Page 781 - 2018_IRC

DEVICES AND LUMINAIRES

switch is flush mounted, seat against the finished surface. E4001.12 Dimmer switches. General-use dimmer switches
[404.9(A)] shall be used only to control permanently installed incandes-
cent luminaires (lighting fixtures) except where listed for the
E4001.11.1 Faceplate grounding. Snap switches, includ-
ing dimmer and similar control switches, shall be con- control of other loads and installed accordingly. [404.14(E)]
nected to an equipment grounding conductor and shall E4001.13 Multipole snap switches. A multipole, general-
provide a means to connect metal faceplates to the equip- use snap switch shall not be fed from more than a single cir-
ment grounding conductor, whether or not a metal face- cuit unless it is listed and marked as a two-circuit or three-cir-
plate is installed. Metal faceplates shall be grounded. Snap cuit switch. [404.8(C)]
switches shall be considered to be part of an effective E4001.14 Cord-and-plug-connected loads. Where snap
ground-fault current path if either of the following condi- switches are used to control cord-and-plug-connected equip-
tions is met: ment on a general-purpose branch circuit, each snap switch
1. The switch is mounted with metal screws to a metal controlling receptacle outlets or cord connectors that are sup-
box or metal cover that is connected to an equipment plied by permanently connected cord pendants shall be rated
grounding conductor or to a nonmetallic box with at not less than the rating of the maximum permitted ampere
integral means for connecting to an equipment rating or setting of the overcurrent device protecting the
grounding conductor. receptacles or cord connectors, as provided in Sections
2. An equipment grounding conductor or equipment E4002.1.1 and E4002.1.2. [404.14(F)]
bonding jumper is connected to an equipment E4001.15 Switches controlling lighting loads. The
grounding termination of the snap switch. [404.9(B)] grounded circuit conductor for the controlled lighting circuit
Exceptions: shall be installed at the location where switches control light-
ing loads that are supplied by a grounded general-purpose
1. Where a means to connect to an equipment ground- branch circuit serving bathrooms, hallways, stairways, or
ing conductor does not exist within the snap-switch rooms suitable for human habitation or occupancy as defined
enclosure or where the wiring method does not in the code. Where multiple switch locations control the same
include or provide an equipment grounding con- lighting load such that the entire floor area of the room or
ductor, a snap switch without a grounding connec- space is visible from the single or combined switch locations,
tion to an equipment grounding conductor shall be the grounded conductor shall be required only at one location.
permitted for replacement purposes only. A snap A grounded conductor shall not be required to be installed at
switch wired under the provisions of this exception lighting switch locations under any of the following condi-
and located within 8 feet (2438 mm) vertically or 5 tions:
feet (1524 mm) horizontally of ground or exposed
grounded metal objects, shall be provided with a 1. Where conductors enter the box enclosing the switch
faceplate of nonconducting noncombustible mate- through a raceway, provided that the raceway is large
rial with nonmetallic attachment screws, except enough for all contained conductors, including a
where the switch-mounting strap or yoke is non- grounded conductor.
metallic or the circuit is protected by a ground-fault 2. Where the box enclosing the switch is accessible for the
circuit-interrupter. [404.9(B) Exception No.1] installation of an additional or replacement cable with-
2. Listed kits or listed assemblies shall not be required out removing finish materials.
to be connected to an equipment grounding con- 3. Where snap switches with integral enclosures comply
ductor if all of the following conditions apply: with Section E3905.1.3.
2.1. The device is provided with a nonmetal- 4. Where lighting in the area is controlled by automatic
lic faceplate that cannot be installed on means.
any other type of device.
5. Where a switch controls a receptacle load. [404.2(C)]
2.2. The device does not have mounting Effective January 1, 2020, the grounded conductor shall be
means to accept other configurations of extended to any switch location as necessary and shall be
faceplates. connected to switching devices that require line-to-neutral
2.3. The device is equipped with a nonmetal- voltage to operate the electronics of the switch in the standby
lic yoke. mode.
2.4. All parts of the device that are accessible The requirement for connection to switching devices shall
after installation of the faceplate are not apply to replacement or retrofit switches installed in loca-
manufactured of nonmetallic materials. tions prior to the adoption of Section E4001.15 and where the
[404.9(B) Exception No. 2] grounded conductor cannot be extended without removing
3. Connection to an equipment grounding conductor finish materials. The number of electronic lighting control
shall not be required for snap switches that have switches on a branch circuit shall not exceed five, and the
an integral nonmetallic enclosure complying with number connected to any feeder on the load side of a system
Section E3905.1.3. [404.9(B) Exception No. 3] or main bonding jumper shall not exceed 25.

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