Today we are going to be talking about electrical outlet code requirements and rating and types as typically described in the National Electric Code.
Receptacles are marked and listed with the name of the manufacturer and ID, along with the voltage and the rating of amperage.The rating of these outlet receptacles are not allowed to be less than 15 amperes 250 volts or 15 amperes and 250 volts. Receptacles that have aluminum conductors are rated for 20 amperes and used for direct connection of those type of conductors shall be marked with CO/ALR. Isolated Ground Receptacles are used for the reduction of electrical noise cause by vibration.These devices are required to be identified by a orange triangle that must be located on the front of the outlet. If any of the above happen to be installed in nonmetallic boxes they must also be concealed in a nonmetallic face plate. Unless of course the face plate can be grounded, then this will be allowed. All outlets that are controlled by means of automation;(meaning they can remove power from the outlet as a means of energy management) Must be marked with the appropriate symbol and place after installation.
All 15 and 20 outlets need to be of the grounding type and only installed to the circuits to they are rated.(Do not place a 15 AMP receptacle on a 20 amp breaker.) All devices with grounding contacts must be used and grounded to their device, unless used in portable and vehicle-mounted generators. The circuit that is being grounded, must be ground by the same circuit that is supplying it.( cannot ground from another power source)
Ground fault circuit interrupter(GFI for short) and arc-fault breakers need to be located and installed in locations that are accessible to humans. If a GFCI is protecting a series of outlets, these must be label or marked as GFCI protected.
A outlet that is a two prong and is not currently grounded; it is allowed to replace it with a similar outlet. You are however allowed to replace a two prong outlet with a GFCI, but only as it is labeled “NO EQUIPMENT GROUND.” Receptacles that are connected to circuits that have different types of current or voltages(AC,DC) These types are not interchangeable.
Receptacle mounting, Will need to be mounted in identified boxes .Assemblies shall be securely fastened in place.Screws require 32 threads per inch, in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.
Receptacles mounted in boxes shall be installed in a way that the mounting yoke or strap of the receptacle is held rigidly at the surface. Flush mounted boxes, need to be installed in the same fashion. After installation, receptacle faces shall be flush with or project from faceplates of insulating material. Receptacles in Countertops, unless listed as receptacle assemblies for countertop applications, shall not be installed in a face-up position.Where receptacle for countertop are required to provide ground-fault circuit-interrupter.
Exposed Terminals need to be enclosed so that live wiring terminals are not exposed to the touch. Voltage Between Devices an outlet shall not be grouped or ganged in enclosures with other receptacles or similar devices, unless voltage between devices does not exceed 300 volts, or securely installed barriers between devices.
Faceplates shall be installed so as to completely cover the opening and mounting surface. Receptacle faceplates need to effectively close the opening and sit tightly against the mounting surface. Metal faceplates shall be of ferrous metal not less than 0.76 mm. Metal faceplates need to be grounded.
Arizona Electrical Solutions is an electrical contractor working in the Tucson, Arizona Area. If you have any questions regarding your outlets or any other service? Please feel free to give us a call at 520-308-6235 or visit our contact us page on this website.