406.12 Replacing receptacles
What changed in 406.12
You can only put back a non-GFCI receptacle of the same type when three listed conditions are all met.
Point by point
- The replacement exception is now a list of three conditions, and every one has to apply.
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Get the whole breakdown
- 3 more points on exactly what changed
- The 2023 rule next to the 2026 rule, side by side
- Why it changed
- What to do and check on the job
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This section across NEC® editions
2020 NEC®Revised
Found at 406.4 in the 2020 NEC®.
The receptacle rating rule now ties straight to 210.21(B), an outdated AFCI replacement exception was deleted, and replacing automatically controlled receptacles is now covered.
Open the 2020 page →2023 NEC®Revised
Found at 406.4 in the 2023 NEC®.
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®RevisedYou're here
You can only put back a non-GFCI receptacle of the same type when three listed conditions are all met.
More 2026 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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