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Code Q&A: Receptacle Replacement Rules

Nov. 3, 2015
NEC rules for receptacle replacement.

Q. What are the rules for receptacle replacement?

Find the Answer

A. When replacing receptacles, remember that arc-fault circuit-interrupter type and ground-fault circuit interrupter type receptacles must be installed at a readily accessible location [406.4(D)].

If an equipment grounding conductor exists, grounding-type receptacles must replace nongrounding-type receptacles and the receptacle’s grounding terminal must be connected to the circuit equipment grounding conductor in accordance with Sec. 250.130(C) or Sec. 406.4(C) [406.4(D)(1)].  If an equipment grounding conductor doesn’t exist in the outlet box, the existing nongrounding-type receptacle can be replaced with [406.4(D)(2)]:

a)  A nongrounding-type receptacle.

b)  A GFCI-type receptacle marked “No Equipment Ground.”

c)  A grounding-type receptacle, if GFCI protected and marked “GFCI Protected” and “No Equipment Ground.”

Note: GFCI protection functions properly on a 2-wire circuit without an equipment grounding conductor because the circuit equipment grounding conductor serves no role in the operation of the GFCI-protection device. See the definition of “Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter” for more information.

CAUTION: The permission to replace nongrounding-type receptacles with GFCI-protected grounding-type receptacles doesn’t apply to new receptacle outlets that extend from an existing outlet box that’s not connected to an equipment grounding conductor. Once you add a receptacle outlet (branch-circuit extension), the receptacle must be of the grounding type and it must have its grounding terminal connected to an equipment grounding conductor of a type recognized in Sec. 250.118, in accordance with Sec. 250.130(C).

When existing receptacles are replaced in locations where GFCI protection is currently required, the replacement receptacles must be GFCI protected [406.4(D)(3)]. See Sec. 210.8 for specific GFCI-protection requirements.

Effective January 1, 2014, where a receptacle outlet is supplied by a branch circuit that requires arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection [210.12(A)], a replacement receptacle at this outlet must be one of the following [406.4(D)(4)]:

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

2)  A receptacle protected by a listed (receptacle) 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.

Listed tamper-resistant receptacles must be provided where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be tamper resistant in accordance with Sec. 406.12 for dwelling units, guest rooms and guest suites, and child care facilities [406.4(D)(5)].

Weather-resistant receptacles must be provided where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be so protected in accordance with Sec. 406.9(A) and (B) [406.4(D)(6)].

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.

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