f

You are here

406.6(D) Restrictions on Wallplates with USB or Nightlight

Revision/New

Change Summary

  • A new sentence and exception (Ex.) have been accepted and added ty the CMP to address the use of spring-tension contacts with power receptacle faceplate accessories.

NEC®Text

Article 406 Receptacles, Cord Connectors and Attachment Plugs (Caps)
406.6 Receptacle Faceplates (Cover Plates).
(D) Receptacle Faceplate (Cover Plates) with Integral Night Light and/or USB Charger. A flush device cover plate that additionally provides a night light and/or Class 2 output connector(s) shall be listed and constructed such that the night light and/or Class 2 circuitry is integral with the flush device cover plate.
Listed receptacle faceplates with integral night light, USB charger, or both, that rely solely on spring-tensioned contacts shall be connected to only brass or copper alloy receptacle terminal screws and shall be rated 1 watt or less.
Exception: Effective January 1, 2026, spring-tensioned contact connections to steel receptacle terminal screws shall be permitted if the receptacle faceplate is specifically listed and identified for connection to steel receptacle terminal screws

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

A new sentence has been added to clarify and provide clear prescriptive requirements on the use of spring-tensioned contacts to power receptacle faceplate accessories. These requirements do not currently exist in UL 514D.

The implementation date for the exception, is to provide time to evaluate a possible conflict with UL 498, regarding the use of steel screws to carry current, and to develop safety requirements in UL 514D for faceplate connection methods.

Leviton Solution

Captain Code says the best solution here is NOT to use these toy USB wallplate devices described in this article. For safety’s sake and faster charging, offer your customers the best... Leviton. Leviton even offers Weather-Resistant USB devices.

Figure 1

Browse by Application