Revise 406.3

[George Stolz]

Re: Revise 406.3

Originally posted by rbalex (and agreed upon by jw):
Therefore, 15 & 20A two-wire branch circuit extensions with non-grounding type receptacles are prohibited except as expressly permitted - such as with K&T ([2002]394.10).

I don't think so.

The allowance of the circuit to be extended does not permit the installation of two-wire receptacles on the new portion of that circuit.

It expressly permits the extension and use of K&T, not the installation of a new nongrounding-type receptacle.

The receptacle would have to comply with 406.3, same as if I added romex to the circuit.

 

[George Stolz]

Re: Revise 406.3

The other related thread just gave me an idea. What about a much shorter course?

(D) Replacements. Replacement of receptacles shall comply with 406.3(D)(1), (2), and (3) as applicable.

Add text to 406.3(D):

(D) Replacements. Replacement of receptacles shall comply with 406.3(D)(1), (2), and (3) as applicable. Receptacles installed to additions to existing branch circuits shall be considered replacements for the purposes of this section.

Ho ho ho...

 

[al hildenbrand]

Re: Revise 406.3

Ah, so, George,

This must be the proposal you asked me if I'd seen.

I hadn't.

I just went through the two pages here, and I think your proposal and substantiation is spot on.

Go for it!

 

[mc5w]

Re: Revise 406.3

I would change the rules as follows:

1. When a circuit extension is made from a box or enclosure that is NOT grounded and an equipment ground cannot be obtained, the circuit extension shall have be nonmetallic and have an equipment grounding conductor that is temporarily insulated from enclosures. Bare equipment grounding conductors shall be temporarily insulated from enclosures using a removable sleeve that is colored green or tagged with green tape or paint.

Substantiation: There is no reason why a circuit cannot be gradually upgraded. Requiring that the equipment ground in type NM cable be cut would be a waste of material and labor. Cutting the equipment ground would necessitate cable replacement when an equipment ground does become available. Prohibiting the cutting of the equipment ground that is supplied at the factory and requiring an insulating sleeve that is removable would be a more satisfactory method.

 

[George Stolz]

Re: Revise 406.3

...I do not see this as possibly being accepted.

Well, Bob, Don, and Pierre (and for different reasons, Bob Alexander) all prophesied doom for this one, and they were right: their sentiments are echoed (dang-near photocopied) below.

18-16 Log #1396 NEC-P18 Action: Reject
(406.3(D))

Panel Meeting Action: Reject

Panel Statement: Section 406.3(D) addresses the installation of replacement receptacles. This proposal addresses the installation of new receptacles. Therefore, this text does not apply to this section. The panel rejects the concept of adding new receptacles to an existing two-wire circuit and applying the provisions for replacement receptacles rules. Replacement receptacles rules are to increase the safety of older two-wire branch circuits where a replacement receptacle is desired. Section 406.3(D)(3) does not address the extension of existing two-wire circuits. The applicable rules for extending two-wire branch circuits are contained in Section 250.130(C) and require the extension to provide an equipment grounding conductor. The references to Sections 80.5(B) and 80.5(C) are now contained in Annex G of the 2005 NEC as 80.9(B) and (C). Annex G is not enforceable unless specifically adopted by local ordinance.

I have to say, with a statement that long, they really hated the idea! :lol:

 

[petersonra]

Re: Revise 406.3

I can't see any reason to support the installation of a receptacle at a new location without an EGC.
Don

In general, I am inclined to agree. But there are some old houses where the cost of doing so might cause a HO to use extension cords rather than a proper wiring method. I suspect the extension cords are far more hazardous then an outlet with a GFCI on it.

I think any extension that has no ground should be required to be GFCI protected and labeled as not grounded, and allowed only in existing construction.

A gut and remodel, no. An addition - no Adding an outlet on the other side of a room in a 100 year old house where it is not cost effective to get a ground there - yes.