In a recent training presentation, a question came up about the new identification requirements for automatically controlled receptacles. Does the marking need to be on the receptacle face, or is a marking on the faceplate in compliance? Let's look at these new requirements and the rules that apply. The 2014 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) includes new requirements for identifying receptacles that are controlled by energy management systems. Many jurisdictions that regularly adopt the NEC also adopt energy codes that require control of receptacles. The new requirements address specific markings for receptacles using a commonly recognized power symbol as shown in Figure 406.3(E). Because this new figure is not identified as an informational note figure, it is a mandatory marking symbol. The objective is to provide a readily identifiable means for occupants to easily distinguish receptacles that remain continuously energized from receptacles that are automatically controlled on and off. This issue can be a safety matter for building occupants in that the users are generally not aware of when the receptacles will be energized. It can also be an inconvenience if equipment, such as refrigerators and battery chargers, are inadvertently connected to automatically controlled receptacles. The need to identify them is justified.
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