15.2 Receptacles & Switches (Arts 406/404)

Devices vs. Branch-Circuit Rules

On the Arkansas Prov JW exam, candidates often open Article 210 when the stem is really an Article 406 or 404 device question. Placement, small-appliance circuits, and GFCI/AFCI live in Article 210 (Chapter 8 of this guide). This section is about the device itself: rating, grounding, covers, tamper resistance, and switch construction under NEC 2023.

Utilization outline items mix “which receptacle is required” with “which cover or switch rating is legal.” Tab 406.4, 406.9, 406.12, 404.9, and 404.14.

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Receptacle Ratings and Installation — Article 406

406.3 ties receptacle ratings to the branch circuit. Aftermarket “adapters” that defeat grounding or rating rules are not Code-compliant solutions. Receptacles must be installed in boxes or assemblies listed for the purpose, with the yoke securely mounted so the face sits flush with the finished surface as required by 406.5 (faceplates, mounting, and related rules).

406.5(E)–(G) restrict receptacles in countertops, work surfaces, and sitting areas — including limits on face-up receptacles in countertops/work surfaces unless listed for countertop use. Exam stems about a receptacle mounted face-up in a kitchen island are 406 territory, not 210.52 spacing territory.

Grounding and Replacements — 406.4

406.4(A) requires grounding-type receptacles to be used where an equipment grounding conductor is present, and those receptacles must be grounded. 406.4(D) addresses replacements:

• Where an equipment grounding means exists, replacement receptacles must be grounding type and connected to that means.
• Where no equipment grounding means exists, options may include a nongrounding receptacle, a GFCI receptacle marked “No Equipment Ground,” or a grounding receptacle supplied through upstream GFCI protection with the prescribed markings — follow the exact 406.4(D) pathway in the Code book rather than memorizing a shop shortcut.

Exam trap: Installing an ungrounded three-slot receptacle without using one of the 406.4(D) permitted methods is a classic wrong answer.

Damp and Wet Locations — 406.9

406.9(A) damp locations: 15- and 20-ampere receptacles generally must be listed weather-resistant type, with an enclosure that is weatherproof when the receptacle is covered (attachment plug not inserted).

406.9(B) wet locations: Where receptacles are installed in a wet location and will not be attended while in use (examples often include outdoor landscape or rooftop receptacles), the enclosure must be weatherproof whether or not the attachment plug is inserted — typically a while-in-use (“bubble”) cover, and for 15/20 A configurations an extra-duty listed cover is required. Where the receptacle is attended while in use (some portable tool scenarios), weatherproof-only-when-covered may still apply — read the stem’s “attended” language carefully.

Outdoor receptacle placement still comes from 210.52(E); the cover and WR rating come from 406.9.

Tamper-Resistant Receptacles — 406.12

406.12 requires tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles in dwelling units and in other occupancies listed in the section (guest rooms, childcare, certain common areas, and other specified spaces — verify the current 2023 list in the book). Exceptions exist for receptacles that are not readily accessible, that are part of a luminaire or appliance, or that are located above a certain height, among others.

For Arkansas JW candidates, the high-yield fact is: new dwelling receptacles are TR unless an exception applies. Do not confuse TR with GFCI — a bathroom receptacle often needs both GFCI protection (210.8) and TR construction (406.12).

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Switches — Article 404

General Installation and Accessibility

404.9 requires switches to be installed so they are readily accessible (Article 100 definition), with limited exceptions. Group-operated switches and switches controlling specific equipment have additional rules. Faceplates for flush snap switches must cover the opening and seat against the finished surface.

404.2 addresses switch connections, including the requirement that switching be in the ungrounded conductor(s) and the rules for grounded conductors at switch locations (smart switches and electronic controls often need a neutral — follow 404.2(C) where applicable).

Ratings — 404.14

A snap switch must be suitable for the load it controls. Resistive and inductive loads, tungsten-filament lamps, and electronic fluorescent/LED ballasts/drivers each have rating pathways. Using a general-use AC snap switch beyond its marked ampere or motor rating is a fail. For motor loads, many stems expect you to confirm the switch is horsepower-rated or otherwise suitable under 404.14 / Article 430 as applicable.

Three-way and four-way switches are still snap switches — traveler identification and grounded-conductor rules matter, but the Utilization question is often simply whether the device rating covers the connected lighting load.

Wet Locations and Grounding

Switches in wet locations need appropriate enclosures and, where required, weatherproof covers. Metal faceplates and switch yokes typically require grounding continuity when installed on grounded systems (404.9(B) and related grounding provisions). A plastic box with a nonmetallic faceplate may change the grounding path details — read the stem’s box material before answering.

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How Prov Mixes 406/404 With 210

Typical multi-step stem: “A receptacle on a dwelling kitchen island is face-up in the countertop, outdoors on a patio, or replacing a two-wire receptacle in a bedroom.”

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Arkansas Prov Takeaway

Treat receptacles and switches as listed utilization devices. For the 6 Utilization items, expect TR, WR/while-in-use covers, grounding replacements, and switch ratings — then use Article 210 only when the stem is really about spacing or personnel protection.