404.22 Electronic Control Switches.

Some electronic control switches are designed for other purposes besides only lighting.
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Some electronic control switches are designed for other purposes besides only lighting.

Code Change Summary: Revised code language addresses electronic control switches used for more than just lighting loads.

In the 2020 NEC®, a public input (code change proposal) was accepted from the UL Electrical Council to delete the word “lighting” from the 2017 NEC® Code Language below. The intent was to recognize that there are many electronic control switches designed to control other things besides lighting, such as appliances and receptacles.

Deleting the word “lighting” from the below code language makes it clear that the code language applies to all electronic control switches.

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 2020 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.

2017 Code Language:

404.22 Electronic Lighting Control Switches. Electronic lighting control switches shall be listed. Electronic lighting control switches shall not introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor during normal operation. The requirement to not introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor shall take effect on January 1, 2020.

Exception: Electronic lighting control switches that introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor shall be permitted for applications covered by 404.2(C), Exception. Electronic lighting control switches that introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor shall be listed and marked for use in replacement or retrofit applications only.

2020 Code Language:

404.22 Electronic Control Switches. Electronic control switches shall be listed. Electronic control switches shall not introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor during normal operation. The requirement to not introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor shall take effect on January 1, 2020.

Exception: Electronic control switches that introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor shall be permitted for applications covered by 404.2(C), Exception. Electronic control switches that introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor shall be listed and marked for use in replacement or retrofit applications only.

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404.22 Electronic Control Switches.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Based on the 2020 NEC, which of the following is true?

A: Section 404.22 only applies to electronic control switches supplying lighting loads.
B: Section 404.22 also applies to electronic control switches supplying non-lighting loads.
C: Section 404.22 does NOT apply to electronic control switches supplying lighting loads.
D: Section 404.22 applies to general use snap switches.
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