Don't control receptacle with smart switch?

G

Geber

Member
Location
Vermont
Occupation
PE, retired electronics engineer
I recently installed a Leviton 2nd gen smart switch, model D215S. The "Getting Started Guide" that comes with it states, in the "Safety First!" section
  • TO AVOID FIRE, PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, DO NOT install to control a receptacle.
But many rooms control 1/2 of a duplex receptacle with a wall switch, and the occupant is expected to plug a lamp there to light the room. Why shouldn't you control such a receptacle with a smart switch? My guess is Leviton are thinking of receptacles in general, and are afraid of what might happen if someone plugs any old thing in to a receptacle and it comes on unexpectedly, perhaps after the occupant has left the room.
 
Cutting the voltage to motor appliances can start fires. That is why the code doesn't want dimmer's hooked up to receptacle outlets. There is no objection to merely switching a receptacle outlet on and off. It has been allowed for decades and decades.
 
I've seen heaters and ACs plugged into switched receptacles. With normal 15A rated switches controlling them there should be no problem. Apparently, Leviton designed that smart switch for only fixed lighting loads with minimal capacity enough to handle just that. Possibly with solid state switching instead of a real relay contacts.

-Hal
 
hbiss said:
I've seen heaters and ACs plugged into switched receptacles. With normal 15A rated switches controlling them there should be no problem. Apparently, Leviton designed that smart switch for only fixed lighting loads with minimal capacity enough to handle just that. Possibly with solid state switching instead of a real relay contacts.

-Hal
Click to expand...
Ratings:

General Use 15 A, 120 V AC, 60 Hz
LED/CFL/Electronic Ballast 5 A
Magnetic Ballast 15 A
Motor 3/4 HP

I don't see a statement saying if the output is solid state or relay.
 
This switch has a 15 amp rating including up to 3/4 HP motors. I don't see any issue controlling a receptacle. I wonder if the guide is also covering the dimmer versions?
 
curt swartz said:
This switch has a 15 amp rating including up to 3/4 HP motors. I don't see any issue controlling a receptacle. I wonder if the guide is also covering the dimmer versions?
Click to expand...
Dimmers are not mentioned. The guide does not contain a list of specific models it applies to.
 
My feeling is they are just issuing this warning because you will have no idea when and what can turn it on.
 
Geber said:
Ratings:

General Use 15 A, 120 V AC, 60 Hz
LED/CFL/Electronic Ballast 5 A
Magnetic Ballast 15 A
Motor 3/4 HP

I don't see a statement saying if the output is solid state or relay.
Click to expand...

The current rating for "LED/CFL/Electronic Ballast" is 1/3 of the General Use and Magnetic ballast rating. To me that woud indicate that it's not capable of the surge current when turning on LED's etc. which have internal capacitors to filter the rectified AC.
As Don pointed out in the post linked below, AC-only general use snap switches do not have this limitation.

https://forums.mikeholt.com/threads/snap-switch-rating.2573243/post-2822150
 
The old X-10 controlled outlets (which use a snap relay of some type) caution against using hot plates, toasters, coffee makers, and any other heating appliance, because if they switch on when you're not expecting them to they might burn anything you placed on top of the appliance.
 
PaulMmn said:
The old X-10 controlled outlets (which use a snap relay of some type) caution against using hot plates, toasters, coffee makers, and any other heating appliance, because if they switch on when you're not expecting them to they might burn anything you placed on top of the appliance.
Click to expand...
That's why controllers had "all units off" but only "all lights on."
 
LarryFine said:
That's why controllers had "all units off" but only "all lights on."
Click to expand...
I never noticed that.
I still have 3 Radio Shack controllers doing daily duty.
2 controlling incandescent bulbs.
1 with appliance outlets, controlling big hi-fi amplifiers.
 
Speedskater said:
I never noticed that.
I still have 3 Radio Shack controllers doing daily duty.
2 controlling incandescent bulbs.
1 with appliance outlets, controlling big hi-fi amplifiers.
Click to expand...
I have a Powerhouse clock/timer next to my bed, and a 4-channel in-wall controller in the bedroom door switch box, controlling four lights in my bedroom.

I see your occupation. Are your "big hi-fi amplifiers" by any chance tube amps?
 
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