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404.14(D), 406.3(D) Switches and Receptacles with Push-In Terminals & Wire Types

Revision/New

Leviton Comment: To simplify and condense content in this guide we combine Articles 404.14(D) and 406.3(D). The text is very similar except 404.14(D) covers switches and 406.3(D) covers receptacles.

Change Summary

  • Once again the NEC is addressing aluminum wire (see 210.23 for more on this). The NEC also clarifies push-in conductors used on snap switches and receptacles.

NEC®Text

Article 404 Switches
404.14 Rating and Use of Switches
(D) Snap Switch Terminations. Snap switch terminations shall be in accordance with the following:
(1) Terminals of 15-ampere and 20-ampere snap switches not marked CO/ALR shall be used with copper and copper- clad aluminum conductors only.
(2) Terminals marked CO/ALR shall be permitted to be used with copper, aluminum, and copper-clad aluminum conductors.
(3) Snap switches connected using screwless terminals of the conductor push-in type construction (also known as conductor push-in terminals) shall be installed on not greater than 15-ampere branch circuits and shall be connected with 14 AWG solid copper wire only unless listed and marked for other types of conductors.

Article 406 Receptacles, Cord Connectors and Attachment Plugs (Caps)
406.3 Receptacle Rating and Type.
(D) Receptacle Terminations. Receptacle terminations shall be in accordance with the following:
(1) Terminals of 15-ampere and 20-ampere receptacles not marked CO/ALR shall be used with copper and copper-clad aluminum conductors only.
(2) Terminals marked CO/ALR shall be permitted to be used with aluminum, copper, and copper-clad aluminum conductors.
(3) Receptacles installed using screwless terminals of the conductor push-in type construction (also known as push-in terminals) shall be installed on not greater than 15-ampere branch circuits and shall be connected with 14 AWG solid copper wire only unless listed and marked for other types of conductors.
Informational Note: See UL 498, Attachment Plugs and Receptacles, for information regarding screwless terminals of various type constructions employed on receptacles. Screwless terminals of the separable-terminal assembly, spring-action clamp, and insulation-displacement type constructions are not classified in UL 498 as screwless terminals of the conductor push-in type construction (also known as push-in terminals).

Material taken from the National Electric Code. is reprinted with permission from NFPA 70., 2023 edition. National Electrical Code®, Copyright 2022, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. All rights reserved.

Expert Analysis

New text has been added to address the installation of snap switches and receptacles with push-in terminal terminations. This new subsection clarifies that wiring devices rated 15 and 20 amperes are suitable for installation with copper and copper-clad aluminum as provided in the UL guide information. Terminals marked CO/ALR are suitable to be used with copper, aluminum, and copper-clad aluminum conductors. Snap switches connected using screwless terminals of the conductor push-in type construction (also known as conductor push-in terminals) shall be installed on not greater than 15-ampere branch circuits and shall be connected with 14 AWG solid copper wire only unless listed and marked for other types of conductors.

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