As always when a new code cycle comes out there it takes time to get many onboard with the changes that come with the new cycle. This includes, building officials, tradesman and home inspectors.

This is very true of the new 2014 NEC which was adopted on July 1st in Washington State.

Per 2014 NEC, 406.4(D) it now requires replacement receptacles to be AFCI, GFCI, or tamper resistant, where replacements are made at locations requiring such protection. So unless you have an exception you must upgrade to the new receptacle, no grandfather clauses here.

One provision of the code that seems to be having a bit of division on meaning is when it comes to replacing receptacle specifically in areas that require AFCI protection per current standards.

The way I read it it seems pretty clear. But there are those who are Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) that are not quite seeing this the same way. My feeling is that this will get corrected and everyone will be on the same page. But until then there may be varying interpretations of this provision.

So here is exactly how the code for replacement receptacles reads.

NEC 406.4 General Installation Requirements

Receptacle outlets shall be located in branch circuits in accordance with Part III of Article 210. General installation requirements shall be in accordance with 406.4(A) through (F).

(D) Replacements.

Replacement of receptacles shall comply with 406.4(D)(1) through (D)(6), as applicable. Arc-fault circuit-interrupter type and ground-fault circuit-interrupter type receptacles shall be installed in a readily accessible location.

(1)Grounding-Type Receptacles.

Where a grounding means exists in the receptacle enclosure or an equipment grounding conductor is installed in accordance with 250.130(C), grounding-type receptacles shall be used and shall be connected to the equipment grounding conductor in accordance with 406.4(C) or 250.130(C).

(2)Non–Grounding-Type Receptacles.

Where attachment to an equipment grounding conductor does not exist in the receptacle enclosure, the installation shall comply with (D)(2)(a), (D)(2)(b), or (D)(2)(c).

1. A non–grounding-type receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be replaced with another non–grounding-type receptacle(s). A non–grounding-type receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be replaced with a ground-fault circuit interrupter-type of receptacle(s). These receptacles shall be marked

2. “No Equipment Ground.” An equipment grounding conductor shall not be connected from the ground-fault circuit-interrupter-type receptacle to any outlet supplied from the ground-fault circuit-interrupter receptacle.

3. A non–grounding-type receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be replaced with a grounding-type receptacle(s) where supplied through a ground-fault circuit interrupter. Grounding-type receptacles supplied through the ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be marked “GFCI Protected” and “No Equipment Ground.” An equipment grounding conductor shall not be connected between the grounding-type receptacles.

(GFCI receptacles)

(3)Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters.

Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protected receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be so protected elsewhere in this Code.

Exception: Where replacement of the receptacle type is impracticable, such as where the outlet box size will not permit the installation of the GFCI receptacle, the receptacle shall be permitted to be replaced with a new receptacle of the existing type, where GFCI protection is provided and the receptacle is marked “GFCI protected” and “no equipment ground,” in accordance with 406.4(D)(2)(a), (b), or (c)

(4)Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection.

Where a receptacle outlet is supplied by a branch circuit that requires arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection as specified elsewhere in this Code, a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following:

1. A listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter receptacle

2. A receptacle protected by a listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter type receptacle

3. A receptacle protected by a listed combination type arc-fault circuit-interrupter type circuit breaker

(5)Tamper-Resistant Receptacles.

Listed tamper-resistant receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be tamper-resistant elsewhere in this Code.

(6)Weather-Resistant Receptacles.

Weather-resistant receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be so protected elsewhere in this Code.

It is of my opinion that it is pretty clear, you must upgrade to these newer devices when receptacle replacement is performed. But as a home inspector I only get to make recommendations and it will be up to the AHJ’s to come to a consensus on this provision.

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

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