Is a LED nightlite receptacle plate at a Lighting Outlet??

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al hildenbrand

al hildenbrand

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Minnesota
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Electrical Contractor, Electrical Consultant, Electrical Engineer
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In my 2017 NEC continuing ed class a week ago, I saw a powerpoint of these receptacle cover plates. I have not yet held one of them in my hand.

There is new 2017 NEC that pertains to these coverplates:
2017 NEC
Chapter 4
Article 406 Receptacles, Cord Connectors, and Attachment Plugs (Caps)
406.6 Receptacle Faceplates (Cover Plates).
406.6(D) Receptacle Faceplate (Cover Plates) with Integral Night Light and/or USB Charger. A flush device cover plate that additionally provides a night light and/or Class 2 output connector(s) shall be listed and constructed such that the night light and/or Class 2 circuitry is integral with the flush device cover plate.
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This is a new rule in the 2017 NEC, and, to my knowledge, 406.6(D) is the total of the NEC language on the matter.

So, I look at this thing, made only as receptacle cover plates, and see pictures of it lighting darkened hallways, etc.

It's a Luminaire, in my opinion.

So, when I add this cover plate to an existing Receptacle Outlet, there must now, also be a Lighting Outlet present for the Integral Night Light Cover Plate to be mounted at. When installed in a dwelling, if AFCI protection is not present, the addition of the Lighting Outlet on an existing branch circuit in a room or area specified in 210.12, requires, to me, that AFCI protection must be added.

What say you?
 
You still have a receptacle outlet. The LED wallplate is really no different than a plug-in LED nightlight; they arent hardwired. It isnt a luminaire any more than the LED indicators on GFCI receptacles are 'luminaires'.
 
I though this was going to ask if the ceiling lighting outlet is still required.:huh:

I'm not adding an AFCI either especially if all I did was replace the wall plate.

Add how are these LED's powered, sounds like more then just screw on a new plate?
 
kwired said:
I though this was going to ask if the ceiling lighting outlet is still required.:huh:
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In Article 100 Definitions, "ceiling" is not part of the term Lighting Outlet.
2017 NEC Article 100
Lighting Outlet. An outlet intended for the direct connection of a lampholder or a luminaire.

Luminaire. A complete lighting unit consisting of a light source, such as a lamp or lamps, together with the parts designed to position the light source and connect it to the power supply. It may also include parts to protect the light source or the ballast or to distribute the light. A lampholder itself is not a luminaire.
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kwired said:
Add how are these LED's powered, sounds like more then just screw on a new plate?
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breakdown_guidelight_main.jpg


An installation video is available by clicking here.
 
al hildenbrand said:
In Article 100 Definitions, "ceiling" is not part of the term Lighting Outlet.


breakdown_guidelight_main.jpg


An installation video is available by clicking here.
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Correction, I though it was going to ask if the original lighting outlet is still required, or if this can be the required lighting outlet if a new installation. It will need to be wall switch controlled if it is a required lighting outlet for that space for most dwelling unit instances.
 
Sounds like the question is about AFCI protection for adding a "lighting outlet" when using this face plate.
 
iwire said:
What does the AHJ think?
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Good question. I didn't get an answer in the class. The powerpoint, by IAEI, was used with the presentation of the very first class by this instructor on the 2017 NEC. The instructor's thrust was that 2017 NEC 406.6(D) is entirely new.

The IAEI Analysis of Changes NEC 2017 has two pages on 406.6(D) and my question is not dealt with.
 
IMO this is a product targeted for end users. Looks like you can get decora plate versions - but doubt they will work on a GFCI, just a standard decora receptacle.

I can get a GFCI with a night light for around the same ballpark price as they sell single units for on their website. The savings factor comes into play if you are not hiring someone to install it for you.
 
kwired said:
IMO this is a product targeted for end users. Looks like you can get decora plate versions - but doubt they will work on a GFCI, just a standard decora receptacle.
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And I can imagine a bit of difficulty with a standard duplex receptacle 125 Volt 15 Amp that is split wired in any number of ways. . . This thing seems to require contact with the break out tabs between the terminal screws.

kwired said:
I can get a GFCI with a night light for around the same ballpark price as they sell single units for on their website. The savings factor comes into play if you are not hiring someone to install it for you.
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My OP question is only about the definition of Lighting Outlet, Luminaire, and the application of 210.12 because of adding an additional outlet. A luminaire is mounted at a Lighting Outlet, not a Receptacle Outlet.

Regardless, the NEC doesn't excuse the "end user" from following the NEC.
 
al hildenbrand said:
Regardless, the NEC doesn't excuse the "end user" from following the NEC.
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No it doesn't. Some places they do whatever they want. Other places they may at least need an inspection when they sell the property or maybe whenever the assessor decides to take a harder look at assessments and sends people out to see what is there. Otherwise they still generally do whatever they want. This is almost no different then using a plug in night light.

They probably should have stressed proper PPE and LOTO in their installation video;)
 
al hildenbrand said:
Good question. I didn't get an answer in the class. The powerpoint, by IAEI, was used with the presentation of the very first class by this instructor on the 2017 NEC. The instructor's thrust was that 2017 NEC 406.6(D) is entirely new.

The IAEI Analysis of Changes NEC 2017 has two pages on 406.6(D) and my question is not dealt with.
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So this is just a fishing trip?

The only opinion that will mater will be that of the AHJ.
 
kwired said:
No it doesn't. Some places they do whatever they want. Other places they may at least need an inspection when they sell the property or maybe whenever the assessor decides to take a harder look at assessments and sends people out to see what is there. Otherwise they still generally do whatever they want. This is almost no different then using a plug in night light.
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Let the homeowner install it, problem solved. ;)
 
infinity said:
Let the homeowner install it, problem solved. ;)
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Exactly, how many EC's will sell these? They may occasionally install one if customer hands it to them and asks for it to be installed. May still have 25 cents for a regular wall plate already built into bid or quote on top of it.
 
infinity said:
Let the homeowner install it, problem solved. ;)
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It's only a matter of time until a remodel of a dwelling includes the specification for the installation of Integral Night Light Cover Plates, 406.6(D), and the electrical contractor is tasked with the work.
 
al hildenbrand said:
It's only a matter of time until a remodel of a dwelling includes the specification for the installation of Integral Night Light Cover Plates, 406.6(D), and the electrical contractor is tasked with the work.
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Must be something new in 2017, there is no (D) in 2014.

Your OP question maybe is more justified now:)
 
kwired said:
Must be something new in 2017, there is no (D) in 2014.

Your OP question maybe is more justified now:)
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Yes. 406.6(D) is NEW and it is in the 2017 NEC. Please read the OP which includes the complete rule 406.6(D).
 
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