National Electrical Code Top Ten Tips: Article 406, Receptacles,
Cord Connectors, and Attachment Plugs
Please note, we do quote from copyrighted material. While the NFPA
does allow such quotes, it does so only for the purposes of education
regarding the National Electrical Code. This article is not a substitute
for the NEC.
These are the 10 NEC Article 406 items we deem most important, based
on the pervasiveness of confusion and the potential costs of same.
- Don’t dismiss receptacles as not deserving your
attention. There's a reason why the NEC has finally devoted an entire
Article to them. Even the trade magazines, such as EC&M, are writing about
receptacles.
- If you use a receptacle with aluminum wiring, make sure it's marked CO/ALR.
Otherwise, don't use it.
- If you install a 3-wire (grounded) receptacle, you must ensure you have a
ground wire running to that receptacle. If you have a two-wire system, then
use GFCIs rather than regular receptacles.
- Use a receptacle designed and rated for the voltage of the circuit in
which you are installing it. Ditto for attachment plugs. Receptacle and plug
configurations exist for a reason--they are supposed to "idiot proof" plugging
something in to the correct voltage and wiring scheme (e.g. 4-wire vs.
3-wire).
- If your receptacle mounting box is set back from the finished surface,
mount the receptacle such that the mounting yoke or strap of the receptacle is
held rigidly to the finished surface.
- If your receptacle mounting box is flush to the finished surface, mount
the receptacle such that the mounting yoke or strap of the receptacle is held
rigidly against the box or box cover.
- Make sure that your receptacle faces are flush with (or project slightly
from) plastic faceplates (or other insulating face plates). If you use a metal
faceplate, your receptacle must project at least 0.4mm from the faceplate.
- Don't install receptacles face-up in countertops.
- If you install a 120V or 250V receptacle of 15A or 20A in a wet location,
the enclosure for that receptacle must be weatherproof. This doesn't mean only
when the cord isn't plugged in--the enclosure must protect the receptacle from
water even if that receptacle is in use.
- You can't install a receptacle within or directly over a bathtub or shower
stall. It doesn't matter if that receptacle is a GFCI--don't put it in there!
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