Are dimmers allowed on split receptacles?

[peter]

Excuse: I don't have my Code Book handy.
Reality: It's 2.7 feet away and I'm too lazy.

Reason: A question appeared on Tauton's Breaktime forum about whether the live side of a split receptacle should be the upper half or the lower half. A number of responses favored either way for various reasons. There was a suggestion to mount them horizontally.
But somebody stated that it was illegal [not up to Code] to control any receptacle, switched or not, with a dimmer.

Question: Where in the Code does it state that the switched half of a split receptacle can not be controlled by a dimmer?
Opinion: I can see why the owner might desire to be able to dim the lights plugged into the switched split receptacles. However, it seems like there would be all sorts of problems if any thing other than an incadescant lamp were plugged in. You could have dim wall-warts, dim coffee makers, dim power tools and so on...

~Peter

 

[dwellselectric]

Hmm I have heard that also. Dimmers can not be used to control the switched half of a plug. I would never do it anyways but thats just me

 

[jwelectric]

404.14(E) Dimmer Switches. General-use dimmer switches shall be used only to control permanently installed incandescent luminaires (lighting fixtures) unless listed for the control of other loads and installed accordingly.

 

[chris kennedy]

404.14(E)

And I'd like to add the Handbook says "not permitted to control recepticles..."

Please see below.

Or what JW said

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Lutron's dimmers say that they may not control standard receptacles, however Lutron makes a receptacle that may be dimmed. You cannot plug anything other than a special male plug that must be installed on the lamp.

It is hard to see in this picture but the top part has a nub sticking out so
that you can't insert a standard plug into it.

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

Lutron's dimmers say that they may not control standard receptacles, however Lutron makes a receptacle that may be dimmed. You cannot plug anything other than a special male plug that must be installed on the lamp.

It is hard to see in this picture but the top part has a nub sticking out so
that you can't insert a standard plug into it.

That looks more like the bottom part has the nub. :grin:

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Maybe this is better--- you all make me work too hard.

View attachment 900

 

[stickboy1375]

http://www.aboutlightingcontrols.org/products/newprods/lutron/lutron-20050303.shtml

 

[RAYMFL]

Found a dimmer on a service call controlling a receptacle that was by the bed for a light. The customer changed the bedroom around with the bed on the opposite wall and a large TV where the bed was. After 3 repairs to the TV, the repair co. required the the owner to have the power checked. Needless to say, after removing the dimmer the problem disappeared.

 

[hillbilly]

That looks more like the bottom part has the nub. :grin:

I must be the only one who got that.

Must have held the camera upside down to make that picture.

steve

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I must be the only one who got that.

Must have held the camera upside down to make that picture.

steve

Thank you for enlightening me. Lawn guy is trying to start the ground prong up debate again.-- Sorry I missed that but it was still funny after I had to have it explained.