If the wall switch controls one or more receptacles, no lighting outlet is required. For example, a wall switch installed in the living room will control the bottom half of each duplex receptacle in that room. Because of the switched receptacles, no lighting outlet is required.
How many wall switch controlled outlets are required in a house?
Now, at least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet is required in every habitable room, kitchen, and bathroom. The following two exceptions were unchanged: Exception No. 1: In other than kitchens and bathrooms, one or more receptacles controlled by a wall switch are permitted instead of lighting outlets.
Can a wall switch be used instead of a lighting outlet?
Except for kitchens and bathrooms, one or more receptacles controlled by a wall switch may be installed in lieu of a lighting outlet [210.70 (A) (1) Exception No. 1]. If the wall switch controls one or more receptacles, no lighting outlet is required.
Do you need a lighting outlet for a split receptacle?
Because of the switched receptacles, no lighting outlet is required. (See Figure 4.) Wiring a receptacle so that one half is a typical receptacle and the other half is controlled by a switch is commonly called a split-wired receptacle.
How many lighting outlets do I need in my house?
At least one wall-switch-controlled lighting outlet must be installed in every habitable room (and bathroom) of a dwelling [210.70 (A) (1)]. This provision requires at least one lighting outlet in every habitable room and at least one wall switch to control it.
Are switched outlets required in bedrooms?
Unless meeting one of the two exceptions, at least one lighting outlet controlled by a wall switch is required in every habitable room.
Which rooms in a dwelling are required to have switched lighting outlets or switched receptacles?
Habitable rooms — At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet must be installed in every habitable room and bathroom of a dwelling unit.
What is the NEC code for light switches?
NEC 210.70According to NEC 210.70, at least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet (including ceiling fans) must be installed in every habitable room and bathroom of a dwelling unit.
Which part of the NEC standard proposes the switches requirements?
Article 404 requirementsArticle 404 requirements apply to all switches, switching devices, and circuit breakers used as switches.
What is the NEC code for outlets?
The US National Electrical Code, Section 210.52, states that there should be an electrical outlet in every kitchen, bedroom, living room, family room, and any other room that has dedicated living space. They must be positioned at least every twelve feet measured along the floor line.
How many outlets can be on a 15 amp circuit?
8 outletsTechnically, you can have as many outlets on a 15 amp circuit breaker as you want. However, a good rule of thumb is 1 outlet per 1.5 amps, up to 80% of the capacity of the circuit breaker. Therefore, we would suggest a maximum of 8 outlets for a 15 amp circuit.
What is code for electrical switches?
Section 1136A Electrical Receptacle, Switch and Control Heights.
How many receptacles can be on a 20 amp circuit?
The answer to the question how many outlets on a 20 amp circuit is ten outlets. Always comply with the 80% circuit and breaker load rule, allowing a maximum load of 1.5 amps per receptacle. Remember that your circuit, wire sizes, and outlets must be compatible to avoid overheating and electrical hazards.
Can I use a neutral as a switch leg?
Ordinary mechanical switches do not need a neutral, but only hots (line hot and switched hot). Nowadays the code requires a neutral in switch boxes even if it is not used in the original installation.
Can a circuit breaker be used as a switch NEC?
Circuit breakers may work more effective as safe switches, but they are not switches. They are not interchangeable. Therefore, using a circuit breaker as a switch is not recommended.
Are 3 Way switches required by code?
The only requirement for switch locations in located in 210.70(A)(2)(c) for stairways. The NEC does not require 3 way switches for hallways and rooms. The locations of switches is a design issue not a code issue.
Do you need a neutral in every switch box?
Neutrals. When wiring lighting circuits supplied by a grounded general-purpose branch circuit, the 2011 NEC now requires you to provide a neutral conductor at nearly every switch point [404.2(C)]. The purpose for this is to complete a circuit path for electronic lighting control devices, such as occupancy sensors.
What must be installed at each outlet or switch location?
An identified conductor must be installed at each location of a manual or automatic control device for the control of permanently installed luminaries at a branch circuit outlet. All switches need to be bonded to ground.
What type of branch circuit supplies two or more receptacles or outlets for lighting and appliances?
general-purpose branch circuitA general-purpose branch circuit supplies a number of outlets for lighting and appliances. This type of circuit supplies lights, receptacles, appliances, or any combination thereof.
How long must a hallway in a dwelling be to require at least one receptacle outlet?
10 ft210.52(H), "In dwelling units, hallways of 10 ft or more in length shall have at least one receptacle outlet.
What switches are required to control a lighting outlet from three locations?
The four-way switch is used between two three-way switches to provide control for an outlet or light fixture from multiple locations.
What is a kitchen in NEC?
The NEC defines a “Kitchen” as “ an area with a sink and permanent provisions for food preparation and cooking ”.
Can occupancy sensors be used on outlets?
Exception No. 2: Lighting outlets are permitted to be controlled by occupancy sensors that are (1) in addition to wall switches or (2) located at a customary wall switch location and equipped with a manual override that allows the sensor to function as a wall switch.
Do you need a wall switch for a bathroom?
Now, at least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet is required in every habitable room, kitchen, and bathroom. The following two exceptions were unchanged: Exception No. 1: In other than kitchens and bathrooms, one or more receptacles controlled by a wall switch are permitted instead of lighting outlets.
How many amps does a general purpose outlet need?
General-purpose outlet receptacles should have a rating that is appropriate for the amperage of the circuit they serve. Generally, these household circuits will provide 15-amps or 20-amps of service, and the outlet receptacle rating should not exceed this amperage. Check the circuit's breaker in the service panel to find out whether it is 15 amp ...
How many outlets are needed for a hallway?
Hallways more than 10 feet long must have at least one electrical outlet, preferably at the mid-point.
How far from a receptacle outlet should a receptacle be installed?
Receptacles shall be installed such that no point measured horizontally along the floor line of any wall space is more than 6ft from a receptacle outlet.
How far away from an electrical outlet should a lamp be?
This spacing is chosen so that a lamp, computer, television, or other appliance will never be more than 6 feet away from an electrical outlet.
How far apart should outlets be in a kitchen?
Outlet Spacing in Kitchens. In kitchens, electrical outlets should be placed no farther than 48 inches apart, so that no point on the countertop is more than 24 inches away from a receptacle. Any countertop 12 inches wide or more should have an outlet on the wall behind the countertop.
What is a tamper resistant outlet?
In tamper-resistant outlets, a spring-loaded gate within the outlet prevents young children from pushing objects such as knives into the outlet slots.
What is a 20 amp receptacle?
A 20-amp receptacle is designed to accept the special plug on heavier-use appliances, and if such an appliance plugs into a 15-amp circuit, there is a danger of drawing too much power and overloading the circuit.
What is a switch outlet?
Switched outlet wiring diagram depicts the electrical power from the circuit breaker panel entering the switched electrical receptacle outlet box where a two wire cable goes to the switch and another two wire cable feeds power to another outlet that is live at all times.
What is split wired outlet?
Outlets are split wired so that the top half of the receptacle is live all of the time and the bottom of the receptacle is controlled by the wall switch. Depicted above is the neutral conductor in the switch box as well as the cut tab location on the receptacle.
What is a single pole switch?
The single pole switch has a neutral conductor for future electronic controls such as a timer or a WiFi switch.
How to break off side tab of electrical outlet?
Depending on the brand of electrical receptacle you can break the tab between the top and bottom sections of the outlet using needle nose pliers to bend the tab forth and back or small diagonal pliers to cut it.
How many conductors are in a single pole switch?
In the wiring diagram above a hot and a neutral enter the single pole switch box . From there a 3 conductor cable is installed to a switched electrical receptacle outlet. A two conductor cable is installed from the switched outlet to feed an outlet that is live at all times. A two conductor cable is run from the the switch box to another duplex receptacle outlet that is also live at all times.
Why is the tab on the line side of the outlet cut?
In the drawings below only the tab on the LINE side of the outlet is cut because the top and bottom are using the same neutral. Half switched outlet wiring diagram depicting the electrical power feeding into an electrical receptacle box and then going to a switch and to another receptacle. Outlets are split wired so that the top half ...
What is the NFPA 70 code for switches?
The wiring diagram above shows how switched outlets are often wired. Although Article 404.2 (C) in the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) requires that a wall switch controlling a light fixture also has a neutral conductor available, switches controlling outlets are exempt from this requirement.
How many switches are needed for a room?
Although only one switch is required, the electrical contractor will install three. This room’s lighting will be controlled by two three-way and one four-way switch. (See Figure 3.) Some state and local jurisdictions may require additional wall switches in rooms having more than one door (or entry).
Where is the light outlet in a kitchen?
For example, a kitchen in a dwelling unit has lighting outlet in the center of the room. No door will be installed in the kitchen’s entrance. On the left side of the entry is a pantry, and just beyond it is the refrigerator. There is no room for the switch on the left side. On the right side is the electric range.
What is a multiwire branch circuit?
A multiwire branch circuit consists of two or more ungrounded (hot) conductors and one grounded (neutral) conductor. In dwelling units, if a multiwire branch circuit supplies more than one device (or equipment) on the same yoke, a means must be provided to disconnect all ungrounded (hot) conductors simultaneously.
Where is the wall switch located?
The wall switch can be installed inside or outside the room. Most of the time, the wall switch is located in the room and within reach upon entering the room. Sometimes the wall switch is located just outside the room. For example, a kitchen in a dwelling unit has lighting outlet in the center of the room.
What is the purpose of the National Electrical Code?
The National Electrical Code states its purpose as “the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.” [90.1 (A)] The adequacy of the Code is covered in 90.1 (B). Some key points covered in this section include: 1) provisions contained in the Code are considered necessary for safety;
Do you need a light outlet for a split receptacle?
Because of the switched receptacles, no lighting outlet is required. (See Figure 4.) Wiring a receptacle so that one half is a typical receptacle and the other half is controlled by a switch is commonly called a split-wired receptacle.
Where is the switch on the left side of the kitchen?
There is no room for the switch on the left side. On the right side is the electric range. On the wall behind the range is a metal backsplash. Because of this design, there is no convenient location for the wall switch in the kitchen. The switch will be installed on the wall just outside the kitchen’s entrance.
What is the switch in a room?
These rooms require that a wall switch is placed beside the entry door of the room so that you can light the room upon entering it. This switch can control either a ceiling light, a wall light, or a receptacle for plugging in a lamp. The ceiling fixture must be controlled by a wall switch rather than a pull chain.
Where to put a four way switch in a hallway?
If there are more doors served by a hallway, such as for a bedroom or two, you may want to add a four-way switch near the door outside of each room.
Why do bathrooms need more than one circuit?
With their lights, vent fans, and outlets that may power hairdryers and other appliances , bathrooms use a lot of power and may need more than one circuit .
How often is the NEC updated?
Most local codes are based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), a document that lays out required practices for all aspects of residential and commercial electrical installation. The NEC is revised every three years—2014, 2017 and so forth—and occasionally there are important changes to the Code.
What is a TR receptacle?
Tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles. All standard receptacles must be tamper-resistant (TR) type. These include a built-in safety feature that prevents children from sticking items into the receptacle slots.
What are electrical codes?
Electrical codes are in place to protect you, the homeowner. These general guidelines will give you the basics of what electrical inspectors are looking for when they review both remodeling projects and new installations. Most local codes are based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), a document that lays out required practices for all aspects of residential and commercial electrical installation. The NEC is revised every three years—2014, 2017 and so forth—and occasionally there are important changes to the Code. So make sure that your sources of information are based on the most recent Code. The code requirements listed here are based on the 2017 NEC .
How many amps does a standard living area need?
These areas are generally served by standard 120-volt 15-amp or 20-amp circuits that may serve more than one room.
How many wires do you need for a receptacle?
The expense would be too much. You would need a 3 wire cable or 3 conductors to each receptacle
Does the 2014 NEC have a symbol?
The 2014 NEC even has a symbol that is to be used on those receptacles.
Is marking required for receptacles controlled by a wall switch that provide the required room lighting outlets?
Exception: The marking is not required for receptacles controlled by a wall switch that provide the required room lighting outlets as permitted by 210.70.
What is a lighting outlet?
Lighting Outlet. An outlet intended for the direct connection
What is a light fixture connected to?
The light fixture is connected at an outlet. See definitions of outlet and receptacle.
Do you need a wall outlet per 210.70?
Each habitable room does require a wall switch controlled outlet per 210.70 (A) (1) and the two exceptions don't really change that.
Can a non-receptacle light be dimmer controlled?
Note however the design point that a non- receptacle lighting outlet can be dimmer controlled instead of just simply switched, but a receptacle meant to be actually used to provide lighting cannot be controlled by a dimmer unless one of the proprietary special receptacle and plug combinations (Leviton?) is used.
Can a switched outlet be a receptacle?
You misunderstand. The switched outlet can be either a receptacle or fixed lighting. Only baths and kitchens require fixed lighting only.