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Joined: Dec 2003
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Does a duplex receptacle still count for general lighting receptacles per 210.52(A)(within 6 feet of any spot on the wall) if the receptacle is switched (both halves)as allowed by 210.70(A)(1)exc.1? Or, is it required to split the duplex receptacle into one outlet always hot and the other switched?


Earl
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Looks legal to me, although perhaps a bad design


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Jun 2003
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I don't recall the Code excluding switched receptacles... it just says that they have to be the minimum distance (12') apart, or 6' from any point along a wall.

Nothing about always hot.

Joined: Jun 2004
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If you switch the top and bottom of a duplex receptacle, it becomes a lighting outlet and would not meet the requirements on spacing for receptacle outlets as specified in 210.52(A)(1)

So...common practice is to switch half of the receptacle outlet in a room to meet the requirements of both 210.52(A)(1) and 210.70(A)(1)

It is not required to be split,but if you don't you must also locate a "Live" receptacle outlet next to the switched lighting outlet to meet the spacing requirements.

My practice is to switch the top half so when the homeowner plugs in a cordless phone with those little square power transformers it does not cover the other half of the receptacle.

shortcircuit

Joined: Nov 2000
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shortcircuit,
Quote
If you switch the top and bottom of a duplex receptacle, it becomes a lighting outlet and would not meet the requirements on spacing for receptacle outlets as specified in 210.52(A)(1)
Please cite the code section that says this. Thanks.


Don(resqcapt19)
Joined: May 2004
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Short Circuit

That is a Mass Amendment!


Charlie

Joined: Jan 2004
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Don- I believe that's called a "vest pocket" rule" [Linked Image] Also, I think DougW meant to say "maximum" in stead of "Minimum 12 feet." in his comment.


George Little
Joined: May 2004
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George
Please explain "vest pocket"??

Charlie

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quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you switch the top and bottom of a duplex receptacle, it becomes a lighting outlet and would not meet the requirements on spacing for receptacle outlets as specified in 210.52(A)(1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't think that is an NEC requirement. Down here in Central FLA none of the outlets I have seen are split switched, the room light switch operates the whole duplex.
Ian

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Ian, I suppose it is just regional, even when we are on exactly the same code. In Lee County Fl. they want "half hots" but I doubt they actually check close enough to catch folks 99.999% of the time.
Inspectors are so overworked around here I wonder how they find anything.
(30 or more a day)
A agree there is no clear code language to enforce it.


Greg Fretwell
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