406.6(D) Receptacle Faceplate (Cover Plates) with Integral Night Light and/or USB Charger.
Code Change Summary: A new code section addresses receptacle cover plates with an integral USB charger or night light.
As new products and technologies come forth, so does the need to evaluate the products to specific standards which help reduce fires and ensure safety.
Receptacle cover plates are now available in the market place that have integral night lights and/or USB chargers. These should not be confused with receptacles with integral USB chargers covered in Section 406.3(F). These cover plates have an internal Class 2 power supply that receives primary power from making contact with the receptacle terminals (see image).
In the 2017 NEC®, a section has been added to require such cover plates to be listed and constructed such that the night light and/or Class 2 circuitry is integral with the flush device cover plate.
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.
2017 Code Language:
N 406.6(D) Receptacle Faceplate (Cover Plates) with Integral Night Light and/or USB Charger.
A flush device cover plate that additionally provides a night light and/or Class 2 output connector(s) shall be listed and constructed such that the night light and/or Class 2 circuitry is integral with the flush device cover plate.