{ NEC®

CODE CHANGES
{
OVERVIEW OF 2017
Related to Electrical
Wiring Devices

Cablofil®

Pass & Seymour®

Wiremold®
 Your source for safety.

Today’s NEC® regulations

have new safety requirements,
and we’re always evolving to help you meet them.
With each new update, it’s important that you stay on top of the
changes and learn about your choices. Legrand can help you meet the
requirements of the National Electrical Code®. Whether you need to
address new meeting room changes, plug load controllable-receptacle
markings, GFCI products, tamper-resistant receptacles or open space
challenges, we have the latest solutions and education to ease your
mind. Explore our wide range of options, including the GFCI receptacle
that we invented in 1971, to see what works for your space.

And don’t forget to ask the experts.

For more information on products or NEC regulations,
ask your distributor or visit legrand.us.
 Page i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
NEC® SECTION DESCRIPTION PAGE
Article 100 Definitions 1
110.14 (D) Conductor Termination and Splicing 2
210.8 Measurements for GFCI Protection 3
210.8 (A)(7) and 210.8 (B)(5) GFCI Protection at Sinks 4
210.8 (B) Expanded Single-Phase and New Three-Phase 5
GFCI Protection
210.8 (B)(9)) Non-Dwelling Unit Crawl Spaces 6
210.8 (B)(10) Non-Dwelling Unit Unfinished Basements 7
210.8 (E) Lighting Outlets in Crawl Spaces 8
210.12 (C) AFCI Protection in Guest Rooms and Guest Suites 9
210.12 (D) AFCI Protection in Dormitories 10
210.52 (A)(2)(1) Receptacle Wall Space 11
210.52 (C)(3) Peninsular Countertop Spaces 12
210.52 (G) and (G)(1) Changes Regarding Dwelling Units and Garages 13
210.64 Receptacles at Electrical Service Areas 14
210 .70 (C) Lighting Outlet Requirements 15
210.71 Meeting Rooms 16
314.15 Damp or Wet Locations 17
314.16 (A) and (B) Number of Conductors in Outlet, Device & Junction Boxes 18
314.20 Flush-Mounted Box Installations 19
314.27 (E) Outlet Boxes 20
392.22 Cable Trays 21
404.2 (C) Switches Controlling Lighting Loads 22
404.9 (B) Switch Faceplates 24
404.22 Electronic Lighting Control Switches 25
406.2 Receptacles, Cord Connectors and 26
Attachment Plugs (Caps): Definitions
406.3 (E) Receptacle Rating and Type: Controlled Receptacle 27
Marking
406.3 (F) Receptacle Rating and Type: Receptacle with 28
USB Charger
406.5 (E), (F) and (G) Receptacle Mounting 29
National Electrical Code ® and NEC ® are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Inc.,
Quincy, MA 02269.
Page ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
406.9 (B)(1) Receptacles in Wet Locations 30
406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles 31
422.5 (A) and (B) Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) Protection 32
for Personnel
422.16 (B)(2) Built-In Dishwashers 33
445.20 (A) and (B) GFCI Protection for Portable Generators 34
517.16 Isolated Ground Receptacles in Health Care Facilities 35
525.23 (D) GFCI Protection for Carnivals, Circuses, Fairs and 36
Similar Events
550.13 Receptacle Outlets (Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes 37
and Mobile Home Parks)
550.25 (B) AFCI Protection (Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes 38
and Mobile Home Parks)
551.71 Recreational Vehicle Park Receptacles 39
590.6 (A)(1) GFCI Protection for Personnel in Temporary Installations 40
604.6 Manufactured Wiring Systems 41
620.85 Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Platform Lifts and 42
Stairway Chairlifts
680.22 (A)(2) Pool Pump Motor Receptacles 43
680, Part VIII Swimming Pools, Fountains and Similar Installations 44

This booklet compiled by Steve Rood, Director of Codes and Standards, Electrical Wiring Systems, Legrand, North America.
 Page 1 

ARTICLE 100
Definitions
Revised definition of “receptacle”

 Revised definition of “receptacle”

The definition of “receptacle” has been revised in recognition of new
technology that has been developed for the attachment of electrical
apparatus using means in addition to the traditional attachment
plug. Recent introductions of electrical utilization equipment that
are designed to mate with and can be directly connected to contact
devices (i.e. – receptacles) without the necessity to employ an external
attachment plug have driven this change. Product examples of this
type include luminaires, ceiling-suspended paddle fans and direct
plug-in transformers.

*Courtesy of SQL Technologies Corp

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us

Page 2

SECTION 110.14 (D)

Conductor Termination and Splicing

 New requirements were added for the use of tightening torque

tools when a tightening torque is indicated.
Implementation of the appropriate torque tools is essential to verify
that terminations are properly made to help to ensure that the
equipment or device will function suitably throughout its expected
service life. Accordingly, the requirements also call for a properly
calibrated tool to be used when torquing terminal connections. This
additional step pertaining to installation of electrical connections
serves to clearly inform installers that usage of the proper torquing
tools is required when a torque value is indicated on the equipment or
in the manufacturer’s instructions.

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us

 Page 3 

SECTION 210.8
Measurements for GFCI Protection

Outlet for
disposal

Outlet for
refrigerator
not within
6 ft. (1.8 m) of
sink and does
not serve
countertop

 New language to clarify how measurements are to be determined for

GFCI receptacles.
Where GFCI protection is required within 6 feet of a sink, the new
language in 210.8 gives direction to installers and enforcers relative
to the path taken during consideration of the determination of this
distance. The 6-foot distance is to be considered in the context of the
“shortest path” a cord of an appliance connected to a receptacle would
take without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling or fixed barrier, or passing
through a door, doorway or window. This clarification applies to both
dwelling units and non-dwelling units alike.

P&S Cat. #: 1597, 2097, 1597TR, 2097TR

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 4

SECTIONS 210.8 (A)(7) AND 210.8 (B)(5)

GFCI Protection at Sinks
test
reset

  Measurement criteria at sinks have been revised for clarity.

In addition to the clarification regarding the path an appliance cord

would take, the Code has confirmed that all 125-volt single-phase
15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed within 6 feet of the “top inside
edge of the bowl” of any sink requires GFCI protection. Similar to the
“shortest path” measurement criterion, this clarification also applies
to both dwelling units and non-dwelling units alike.

P&S Cat. #: 1597, 2097, 1597TR, 2097TR

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 5 

SECTION 210.8 (B)

Expanded Single-Phase and
New Three-Phase GFCI Protection

  G FCI requirements for receptacles in commercial and industrial

environments have been expanded beyond ground fault protection
solely limited to 15 and 20A, 125-volt applications.

Although GFCI requirements at “Other Than Dwelling Units” locations

still include coverage of 125-volt single-phase 15- and 20-ampere
receptacles, these requirements have been expanded to now include
all single-phase receptacles rated 50A or less not exceeding 150
volts to ground, as well as all three-phase receptacles rated 100A or
less not exceeding 150 volts to ground located in the areas specified
throughout Section 210.8 (B). These requirements have been expanded
in recognition of the fact that shock hazards are not limited to 15 and
20A, 125-volt applications in these environments.

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us

Page 6

SECTION 210.8 (B)(9)

Non-Dwelling Unit Crawl Spaces

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 GFCI protection for receptacles in non-dwelling unit crawl spaces has
been added.
In addition to the existing and continuing requirements for GFCI
protection in dwelling unit crawl spaces, receptacles located in
non-dwelling unit crawl spaces are now also to be GFCI protected
in recognition of the similar shock hazards also present in these
environments. Due to the crawl space location being “non-dwelling
unit” in nature, the expanded single-phase and new three-phase
receptacle GFCI protection requirements are also in effect.

P&S Cat. #:  1597, 2097, 1597TR, 2097TR

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 7 

SECTION 210.8 (B)(10)

Non-Dwelling Unit Unfinished Basements

 GFCI protection for receptacles in non-dwelling unit unfinished

basements has also been added.
Comparable to the addition to crawl spaces as noted in Section 210.8
(B)(9), receptacles in unfinished basements in non-dwelling units are
now to be GFCI-protected similar to those located in dwelling unit
unfinished basements as noted in Section 210.8 (A)(5). Since GFCI
rules are driven by location, it follows that the same locations that
require GFCI protection in dwellings also be mandated in commercial
and industrial environments.

P&S Cat. #: 1597, 2097, 1597TR, 2097TR

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 8

SECTION 210.8 (E)

Lighting Outlets in Crawl Spaces

  GFCI protection for lighting outlets in crawl spaces has been added.

This new requirement was added to establish GFCI protection for

lighting outlets not exceeding 120 volts installed in crawl spaces where
that space is located at or below grade level. This addition was driven
by the significant risk of shock hazard arising from inadvertent contact
in conjunction with accidental breakage of exposed lamps installed
in “open-bulb type” lamp holders commonly encountered in these
locations. This new requirement applies to both dwelling units and
non-dwelling units alike.

P&S Cat. #:  1597, 2097, 1597TR, 2097TR

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 9 

SECTION 210.12 (C)

AFCI Protection in Guest Rooms and Guest Suites

 New provisions added to require AFCI protection for guest rooms

and guest suites of hotels and motels.

New stipulations were added within Section 210.12 (C) to require AFCI
protection for all 120-volt, single-phase 15- and 20-ampere branch
circuits that supply outlets and devices installed in guest rooms and
guest suites of hotels and motels. Unlike recent editions to the Code,
this new extension of AFCI protection to guest quarters does not
depend upon qualifying conditions that “permanent provisions for
cooking” be a part of these accommodations, as similar risks imposed
by the arcing events perceived to take place within motel or hotel
guest occupancies are the same as those that potentially can occur
within dwelling units (where AFCI protection has been mandated and
expanded since the 2002 edition of the NEC).

P&S Cat. #:  AF152TR, AF202TR, AFGF152TR, AFGF202TR

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 10

SECTION 210.12 (D)

AFCI Protection in Dormitories
replace if blinking
test
legrand

reset

replace if blinking
test
legrand

reset


Requirements for AFCI protection when adding or modifying wiring
was extended to dormitories.
Section 210.12 (D) continues to require AFCI protection for branch
circuit wiring modifications, replacements or extensions in areas
specified in 210.12(A). The AFCI protection may be provided by a
Combination AFCI circuit breaker in the panel or a receptacle type
Outlet Branch Circuit AFCI installed in the first outlet of the branch
circuit. This Section of the NEC was modified to include 210.12 (B),
where the requirements for dormitory unit applications are provided,
since these areas are very similar in their use to dwelling units.

P&S Cat. #: AF152TR, AF202TR

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 11 

SECTION 210.52 (A)(2)(1)

Receptacle Wall Space

Not considered
wall space
Wall space

 Fixed cabinets “that do not have countertops or similar work

surfaces” were added as an item that comprises a break in a wall
space for receptacle spacing requirements in dwelling units.

Section 210.52 (A) provides general provisions for the placement of

receptacles in wall spaces. Wall spaces do not include doorways and
similar openings, fireplaces or fixed cabinetry. However, a clarification
in the Code now makes a distinction for cabinetry with or without
countertops, in that those installations without countertops are
now considered as items that would not be counted as “wall space”
concerning receptacle spacing and location requirements. As such,
since cabinetry with a countertop is now considered to be wall space,
instances where cabinets with countertops are seen to occupy a
substantial length of wall space will now require a receptacle outlet
(or outlets) to provide service to those countertop areas for plug-in
devices and appliances.

P&S Cat. #: 885TR, 3232TR

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 12

SECTION 210.52 (C)(3)

Peninsular Countertop Spaces

Fixed
Connected Cabinets
perpendicular
wall

Refrigerator

  The measurement point for receptacle installation within peninsular

countertops has been changed.
At least one receptacle outlet is still required at each peninsular
countertop with a long dimension of 2 feet or greater, and a short
dimension of 1 foot or greater. However, the measurement is now
taken from the “connected peninsular wall” vs. the previous location of
the “connecting edge” where the peninsular countertop mates with the
base kitchen countertop to better define how the long dimension of the
peninsular countertop is measured.

P&S Cat. #: 885TR, 3232TR, 1597TR, 2097TR

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 13 

SECTION 210.52 (G) AND (G)(1)

Changes Regarding Dwelling Units and Garages

Maximum height for

receptacle outlets within
a garage is 5-1/2 feet
above floor

 Expansion of requirements to two-family dwellings; receptacle

mounting height in garages is now specified.

Receptacle requirements for dwelling unit basements, garages and

accessory buildings have now been extended beyond single-family
dwellings to include two-family dwellings. In addition, the maximum
height requirement for the continuing required receptacle outlets to
be installed within each garage vehicle bay has been set at 5-1/2 feet
above the floor. Finally, a clarification has been made stating that
although the branch circuit supplying the garage receptacle(s) cannot
serve outlets outside of the garage, a new exception has been made
for readily accessible receptacles that are located outdoors.

P&S Cat. #: TR5262, TR5362, 3232TRWR, WR20TR

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 14

SECTION 210.64
Receptacles at Electrical Service Areas


Accessibility and maximum distance requirements for receptacles in
electrical service areas.
At least one 125-volt, single-phase 15-or 20-ampere receptacle is
still required to be installed at or within an electrical service area;
however, the maximum distance the outlet can be installed in an
accessible location from the service panel is now reduced to 25 feet
from the previous 50 feet to allow for more readily available extension
cord usage. This requirement is now specified as limited to indoor
equipment use only, and is still not required within one-and two-family
dwellings.

P&S Cat. #: TR5262, TR5362

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 15 

SECTION 210.70 (C)

Lighting Outlet Requirements

Lighting outlet requirements in dwelling units extended to

“all occupancies”, including non-dwelling units.
Lighting outlet requirements for storage or equipment spaces have
been added to non-dwelling unit utility rooms and basements. The
same types of hazards present due to the lack of illumination can exist
in all attics, underfloor spaces, utility rooms and basements whether
these areas are located in a dwelling unit or other than a dwelling unit.
The title of this requirement was also changed to “All Occupancies”
from “Other Than Dwelling Units” to ensure clarity that all locations
that could be occupied (but were not considered to be “dwellings”) are
appropriately covered.

P&S Cat. #: RCD38TR, 288

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 16

SECTION 210.71
Meeting Rooms


Receptacle outlet requirements were added for non-dwelling unit
meeting rooms.
There have been provisions within the NEC for the location and wall
spacing of nonlocking-type, 125-volt, single-phase 15- or 20-ampere
receptacles, but were limited to dwelling units. New provisions were
added with minimal placement and location guidelines to require
receptacle outlets for meeting rooms such as those found in hotels,
convention centers, conference centers and other similar commercial
occupancies. These requirements are added proactively towards
injury prevention due to trip hazards, overloaded circuits and similar
mishaps that can take place due to numerous extension cords, power
taps and plug strips located on floors and walkways.

Wiremold Cat. #: EFB8S P&S Cat. #: 5362

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 17 

SECTION 314.15
Damp or Wet Locations

Field-installed drainage holes now have a minimum size of 1/8 inch.

Although field-installed drainage holes to prevent moisture from

accumulating inside of boxes or enclosures have been common for
many years, it was not until the 2014 NEC provided recognition and
some guidance (1/4 inch maximum diameter, unless provided for or
with an actual drainage fitting) characterized as “approved drainage
openings.” The 2017 NEC has added a new minimum diameter
dimension of 1/8 inch to ensure the hole does not become blocked
or clogged. In addition, the word “diameter” was added to the text to
clarify that the opening is to be round as opposed to any other shape.

P&S Cat. #: WPB34, WPB342, WPB373

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 18

SECTION 314.16 (A) AND (B)

Number of Conductors in Outlet, Device and Junction Boxes


New text added to accommodate boxes with internal barriers for box
volume and box fill calculations.
The volume or space that is occupied by an internal barrier in a box
had not previously been addressed by existing box-fill calculations
until these changes to the text were developed. Where a box is
provided with one or more securely installed interior barriers, 314.16
(A) of the NEC now requires that the volume of that barrier is to
be allocated to each of the resulting spaces. To reinforce this new
requirement to consider these interior barriers when performing a box
fill calculation, 314.16 (B) adds a sentence clearly stating that each
space within a box installed with an interior barrier must be calculated
separately.

P&S Cat. #: S235RAC, S354RAC, P235RAC

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 19 

SECTION 314.20
Flush-Mounted Box Installations


Rules for flush-mounted boxes have been expanded and clarified
to cover all installations.
The 2014 NEC relative to flush-mounted box installations was limited
to “in wall or ceiling” applications; the 2017 NEC clarification removes
any limitation relative to the compliance required for flush-mount
applications. A flush-mounting location that is not “in wall or ceiling”
(such as flush-mounted within a free-standing post) is now included
within the scope of this Section.

P&S Cat. #: WPBD252, 3797

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 20

SECTION 314.27 (E)

Outlet Boxes

O utlet boxes are now permitted to support listed locking support

and mounting receptacles used in combination with compatible
attachment fittings.

The new subsection (E) added to Section 314.27 recognizes newly

listed technology designed to provide power and support to luminaires
and/or ceiling-suspended paddle fans from a receptacle and mounting
means located in or mounted directly to the box. The term “separable
attachment fitting” is utilized by the NEC to identify the compatible
attachment fitting to be used in conjunction with the locking support
and mounting receptacle. They must be identified for the support of
equipment within the weight and mounting orientation limits of their
listing, and the supporting receptacle installed within a box must be
included in the box fill calculation. This new provision for listed locking
support and mounting receptacles for luminaires coincides with the
revised definition of a “receptacle” in Article 100.

P&S Cat. #:  S120RAC

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 21 

SECTION 392.22
Cable Trays

Cross section of
divider separating
power from control

The cable tray conductor fill sizing calculations have been clarified.

When individual conductors are installed with limited-energy circuits,

a physical barrier must be installed within cable tray between the
power and limited-energy circuits. As a result, the resultant numbers
of conductors or cables permissible within an application of cable tray
are affected. When barriers or dividers are used, fill calculations apply
to each divided section of the cable tray.

Cablofil Cat. #:
CF30 Tray/COT30 Divider, CF54 Tray/COT54 Divider
Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 22

SECTION 404.2 (C)

Switches Controlling Lighting Loads


Revisions clarified that a grounded conductor of the lighting circuit
at switch locations shall be connected to the electronic device.
This section clarifies the extent of the 2014 NEC changes that required
installing the grounded circuit conductor of a lighting circuit at the
switch location. Many lighting control devices (such as occupancy
sensors) require low levels of standby current to maintain the ready
state and detection capability of the device for its proper operation.
In many installations, the equipment grounding conductor is the only
available conductor that can be used to conduct this required low level
standby current.

The intent of this requirement is to be certain that the lighting circuit

grounded conductor is available for the proper operation of the lighting
control device. This ensures that operation of the control device does
not rely on connection to the equipment grounding conductor.

P&S Cat. #:  RRW600U, PTWSP250

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 23 

SECTION 404.2 (C) (CONTINUED)

Switches Controlling Lighting Loads

The changes in the 2017 NEC clarify the areas where the grounding
conductor is required, as areas suitable for habitation or occupancy
to encompass commercial buildings were not specified beforehand.
This is accomplished by the inclusion of language stating that
grounded conductors 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 (as well as to meet the requirements of 404.22).

The connection requirement shall become effective on January 1,

2020; however, it shall not apply retroactively to switches previously
installed.

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us

Page 24

SECTION 404.9 (B)

Switch Faceplates

Metal plates are

now required to be
grounded, typically
through the grounded
yoke of a snap switch.

Metal switch faceplates are to be grounded.

Although the non-current-carrying metal parts of switches typically

are not subject to contact by personnel, metal faceplates would pose
a shock hazard if they become energized in the event that they make
inadvertent contact with an energized conductor. As such, metal switch
plates are now required to be grounded; a typical way metal faceplates
are ground would be through attachment to the grounded yoke of a
snap switch.

P&S Cat. #: SL1, SS1, SL2, SS2

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 25 

SECTION 404.22
Electronic Lighting Control Switches


New requirement added for “Electronic Lighting Control Switches,”
prohibiting current on the equipment grounding conductor with a
future effectivity date.

Related to the new 2014 NEC requirement (and 2017 NEC additions)
to Section 404.2 addressing the concerns of using the equipment
grounding conductor as a return path in standby power applications,
electronic lighting control switches are now expressly prohibited from
introducing current on the equipment grounding conductor during
normal operation. Electronic switch manufacturers are now to design
products that use a neutral conductor for the conductivity of the return
current in standby power applications, not the equipment grounding
conductor as before.
This new requirement takes effect on January 1, 2020; however, there
remains an exception for electronic lighting control switches that
introduce current onto the equipment grounding conductor to continue
to be allowed, but only for replacement or retrofit applications. They
must be listed and marked for replacement or retrofit use.

P&S Cat. #:  RRW600U, PTWSP250

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 26

SECTION 406.2
Receptacles, Cord Connectors and Attachment Plugs (Caps):
Definitions

A new definition for “outlet box hoods” was added to Section 406.2.

Section 406.9 (B) has included the term “outlet box hood” relative
to weatherproof enclosure requirements in wet locations since the
2011 NEC. However, the term “outlet box hood” was never specifically
defined until this 2017 NEC addition. The definition states that an
“outlet box hood” is a housing shield (i.e. – a hood) that fits over
a faceplate for flush-mounted wiring devices, or is an integral
component of an outlet box or of a faceplate for flush-mounted wiring
devices. These outlet box hoods are commonly referred to in the field
as “in-use” or “bubble” covers.

P&S Cat. #:  WIUCED10CL, WIUCED20CL

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 27 

SECTION 406.3 (E)

Receptacle Rating and Type: Controlled Receptacle Marking

CONTROLLED

CONTROLLED

CONTROLLED

CONTROLLED

Requirements for markings on automatically controlled receptacles
have been revised.
Receptacles that are controlled by an automatic control device must be
marked with the appropriate symbol (as has been depicted in Section
406.3 (E) beginning with the 2014 NEC) and the word “Controlled.”
The word “Controlled” was added in support of the retained original
appropriate symbol to provide additional information that should assist
the end user to clearly understand that the receptacle is controlled by
an energy management system.

In addition, the symbol and the word “Controlled” are to be placed

on the face of the controlled receptacle, and are to be visible after
installation. Previous controlled receptacle marking installations
whereby the symbol and/or the word “Controlled” was allowed to be
placed on the receptacle faceplate is no longer sufficient to meet the
controlled receptacle marking requirement.

P&S Cat. #: 26252CD, 26252CH, 26352CD, 26352CH

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 28

SECTION 406.3 (F)

Receptacle Rating and Type: Receptacle
with USB Charger

New requirements were added for receptacle outlets with USB charger(s).

New provisions were added pertaining to 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere

receptacles that additionally provide Class 2 power in the form of a
USB charger. These new provisions require these devices to be listed
and constructed such that the Class 2 circuitry is integral with the
receptacle. Requiring the use of a listed receptacle containing an
integral power supply with Class 2 output connectors will confirm that
the installed device complies with the appropriate product standard.

P&S Cat. #: PT20ACUSB, TM826USB, TR5362USB

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 29 

SECTION 406.5 (E), (F) AND (G)

Receptacle Mounting


Clarifications for receptacles in countertops, and new requirements
pertaining to receptacle orientation and placement in work surfaces.
The 2014 NEC added rules pertaining to receptacles in countertops
and work surfaces, where if the receptacle is oriented in the “face
up” position, it had to be listed for use in a countertop. However, this
meant that if the receptacle installed within a countertop was facing
any direction other than “face up,” it was not required to be listed
for this application. The 406.5 (E) clarifications for 2017 now require
a receptacle assembly to be listed for countertop use regardless of
its orientation. In addition, a new mounting requirement drawing a
distinction for work surfaces advises that receptacle outlets installed
within work surfaces that are not considered to be countertops can
be listed for use in either a countertop or a work surface (either/or is
acceptable; does not have to be listed for both). Finally, there is a new
requirement for any receptacle assembly installed “face up” in either
of the work surface or countertop locations to be listed for countertop
applications; work surface “face up” applications are now addressed
for 2017, whereas the 2014 NEC only referenced these types of
orientations within countertop installations.

Wiremold Cat. #:  DQFF, DQFP

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 30

SECTION 406.9 (B)(1)

Receptacles in Wet Locations

replace if blinking
test
legrand

reset
Clarifications on which types of assemblies are to be identified as “extra
duty,” and which types that are not required to be identified as such.
New provisions for the 2017 NEC allow for “other listed products,”
enclosures or assemblies that provide weatherproof protection that
do not utilize an “outlet box hood” (as newly defined for 2017 in
Section 406.2) need not be marked as “extra duty,” as is required for
the outlet box hoods. Outlet box hoods that are part of a weatherproof
enclosure must have “extra duty” durability to retain protection
for the receptacles. Additions were also made to an accompanying
406.9 (B)(1) informational note further stressing the fact that “extra
duty” identification and requirements are not applicable to listed
receptacles, faceplates, outlet boxes, enclosures or assemblies that
are identified as either being suitable for wet locations or rated as
one of the outdoor enclosure-type numbers of NEC Table 110.28
(Enclosure Selection) that does not utilize an outlet box hood.

P&S Cat. #:  WIUC10FRED, CA7GV, CA26GV

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 Page 31 

SECTION 406.12
Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

Airports Classrooms

Dorms Waiting Rooms

 The locations requiring tamper-resistant receptacles have been

expanded, as have the types of receptacles requiring such protection.
Several locations where tamper-resistant receptacles will now be
required have been added to the list of areas requiring protection.
Preschools and elementary education facilities are now included
(in addition to the child care facilities added for 2014). Most any
other areas where people (particularly children) can or are known
to congregate were added for 2017. These include waiting rooms of
all types in clinics, medical and dental offices, as well as outpatient
facilities. Subsets of assembly occupancies targeted “places of
waiting” within transportation locations (airports, bus depots and
train stations), gymnasiums, skating rinks and auditoriums were
also added. Business offices, dormitories and corridors throughout
most commercial environments will now require tamper-resistant
receptacle outlets.

In addition, the tamper-resistance requirement for receptacles was

expanded to include all 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt types,
with the 250-volt requirement being the new addition for 2017.

P&S Cat. #: TR5262, TR5362, TR8300, TR26362HG, TR26262

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Page 32

SECTION 422.5 (A) AND (B)

Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI)
Protection for Personnel


Prior separate references to several appliances requiring GFCI protection
are now grouped together; in addition, the options for protection methods
have been expanded.
The five types of appliances requiring GFCI protection that were
previously located separately throughout “Article 422 – Appliances”
have all now been grouped together within Section 422.5. Those areas
are: automotive vacuum and tire inflation machines provided for public
use, drinking water coolers, cord- and plug-connected high-pressure
spray washing machines, and vending machines.
In addition, the GFCI requirements for these appliances were also
relocated to 422.5 (subsection A). Finally, a new 422.5 (B) was also
added allowing five options for the location and type of GFCI protective
device provided to deliver GFCI protection to the specific appliances
now all listed within Section 422.5, subsection A. One typical means
of GFCI protection pointed out in 422.5 (B)(2) is for a device or outlet
within the supply circuit.

P&S Cat. #: 1597TR, 2097TR, 1594CS1A

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 Page 33 

SECTION 422.16 (B)(2)

Built-In Dishwashers

6.5 ft.
max.


Revisions for maximum cord lengths and receptacle outlet locations
pertaining to built-in dishwashers are made for the 2017 NEC.
Dishwashers are now only permitted to have the receptacle outlet for
a cord- and plug-connected built-in dishwasher to be located in the
space adjacent to the space occupied by the dishwasher. This revision
was made to remove confusion over where power supply receptacle
outlets could be installed, thereby aligning the NEC installation
requirements with the product standards in place for household
dishwashers.

In addition, to accommodate this potentially extended length of the

cord for connection to a receptacle outlet in the adjacent cabinet
space, the maximum length of a cord for a built-in dishwasher was
extended from the previous length of 1.2 m (4 feet) to 2.0 m (6.5 feet)
as measured from the face of the attachment plug to the plane of the
rear of the appliance.

P&S Cat. #: 1597, 1597TR, 2097, 2097TR

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 34

SECTION 445.20 (A) AND (B)

GFCI Protection for Portable Generators


GFCI requirements have been separated into unbonded (floating
neutral) generators vs. bonded neutral generators.
Section 445.20 is revised for 2017 to separate GFCI requirements for
unbonded (floating neutral) generators (subsection A), and for bonded
neutral generators (subsection B). Unbonded generators require GFCI
protection at all 15- and 20-ampere, 125-volt receptacles, but only
where both 125-volt and 125/250-volt receptacles exist on the portable
generator. The 2014 NEC exception remains in place, where if the
15- and 20-ampere, 125-volt receptacles cannot be used while the
125/250-volt receptacle is in use, GFCI protection is not required.

New 2017 NEC addition 445.20 (B) requires that all 15- and 20-ampere,
125-volt receptacles on bonded neutral portable generators to
be provided with GFCI protection. The exception for both types of
generators identified in (A) and (B) that were manufactured before
January 1, 2015, to be able to use a portable GFCI to provide protection
remains in place in the 2017 NEC.

P&S Cat. #: 1597TR, 2097TR, 1594PC2A, 1594PC2M

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 Page 35 

SECTION 517.16
Isolated Ground Receptacles in Health Care Facilities


Revisions were made dividing Section 517.16 into two subdivisions of
code language, discerning between inside a patient care vicinity and
outside a patient care vicinity.
Although isolated ground receptacles are still not permitted to
be installed in the patient care vicinity of a health care facility,
changes were made for 2017 to provide requirements for branch
circuits serving spaces where isolated ground equipment grounding
conductors and isolated ground receptacles are specified outside of
a patient care vicinity. An informational note was also added to advise
that applications for isolated ground receptacles are typically used
where a reduction of electrical noise (electromagnetic interference)
is necessary, and that parallel grounding paths are to be avoided.

P&S Cat. #: IG8200, IG8300, TRIG8200, TRIG8300

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Page 36

SECTION 525.23 (D)

GFCI Protection for Carnivals, Circuses, Fairs and Similar Events

New requirements for receptacles supplied by portable cords.

A new requirement for 2017 specifies that, where GFCI protection is

provided through the use of GFCI receptacles, and the branch circuits
supplying receptacles utilize flexible cord, the GFCI protection shall
be listed, labeled and identified for portable use. As the required GFCI
protection is typically delivered through a standard GFCI receptacle
installed at the end of a flexible cord, the potential hazard condition
of an open neutral situation that develops in the field with flexible cord
due to wear-and-tear on the cord and plug connections was realized.
Portable GFCIs are plug-in type GFCIs provided with male blades or
an integral power-supply cord for connection to a receptacle outlet.
Portable GFCI devices also interrupt power to the load when any single
supply conductor (including the neutral) is opened.

P&S Cat. #: 1594PC2A, 1594PC2M, PS204S, 2094PC2A, 2094PC2M

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 37 

SECTION 550.13(B)
Receptacle Outlets (Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes
and Mobile Home Parks)

reset test
Dishwashers in mobile and manufactured homes must now be
GFCI protected.

GFCI protection for dwelling unit dishwashers was added as a new

requirement in the 2014 NEC; this requirement is now added to the
2017 NEC pertaining to dishwashers in mobile homes, manufactured
homes and mobile home parks as covered in Article 550. Although the
addition of dishwashers in these types of dwellings is the only new
requirement, other updates relative to GFCI protection pertaining to
receptacle locations in kitchen and bathroom sink applications are
also amended here to bring mobile and manufactured homes into
alignment with dwellings as detailed within Section 210.8 (A).

P&S Cat. #: 1597, 1597TR, 2097, 2097TR

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Page 38

SECTION 550.25 (B)

AFCI Protection (Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes
and Mobile Home Parks)

The AFCI protection requirements for manufactured and mobile

homes now mirror the rules for dwellings.

AFCI protection at mobile and manufactured homes was revised

by eliminating the specific list of rooms and areas requiring AFCI
protection at mobile and manufactured homes and simply requiring
compliance with Section 210.12 (AFCI requirements for dwelling
units). This change serves to avoid the tendency for the installation
requirements within mobile and manufactured homes to often be one
Code cycle behind those requirements pertaining to dwelling units.
Going forward, the simple reference to Section 210.12 allows these
types of applications to be automatically updated whenever AFCI
requirements for dwellings change.

P&S Cat. #: AF152TR, AF202TR

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 39 

SECTION 551.71
Recreational Vehicle Park Receptacles

Expansion of 50A receptacle requirements for new RV sites.

For the 2017 NEC, the number of recreational vehicle sites required
to be equipped with 50-ampere, 125/250 volt receptacles at RV parks
has increased from the previous requirement of 20 % to 40% of all
new recreational vehicle sites within these park locations. This change
required of new RV sites is driven by the demand of the RV consumer
who wants greater service from the electrical system throughout
these parks, requiring the need for more site units that can provide
50-ampere power supply.

P&S Cat. #: 385, 3854, 3890, 3894

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 40

SECTION 590.6 (A)(1)

GFCI Protection for Personnel in Temporary Installations


Clarification to this Section pertaining to receptacles that supply
temporary power being GFCI protected.
In temporary installations, Section 590.6 (A)(1) continues to require
GFCI protection for all 125-volt, 15-, 20- and 30-ampere receptacles
that are not part of the permanent wiring. An addition made in
the 2014 NEC permitted the use of listed cord sets or devices that
incorporate GFCI protection. However, a clarification has been made
for 2017 that improves the explanation that, while listed cord sets or
devices (such as portable GFCIs) incorporating GFCI protection for
personnel for portable use shall be permitted, this allowance can be
in addition to (not instead of) retaining the required GFCI protection of
the receptacle outlets. Some field interpretation was that the portable
GFCIs allowed beginning for the 2014 NEC were acceptable in lieu of
the protection at the receptacle, where there had never been the intent
to remove this requirement.

P&S Cat. #:  WPWIUKITC

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 41 

SECTION 604.6
Manufactured Wiring Systems

Manufactured wiring systems and associated components must now

be listed.
Manufactured wiring systems are typically factory-assembled, pre-
manufactured connector and cable set systems designed to allow
various power applications to interface with “remote” devices, such
as luminaires, utilization equipment and receptacle outlets. The
distribution of power via the manufactured wiring system is often
facilitated via wireways and applications such as busways, floor boxes,
service poles and surface raceways.

Testing and subsequent listing of products ensure that they are safe.
Although the wiring method and specific components utilized in the
development of the factory-assembled manufactured wiring system
may have individual listing requirements, the system itself (serving as
a type of “end product” in the scope of Article 604) did not previously
have this requirement to be listed.

Wiremold Cat. #:  Walkerflex Wiring System

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
Page 42

SECTION 620.85
Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts


The existing GFCI installation rules for receptacles for elevators and
similar equipment has been expanded.
Although many areas associated with elevators, escalators and moving
walks already required GFCI protection of the receptacles installed
within these locations, there were several of the similar applications
covered in Article 620 that were not. Newly added for the 2017 NEC
are requirements for GFCI protection of receptacles on the cars
of elevators and dumbwaiters associated with wind turbine tower
elevators, on the platforms or in the runways and machinery spaces of
platform lifts and stairway chairlifts, as well as now those receptacles
in elevator control spaces and control rooms.

P&S Cat. #: 1597TR, 2097TR, 1597TRA, 2097TRA

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 43 

SECTION 680.22 (A)(2)

Pool Pump Motor Receptacles

6 feet
(1.83 m)
Revisions to 2014 NEC requirements for pool pump motor receptacles.

Changes to receptacles for permanently installed pools have been

made within the 2017 NEC. Requirements for the pool pump motor
receptacle were revised, with the single receptacle requirement
removed, and the minimum distance from the pool of 3.0 m (10 feet)
being reduced to not less than 1.83 m (6 feet). The measurements
for minimum distances continue to be from the inside walls of the
pool; the pool pump receptacles still must be of the grounding type,
as well as continue to be required to be GFCI-protected. Since GFCI
receptacle devices commonly consist of the duplex configuration, the
requirement for a single receptacle in this application was removed
as a practical measure.

P&S Cat. #: 1597TRWR, 2097TRWR, WPWIUKITC

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Page 44

ARTICLE 680, PART VIII

Swimming Pools, Fountains and Similar Installations

A new Part VIII has been added to Article 680 within the 2017 NEC.

New applications utilized in swimming pool and similar installations arise

periodically; initial requirements pertaining to electrically powered pool lifts
were added for 2017. Since an electrically powered pool lift is defined by the
NEC as a mechanism that provides accessi­bility to and from a pool or a spa
for people with disabilities, installation requirements pertaining to personnel
protection (as is widespread throughout the NEC for installations where
moisture is commonly encountered) are developed to accompany the new
general requirements.
Appropriately, Section 680.82 requires GFCI protection for the lift, unless the
voltage is less than the low-voltage contact limit specified in Section 680.81
that requires the lift to be listed (Exception B specifies the rating to be less
than or equal to 24 volts). In addition, Section 680.84 requires that switches
and switching devices that are operated above the low-voltage contact limit
shall be located at least 5 feet from the wall of the pool (as required by
Section 680.22 (C)).

P&S Cat. #: 1597TR, 2097TR, 1597TRWR, 2097TRWR

Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 Page 45 

NOTES

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Page 46

NOTES

 
Technical Support 800-223-4162 Option 3 www.legrand.us
 TECHNICAL SUPPORT
For product and application information,
please contact Legrand Technical Support:

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1-800-621-0049
Or visit
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 ©2014,
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