422.20 Outlet Boxes to Be Covered.
Code Change Summary: A new code section requires appliance outlet boxes to be covered.
A new code section now requires appliance outlet boxes to have a cover unless a ceiling-suspended paddle fan canopy covers the box. The 2014 text reads as follows: In a completed installation, each outlet box shall be provided with a cover unless covered by means of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan canopy.
There’s not much of a substantiation for the code change when reading through the reports on code proposals. The existing code language in 314.25 already addressed this very issue but now the same code requirement exists in Article 422 for appliances.
When a new house is under construction, the potential owner may choose to have the home pre-wired for ceiling fans that will be installed at a later date. Some home buyers elect to have the fans installed as the house nears completion. Whichever option is chosen, the appliance outlet box needs to be covered in order to pass the final inspection.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).
2014 Code Language:
422.20 Outlet Boxes to Be Covered. In a completed installation, each outlet box shall be provided with a cover unless covered by means of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan canopy.