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Posted By: Joe Tedesco Can you paint the front of a receptacle? - 01/24/05 02:48 AM
Question: Can you paint the front of a receptacle if you do not get any paint on the contacts?

Answer: No, receptacles are not evaluated with paint on the device.

Following is a quote from UL:

"A receptacle which has been painted other than authorized by the file procedure, for example, "Charlie home owner, etc., would no longer be UL Listed. The introduction of paint, especially on the face of the outlet could reduce spacing or form a tracking either line to line or line to ground."

In addition, to the potential hazards associated with reduced spacing or tracking, it is possible the paint itself could be conductive.

Courtesy: www.nema.org
The manufacturer's association says if you get paint on it you have to replace it, imagine that.
U/L said "receptacles are not evaluated with paint on the device" so they don't know.
Posted By: iwire Re: Can you paint the front of a receptacle? - 01/24/05 05:40 PM
My own opinion is that this is a non issue.

I find nothing in the UL white book that says we can not paint a receptacle. I have not seen that info in the limited instructions that come with a receptacle.

I also think that this is entirely unenforceable which just makes it a joke.

IMHO there are more important things to worry about. [Linked Image]

Bob
Take a look at the FAQ's and see the answers given around the country, one of the representatives from Texas is the Chairman of CMP 1 and the other from Massachusetts his alternate, Andre works for UL and Mike is a Midwest Code Guru.

I thought the message here would rattle a few cages, but how does the judge and jury see this issue:

Have fun!
http://www.nema.org/stds/fieldreps/
Posted By: George Re: Can you paint the front of a receptacle? - 01/24/05 09:07 PM
Using that reasoning ...

You cannot paint conduit. Incidental drips are included in painting.

I wonder if they test recepts with the grounds up or down. That would settle that argument once and for all.
Posted By: cpal Re: Can you paint the front of a receptacle? - 01/24/05 09:57 PM
Joe the link does not appear to offer FAQ at the NEMA site.

Are you certain the URL is correct??


Charlie
Charlie:

Look to the upper left of the page and find these links that will take you to the FAQ area.

Field Representative Program
Code Alerts
Field Representatives: Frequently Asked Questions
Posted By: cpal Re: Can you paint the front of a receptacle? - 01/25/05 01:46 AM
Thanks Joe
Non issue?

[Linked Image from nachi.org]
Posted By: Roger Re: Can you paint the front of a receptacle? - 01/25/05 12:58 PM
Tamper resistant. [Linked Image]

Roger
Posted By: dmattox Re: Can you paint the front of a receptacle? - 01/26/05 02:17 AM
A least they got their grounds facing the right way ;P
Posted By: CE Re: Can you paint the front of a receptacle? - 01/29/05 12:28 AM
Hey, now it's child-proofed.
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