Definition of Device - 2008 NEC

[LarryFine]

... the location of the outlet is where the electrons leave the premises wiring system.

Talk about "micro" managing.

 

[M. D.]

To make my point, a queestion:

When you "install them every day," is it your opinion that you install an outlet that receives a receptacle, or that you install a box that receives an outlet?

Or should we agree that the assembly of box and receptacle comprise the outlet?

I maintain that the outlet and the device are (usually) two separate items that we sometimes combine.

Well, the receptacle is the contact device at the outlet a box is not always required there are listed devices that do not require a box.. and , though I recognize it would be a violation , a standard run of the mill receptacle will provide a contact point at the outlet without the box. so a box has little to do with the outlet IMO.

I say a receptacle mounted in an outlet makes that outlet a receptacle outlet. The receptacle itself isn't the outlet, the box is. .

 

[cschmid]

manufactured / mobile home receptacle

I just found this today. I have never seen anything like this before. This is flush, not surface mount. The cover has no screws it just pops on.

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This is a speed coupling device used to attach electrical utilization equipment..

my my we used to call this an outlet and a light switch a light switch..now we are catering to lawyers and the political correct. So how will we ever come to an agreement on what an outlet is. A receptacle is a device made to manage the portable or fixed in place electrical equipment attached to it. so does that make a disconnect attached to a piece of electrical equipment a device or a receptacle since it is the connection point to the permanent installed wiring system.

 

[LarryFine]

Well, the receptacle is the contact device at the outlet a box is not always required there are listed devices that do not require a box.. and , though I recognize it would be a violation , a standard run of the mill receptacle will provide a contact point at the outlet without the box. so a box has little to do with the outlet IMO.

I guess what I'm saying (or not) is that an outlet is not necessarily a specific object, it's more of a location.

 

[al hildenbrand]

I guess what I'm saying (or not) is that an outlet is not necessarily a specific object, it's more of a location.

I agree with the direction of your statement. But I think the definition of Outlet helps very specifically with the nature of the "location".

A "point" is not an area or a volume.