590.4 Temporary wiring general
What changed in 590.4
A new construction-site exception covers permanent GFCI-protected circuits used for temporary power: no cover needed on plaster-ring splice boxes, plus pigtail lampholders and finger-safe devices are allowed.
Point by point
- Any temporary wiring splice still has to sit in a covered box, conduit body or similar enclosure.
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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
A new construction-site exception covers permanent GFCI-protected circuits used for temporary power: no cover needed on plaster-ring splice boxes, plus pigtail lampholders and finger-safe devices are allowed.
2023 NEC®No change
This section did not change from 2020 to 2023.
2026 NEC®Revised
Found at 590.6 in the 2026 NEC®.
General temporary wiring rules moved from 590.4 to 590.6, with extra wording cut and guards for LED lamps addressed.
Open the 2026 page →More 2020 changes in Article 590
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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