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404.2(C) Switches Controlling Lighting — Neutral Conductor at Switch Point

Change Summary

  • New list item (3) relaxes the grounded conductor requirement at switches with integral enclosures.
  • New list item (5) relaxes the grounded conductor requirement in locations where multiple
    switches control the same lighting load.
  • This section has been restructured into a list format and the former exception has been incorporated into positive text
NEC® Text

 
 404.2 Switch Connections

(C) Switches Controlling Lighting Loads…(See NEC text)…
1. Where conductors enter the box enclosing the switch through a raceway…(See NEC text)…
2. Where the box enclosing the switch is accessible…(See NEC text)…without removing finish materials
3. Where snap switches with integral enclosures complying 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

Copyright© 2013 National Fire Protection Association 

(See NEC for complete text) 

Expert Analysis

This section generally requires a grounded conductor at lighting load switch locations. There are now seven conditions allowing relief from installing a grounded conductor at the switch box. List items (1) and (2) reflect the provisions of previous Exception and conditions (1) and (2) to 404.2(C). List item (3) reflects the concept provided in Proposal 9-87 to exempt switches with integral enclosures that comply with 300.15(E). List items (4), (5), (6), and (7) reflect concepts provided in Proposal 9-89. Grounded conductors are no longer required at locations in non-habitable rooms or bathrooms, in common locations where multiple switches control the same lighting load, such as where 3-way and 4-way switches are installed, in locations where the lighting is controlled by automatic means, and at switches that control receptacles. In cases where 3-way or 4-way switches are installed, the grounded conductor is required at only one of the switch boxes locations as long as entire space is visible from all switch locations. Code Making Panel-9 acted favorable to not requiring a grounded conductor in bathrooms or rooms that are not habitable, such as a closet, as these are overly restrictive. The revision clarifies the requirements while providing practical relief consistent with the substantiation.

Switch Controlling

Installing neutrals at switch locations is a good idea because it enables switch boxes to be compatible with all of today’s and tomorrows advanced lighting and automation options.

Most of Leviton’s Universal Sensor Line doesn’t require neutral conductors.  They are available with and without dimming capability and are available in single pole and 3-way configurations.  They are identified as “Universal” because they are engineered to be compatible with todays advanced lighting sources including LED, CFL and incandescent/halogen.

  • Available in Automatic-ON or Manual-ON models (Occupancy and Vacancy Sensors)
  • Controls up to 150W LED, 150W CFL or 600W incandescent/halogen loads
  • Provides 180° Field of View, 900 sq. ft. coverage; perfect for use in large areas such as basements, garages and living rooms
  • Low profile design blends in with walls for a discreet appearance
  • Ambient light sensitivity prevents occupancy sensors from switching the lights ON when there is ample natural sunlight
  • Adjustable delayed OFF time for effective energy management
  • Screw terminals for easier installation
  • Uses passive infrared (PIR) detection technology
  • CA Title 20 Compliant, meeting the California code of regulation Title 20, required February 1, 2013
  • Vacancy sensors are CA Title 24 Compliant
  • Contemporary styling in line with Leviton's Decora® line of wiring devices and compatible with Decora screwless wallplates

Comes packaged with three colors: White, Ivory, and Light Almond; color change kits are available

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Leviton's collection of dimmers is the ideal tool to help you create the perfect ambiance within a room. Available in a wide variety of designs, our dimmers help conserve energy and to reduce overall energy costs.

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