406.3(E) Controlled Receptacle Marking.
Code Change Summary: Revisions were made to the required marking of automatically controlled receptacles.
With the 2014 NEC® came a new requirement to have a special symbol marked on receptacles that were controlled by automatic means. The intent was to make sure that the end user of the receptacle knew that the receptacle may not be on 24 hours a day. This often occurs when buildings are supplied by an energy management system.
It may be more important for some equipment to remain energized over other equipment. It might not be such a good idea to plug in a mini-fridge full of sandwiches and beer into a receptacle that is automatically shut off each night as part of an energy management plan for an office building.
The 2014 code language just required a special symbol on such receptacles. Many people have no idea what the special symbol means.
In the 2017 NEC®, the special symbol and the word “controlled” are now required. For a duplex or quadruplex receptacle, the required marking of the word “controlled” and symbol must indicate which receptacle is controlled. As well, the marking must be located on the receptacle face and visible after installation. This should eliminate those placing the special marking on the side or back of a receptacle before the cover plate goes on and covers it up.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2014 Code Language:
406.3(E) Controlled Receptacle Marking.
All nonlocking type, 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles that are controlled by an automatic control device, or that incorporate control features that remove power from the outlet for the purpose of energy management or building automation, shall be marked with the symbol shown in Figure 406.3(E) and located on the controlled receptacle outlet where visible after installation.
Exception: The marking is not required for receptacles controlled by a wall switch that provide the required room lighting outlets as permitted by 210.70.
2017 Code Language:
406.3(E) Controlled Receptacle Marking.
All nonlocking-type, 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles that are controlled by an automatic control device, or that incorporate control features that remove power from the receptacle for the purpose of energy management or building automation, shall be permanently marked with the symbol shown in Figure 406.3(E) and the word “controlled.”
For receptacles controlled by an automatic control device, the marking shall be located on the receptacle face and visible after installation.
In both cases where a multiple receptacle device is used, the required marking of the word “controlled” and symbol shall denote which contact device(s) are controlled.
Exception: The marking shall not be required for receptacles controlled by a wall switch that provide the required room lighting outlets as permitted by 210.70.