406.4 Receptacle general rules
What changed in 406.4
The receptacle rating rule now ties straight to 210.21(B), an outdated AFCI replacement exception was deleted, and replacing automatically controlled receptacles is now covered.
Point by point
- Receptacles on 15- and 20-amp circuits must be grounding type, except when replacing existing nongrounding receptacles.
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- 4 more points on exactly what changed
- The 2017 rule next to the 2020 rule, side by side
- Why it changed
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This section across NEC® editions
2020 NEC®RevisedYou're here
The receptacle rating rule now ties straight to 210.21(B), an outdated AFCI replacement exception was deleted, and replacing automatically controlled receptacles is now covered.
2023 NEC®Revised
Replacement rules now exempt CO/ALR receptacles on aluminum from TR and require GFPE where it's now needed, and floor receptacles in food courts and transit waiting areas need GFCI.
Open the 2023 page →2026 NEC®Revised
Found at 406.12 in the 2026 NEC®.
You can only put back a non-GFCI receptacle of the same type when three listed conditions are all met.
Open the 2026 page →More 2020 changes in Article 406
This is a plain-English summary, not the NEC®'s exact wording. Always check the full section in the NEC® edition your area has adopted, plus any local amendments.
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