404.2(C) Switches Controlling Lighting Loads.
Code Change Summary: Code language was added to specify more switch locations where a grounded conductor is not required.
Generally speaking, a grounded neutral conductor is required at each location of a switch controlling lighting loads. This is for devices such as occupancy sensors that require a grounded neutral return path in order to function.
In the 2011 NEC®, an exception provided two instances where the grounded neutral conductor was not required.
The 2014 NEC® now provides a total of seven locations where a grounded neutral conductor is NOT required for switches controlling lighting loads:
- Where conductors enter the switch box through a raceway that is big enough to pull in a grounded neutral wire later.
- Where the switch box can be accessed later without removing wall finish materials.
- Snap switches with an integral enclosure (such as a closet door jamb switch without a box).
- Switches serving non-habitable rooms.
- Where multiple switch locations control the same lighting load so that the entire floor area of the room is visible from the single or combined switch locations (3-way and 4-way switches serving an area).
- Where the area lighting is controlled automatically.
- Switches controlling receptacles.
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).
2011 Code Language:
404.2(C) Switches Controlling Lighting Loads. Where switches control lighting loads supplied by a grounded general purpose branch circuit, the grounded circuit conductor for the controlled lighting circuit shall be provided at the switch location.
Exception: The grounded circuit conductor shall be permitted to be omitted from the switch enclosure where either of the following conditions in (1) or (2) apply:
(1) Conductors for switches controlling lighting loads enter the box through a raceway. The raceway shall have suffıcient cross-sectional area to accommodate the extension of the grounded circuit conductor of the lighting circuit to the switch location whether or not the conductors in the raceway are required to be increased in size to comply with 310.15(B)(3)(a).
(2) Cable assemblies for switches controlling lighting loads enter the box through a framing cavity that is open at the top or bottom on the same floor level, or through a wall, floor, or ceiling that is unfinished on one side.
2014 Code Language:
404.2(C) Switches Controlling Lighting Loads. The grounded circuit conductor for the controlled lighting circuit shall be provided at the location where switches control lighting loads that are supplied by a grounded general-purpose branch circuit for other than the following:
(1) Where conductors enter the box enclosing the switch through a raceway, provided that the raceway is large enough for all contained conductors, including a grounded conductor.
(2) Where the box enclosing the switch is accessible for the installation of an additional or replacement cable without removing finish materials.
(3) Where snap switches with integral enclosures comply with 300.15(E).
(4) Where a switch does not serve a habitable room or bathroom.
(5) Where multiple switch locations control the same lighting load such that the entire floor area of the room or space is visible from the single or combined switch locations.
(6) Where lighting in the area is controlled by automatic means.
(7) Where a switch controls a receptacle load.