Chapter 40 Devices and Luminaires

Switches shall be listed and used within their ratings and shall control only the following loads:

1. 1.

   Resistive and inductive loads not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the voltage involved.

2. 2.

   Tungsten-filament lamp loads not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at 120 volts.

3. 3.

   Motor loads not exceeding 80 percent of the ampere rating of the switch at its rated voltage.

4. 4.

   Electric discharge lamp loads not exceeding the marked ampere and voltage rating of the switch.

5. 5.

   Electronic ballasts, self-ballasted lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, and LED lamp loads with their associated drivers, not exceeding 20 amperes and not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the voltage applied. [404.14(A)]

Snap-switch terminations shall be in accordance with the following:

1. 1.

   Terminals of 15-ampere and 20-ampere snap switches not marked CO/ALR shall be used with copper and copper-clad aluminum conductors only.

2. 2.

   Terminals marked CO/ALR shall be permitted to be used with copper, aluminum and copper-clad aluminum conductors.

3. 3.

   Snap switches connected using screwless terminals of the conductor push-in-type construction (also known as conductor push-in terminals) shall be installed on not greater than 15-ampere branch circuits and shall be connected with only 14 AWG solid copper wire unless listed and marked for other types of conductors.

General-use and motor-circuit switches and circuit breakers shall clearly indicate in a location that is visible when accessing the external operating means whether they are in the open OFF or closed ON position. Where single-throw switches or circuit breaker handles are operated vertically rather than rotationally or horizontally, the up position of the handle shall be the closed (on) position. (404.7)

Time switches and similar devices shall be of the enclosed type or shall be mounted in cabinets or boxes or equipment enclosures. A barrier shall be used around energized parts to prevent operator exposure when making manual adjustments or switching. (404.5)

Metal enclosures for switches or circuit breakers shall be connected to an equipment grounding conductor. Metal enclosures for switches or circuit breakers used as service equipment shall comply with the provisions of Section E3609.4. Where nonmetallic enclosures are used with metal raceways or metal-armored cables, provisions shall be made for connecting the equipment grounding conductor.

Nonmetallic boxes for switches shall be installed with a wiring method that provides or includes an equipment grounding conductor. (404.12)

Switches and circuit breakers used as switches shall be located to allow operation from a readily accessible location. Such devices shall be installed so that the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, will not be more than 6 feet 7 inches (2007 mm) above the floor or working platform. [404.8(A)]

A surface mounted switch or circuit breaker located in a damp or wet location or outside of a building shall be enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure or cabinet. A flush-mounted switch or circuit breaker in a damp or wet location shall be equipped with a weatherproof cover. Switches shall not be installed within wet locations in tub or shower spaces unless installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly. [404.4(A), (B), and (C)]

Switches or circuit breakers shall not disconnect the grounded conductor of a circuit except where the switch or circuit breaker simultaneously disconnects all conductors of the circuit. [404.2(B)]

Three- and four-way switches shall be wired so that all switching occurs only in the ungrounded circuit conductor. Color coding of switch connection conductors shall comply with Section E3407.3. Where in metal raceways or metal-jacketed cables, wiring between switches and outlets shall be in accordance with Section E3406.7. [404.2(A)]

General-use snap switches, dimmers and control switches mounted in boxes that are recessed from the finished wall surfaces as covered in Section E3906.5 shall be installed so that the extension plaster ears are seated against the surface of the wall. Flush-type devices mounted in boxes that are flush with the finished wall surface or project therefrom shall be installed so that the mounting yoke or strap of the device is seated against the box.

Screws used for the purpose of attaching a device to a box shall be of the type provided with a listed device, or shall be machine screws having 32 threads per inch or part of listed assemblies or systems, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. [404.10(B)]

Faceplates provided for snap switches, dimmers and control devices mounted in boxes and other enclosures shall be installed so as to completely cover the opening and, where the switch is flush mounted, seat against the finished surface. [404.9(A)]

General-use dimmer switches and electronic control switches, such as timing switches and occupancy sensors, shall be used only to control permanently connected loads such as incandescent luminaires (lighting fixtures) except where listed for the control of other loads and installed accordingly. Other electronic control switches, such as timing switches and occupancy sensors, shall be used to control permanently connected loads. They shall be marked by their manufacturer with their current and voltage ratings at the voltage approved. [404.14(F)]

A multipole, general-use snap switch shall not be fed from more than a single circuit unless it is listed and marked as a two-circuit or three-circuit switch. [404.8(C)]

Where a snap switch or control device is used to control cord-and-plug-connected equipment on a general-purpose branch circuit, each snap switch or control device controlling receptacle outlets or cord connectors that are supplied by permanently connected cord pendants shall be rated at not less than the rating of the maximum permitted ampere rating or setting of the overcurrent device protecting the receptacles or cord connectors, as provided in Sections E4002.1.1 and E4002.1.2. [404.14(G)]

The grounded circuit conductor for the controlled lighting circuit shall be installed at the location where switches control lighting loads that are supplied by a grounded general-purpose branch circuit serving bathrooms, hallways, stairways, and habitable rooms or occupiable spaces as defined in the code. Where multiple switch locations control the same lighting load such that the entire floor area of the room or space is visible from the single or combined switch locations, the grounded conductor shall be required only at one location. A grounded conductor shall not be required to be installed at lighting switch locations under any of the following conditions:

1. 1.

   Where conductors enter the box enclosing the switch through a raceway, provided that the raceway is large enough for all contained conductors, including a grounded conductor.

2. 2.

   Where snap switches with integral enclosures comply with Section E3905.1.3.

3. 3.

   Where lighting in the area is controlled by automatic means.

4. 4.

   Where a switch controls a receptacle load. [404.2(C)]

The grounded conductor shall be extended to any switch location as necessary and shall be connected to switching devices that require line-to-neutral voltage to operate the electronics of the switch in the standby mode.

The requirement for connection to switching devices shall not apply to replacement or retrofit switches installed in locations prior to the adoption of Section E4001.15 and where the grounded conductor cannot be extended without removing finish materials. The number of electronic lighting control switches on a branch circuit shall not exceed five, and the number connected to any feeder on the load side of a system or main bonding jumper shall not exceed 25.

The following types of reconditioned switches shall not be permitted:

1. 1.

   Lighting, dimmer and electronic control switches.

2. 2.

   Snap switches of any type.

3. 3.

   Molded-case switches.

Receptacles and cord connectors shall be rated at not less than 15 amperes, 125 volts, or 15 amperes, 250 volts, and shall not be a lampholder type. Receptacles shall be rated in accordance with this section. [406.3(B)]

Receptacles installed on 15- and 20-ampere-rated branch circuits shall be of the grounding type. [406.4(A)]

Receptacle terminations shall be in accordance with the following:

1. 1.

   Terminals of 15-ampere and 20-ampere receptacles not marked CO/ALR shall be used with copper and copper-clad aluminum conductors only.

2. 2.

   Terminals marked CO/ALR shall be permitted to be used with aluminum, copper, and copper-clad aluminum conductors.

3. 3.

   Receptacles installed using screwless terminals of the conductor push-in-type construction (also known as push-in terminals) shall be installed on not greater than 15-ampere branch circuits and shall be connected with only 14 AWG solid copper wire unless listed and marked for other types of conductors.

Metal face plates shall be grounded. [406.6(B)]

After installation, receptacle faces shall be flush with or project from face plates of insulating material and shall project a minimum of 0.015 inch (0.381 mm) from metal face plates. Faceplates shall be installed so as to completely cover the opening and seat against the mounting surface.

Receptacle faceplates mounted inside of a box having a recess-mounted receptacle shall effectively close the opening and seat against the mounting surface. [406.5(D), 406.6]

Receptacles mounted in boxes that are set back from the finished wall surface as permitted by Section E3906.5 shall be installed so that the mounting yoke or strap of the receptacle is held rigidly at the finished surface of the wall. 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. Receptacles mounted in boxes that are flush with the wall surface or project therefrom shall be so installed that the mounting yoke or strap is seated against the box or box cover. [406.5(A) and (B)]

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(C)]

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 cover(s) is closed and an attachment plug cap is not inserted. 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 and similar structures and not subject to rain or water runoff. Fifteen- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking receptacles installed in damp locations shall be listed a weather-resistant type. Hinged covers of outlet box hoods shall be able to open at least 90 degrees, or fully open if the cover is not designed to open 90 degrees from the closed to open position, after installation. [406.9(A)]

Where installed in a wet location, 15-ampere and 20-ampere, 125-volts and 250-volts receptacles 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 identified as “extra-duty.” Other listed products, enclosures, or assemblies providing weatherproof protection that do not utilize an outlet box hood need not be identified as extra duty. Hinged covers of outlet box hoods shall be able to open at least 90 degrees, or fully open if the cover is not designed to open 90 degrees from the closed to open position, after installation.

Fifteen- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking receptacles installed in wet locations shall be listed and so identified as the weather-resistant type. [406.9(B)(1)]

Where a receptacle other than a 15- or 20-ampere, 125- or 250-volt receptacle is installed in a wet location and shall be listed as weather-resistant type. Where the product intended to be plugged into it is not attended while in use, the receptacle shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof both when the attachment plug cap is inserted and when it is removed. Where such receptacle is installed in a wet location and where the product intended to be plugged into it will be attended while in use, the receptacle shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof when the attachment plug cap is removed. [406.9(B)(2)]

Receptacles shall not be installed inside of the tub or shower within a zone measured 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally from the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall, including the space outside the bathtub or shower stall space below the zone. The zone also includes the space measured vertically from the floor to 8 feet (2438 mm) above the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. The identified zone is all-encompassing and shall include the space directly over the bathtub or shower stall and the space below this zone, but not space separated by a floor, wall, ceiling, room door, window, or fixed barrier. [406.9(C)]

In damp or wet locations, 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. [406.9(D)]

Receptacles shall be enclosed so that live wiring terminals are not exposed to contact. [406.5(I)]

In areas specified in Section E3901.1, 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking-type receptacles shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles. [406.12]

Receptacle assemblies and GFCI receptacle assemblies for installation in countertop surfaces shall be listed for countertop applications. Receptacle assemblies and GFCI receptacle assemblies installed in work surfaces shall be listed for work surface or countertop applications. [406.5 (E) and (F)]

Receptacles shall not be installed in a face-up position in or on countertops surfaces or work surfaces except where the receptacles are listed for countertop or work surface applications. Receptacles shall not be installed in a face-up position in the area below a sink. [406.5 (G)]

Reconditioned receptacles, attachment plugs, cord connectors and flanged surface devices shall not be permitted.

Luminaires, lampholders, and lamps shall not have energized parts normally exposed to contact. (410.5)

Luminaires shall be installed or equipped with shades or guards so that combustible material will not be subjected to temperatures in excess of 90°C (194°F). (410.11)

Exposed conductive surfaces shall be connected to an equipment grounding conductor or be separated from all live parts and other conducting surfaces by a listed system of double insulation. Surfaces on small isolated parts, such as mounting screws, clips and decorative bands on glass spaced at least 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) from lamp terminals, shall not require connection to an equipment grounding conductor. Surfaces on portable luminaires with a polarized attachment plug shall not require connection to an equipment grounding conductor. (410.42 and 410.42 Exception)

Lampholders of the screw-shell type shall be installed for use as lampholders only. Where supplied by a circuit having a grounded conductor, the grounded conductor shall be connected to the screw shell. (410.90)

Recessed incandescent luminaires shall have thermal protection and shall be identified as thermally protected. [410.115(B)]

The ballast of a fluorescent luminaire installed indoors shall have integral thermal protection. Replacement ballasts shall also have thermal protection integral with the ballast. A simple reactance ballast in a fluorescent luminaire with straight tubular lamps shall not be required to be thermally protected. [410.130(E)(1), (2)]

Recessed high-intensity luminaires designed to be installed in wall or ceiling cavities shall have thermal protection and be identified as thermally protected. Thermal protection shall not be required in recessed high-intensity luminaires having design, construction and thermal performance characteristics equivalent to that of thermally protected luminaires, and such luminaires are identified as inherently protected. Thermal protection shall not be required in recessed high-intensity discharge luminaires installed in and identified for use in poured concrete. A recessed remote ballast for a high-intensity discharge luminaire shall have thermal protection that is integral with the ballast and shall be identified as thermally protected. [410.130(F)(1), (2), (3), and (4)]

Luminaires that use a metal halide lamp other than a thick-glass parabolic reflector lamp (PAR) shall be provided with a containment barrier that encloses the lamp, or shall be provided with a physical means that allows the use of only a lamp that is Type O. [410.130(F)(5)]

Luminaires installed in wet or damp locations shall be installed so that water cannot enter or accumulate in wiring compartments, lampholders or other electrical parts. All luminaires installed in wet locations shall be marked "SUITABLE FOR WET LOCATIONS.” All luminaires installed in damp locations shall be marked “SUITABLE FOR WET LOCATIONS” or “SUITABLE FOR DAMP LOCATIONS.” [410.10(A)]

Lampholders installed in wet locations shall be listed for use in wet locations. Lampholders installed in damp locations shall be listed for damp locations or shall be listed for wet locations. (410.96)

Cord-connected luminaires; chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended-luminaires; lighting track; pendants; and ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans with luminaire (light kit) shall not have any parts located within a zone measured 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally and 8 feet (2438 mm) vertically from the top of a bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This zone is all encompassing and includes the space directly over the tub or shower. Luminaires within the actual outside dimension of the bathtub or shower to a height of 8 feet (2438 mm) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower threshold shall be marked suitable for damp locations or marked suitable for wet locations. Where subject to shower spray, luminaires shall be marked for wet locations. [410.10(D)]

For the purposes of this section, the clothes-closet storage space shall be the volume bounded by the sides and back closet walls and planes extending from the closet floor vertically to a height of 6 feet (1829 mm) or the highest clothes-hanging rod and parallel to the walls at a horizontal distance of 24 inches (610 mm) from the sides and back of the closet walls respectively, and continuing vertically to the closet ceiling parallel to the walls at a horizontal distance of 12 inches (305 mm) or the width of the shelf, whichever is greater. For a closet that permits access to both sides of a hanging rod, the storage space shall include the volume below the highest rod extending 12 inches (305 mm) on either side of the rod on a plane horizontal to the floor extending the entire length of the rod (see Figure E4003.12). [410.16(A)]

The types of luminaires installed in clothes closets shall be limited to surface-mounted or recessed incandescent or LED luminaires with completely enclosed light sources, surface-mounted or recessed fluorescent luminaires, and surface-mounted fluorescent or LED luminaires identified as suitable for installation within the closet storage area. Incandescent luminaires with open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant luminaires or lampholders shall be prohibited. The minimum clearance between luminaires installed in clothes closets and the nearest point of a closet storage area shall be as follows: [410.16(B) and (C)]

1. 1.

   Surface-mounted incandescent or LED luminaires with a completely enclosed light source shall be installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling, provided that there is a minimum clearance of 12 inches (305 mm) between the fixture and the nearest point of a storage space.

2. 2.

   Surface-mounted fluorescent luminaires shall be installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling, provided that there is a minimum clearance of 6 inches (152 mm).

3. 3.

   Recessed incandescent luminaires or LED luminaires with a completely enclosed light source shall be installed in the wall or the ceiling provided that there is a minimum clearance of 6 inches (152 mm).

4. 4.

   Recessed fluorescent luminaires shall be installed in the wall or on the ceiling provided that there is a minimum clearance of 6 inches (152 mm) between the fixture and the nearest point of a storage space. [410.16(D)]

Wiring on or within luminaires shall be neatly arranged and shall not be exposed to physical damage. Excess wiring shall be avoided. Conductors shall be arranged so that they are not subjected to temperatures above those for which the conductors are rated. (410.50)

Luminaires, lampholders and retrofit kits shall not be permitted to be reconditioned. If a retrofit kit is installed in a luminaire in accordance with the installation instructions, the retrofitted luminaire shall not be considered reconditioned.(410.2)

In a completed installation, each outlet box shall be provided with a cover except where covered by means of a luminaire canopy, lampholder, receptacle that covers the box or is provided with a faceplate, or similar device. (410.22)

Combustible wall or ceiling finish exposed between the inside edge of a luminaire canopy or pan and the outlet box and having a surface area of 180 square inches (1160 mm²) or more shall be covered with a noncombustible material. (410.23)

Luminaires shall be installed so that the connections between the luminaire conductors and the circuit conductors can be accessed without requiring the disconnection of any part of the wiring. Luminaires that are connected by attachment plugs and receptacles meet the requirement of this section. (410.8)

Luminaires and lampholders shall be securely supported. A luminaire that weighs more than 6 pounds (2.72 kg) or exceeds 16 inches (406 mm) in any dimension shall not be supported by the screw shell of a lampholder. [410.30(A)]

Luminaires shall be permitted to be supported by outlet boxes or fittings installed as required by Sections E3905, and E3906. Outlet boxes complying with Section E3905.6.3 shall be considered lighting outlets as required by Section E3903. [410.36(A)]

Luminaires having exposed ballasts, transformers, LED drivers or power supplies shall be installed so that such ballasts, transformers, LED drivers or power supplies are not in contact with combustible material unless listed for such condition. [410.136(A)]

Where a surface-mounted luminaire containing a ballast, transformer, LED driver or power supply is installed on combustible low-density cellulose fiberboard, the luminaire shall be marked for this purpose or it shall be spaced not less than 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) from the surface of the fiberboard. Where such luminaires are partially or wholly recessed, the provisions of Sections E4004.8 and E4004.9 shall apply. [410.136(B)]

A recessed luminaire that is not identified for contact with insulation shall have all recessed parts spaced at least 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) from combustible materials. The points of support and the finish trim parts at the opening in the ceiling, wall or other finished surface shall be permitted to be in contact with combustible materials. A recessed luminaire that is identified for contact with insulation, Type IC, shall be permitted to be in contact with combustible materials at recessed parts, points of support, and portions passing through the building structure and at finish trim parts at the opening in the ceiling or wall. [410.116(A)(1) and (A)(2)]

Thermal insulation shall not be installed above a recessed luminaire or within 3 inches (76 mm) of the recessed luminaire’s enclosure, wiring compartment, ballast, transformer, LED driver or power supply except where such luminaire is identified for contact with insulation, Type IC. [410.116(B)]

Luminaires marked “FOR USE IN NONFIRE-RATED INSTALLATIONS” shall not be used in fire-rated installations. Where a luminaire is recessed in fire-resistant material in a building of fire-resistant construction, the recessed luminaire shall satisfy one of the following:

1. 1.

   The recessed luminaire shall be listed for use in fire-resistance-rated construction.

2. 2.

   The recessed luminaire shall be installed in or used with a luminaire enclosure that is listed for use in fire-resistance-rated construction.

3. 3.

   The recessed luminaire shall be listed and shall be installed in accordance with a tested fire-resistance-rated assembly. Where a tested fire-resistance-rated assembly allows the installation of a recessed fluorescent luminaire, a recessed LED luminaire of comparable construction shall be permitted. [410.116(C)]

Lighting track shall be permanently installed and permanently connected to a branch circuit. [410.150(A)]

Fittings identified for use on lighting track shall be designed specifically for the track on which they are to be installed. Fittings shall be securely fastened to the track, shall maintain polarization and connection to the equipment grounding conductor, and shall be designed to be suspended directly from the track. Only lighting track fittings shall be installed on lighting track. Lighting track fittings shall not be equipped with general-purpose receptacles. [410.150(A) and (D)]

The connected load on lighting track shall not exceed the rating of the track. Lighting track shall be supplied by a branch circuit having a rating not greater than that of the track. [410.150(B)]

Lighting track shall not be installed in the following locations:

1. 1.

   Where likely to be subjected to physical damage.

2. 2.

   In wet or damp locations.

3. 3.

   Where subject to corrosive vapors.

4. 4.

   Where concealed.

5. 5.

   Where extended through walls or partitions.

6. 6.

   Less than 5 feet (1524 mm) above the finished floor except where protected from physical damage or the track operates at less than 30 volts rms open-circuit voltage.

7. 7.

   Where prohibited by Section E4003.11. [410.150(C)]

Lighting track shall be securely mounted so that each fastening will be suitable for supporting the maximum weight of luminaires that can be installed. Except where identified for supports at greater intervals, a single section 4 feet (1219 mm) or shorter in length shall have two supports and, where installed in a continuous row, each individual section of not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) in length shall have one additional support. (410.154)

Lighting track shall be grounded in accordance with Chapter 39, and the track sections shall be securely coupled to maintain continuity of the circuitry, polarization and grounding throughout. [410.155(B)]