant receptacles help prevent children from inserting objects into receptacles in dwelling units, hotels, motels, suites, and childcare facilities. An important change in the 2014 NEC 406.12 applies these exceptions to other occupancy types beyond dwelling units. Therefore, the tamper-resistant receptacle exceptions are no longer limited to only dwelling unit receptacles.
The National Electrical Code is constantly evolving to address new products, new technologies, and new situations. These are just a few of the ways in which Article 406 in the 2014 NEC addresses electrical safety issues and improves protection.
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