Switch Embossed handles

[donf]

There is a section in the 2020 edition that states Single use 120 volt snap switches must have their handle embossed with "On/Off"

I'm involved with another code war with an author. He says, not required and I say yup, required. Can any one give the citation, pleas?

 

[kwired]

404.7 says that switches must indicate whether on/off (closed/open). This rule doesn't apply to general use snap switches though.

However there is also 422.35 and possibly other similar sections (maybe in 430 for one) that says switches used as a disconnecting means need to also be indicating, and general use snap switches are permitted to be used as disconnecting means in certain situations.

 

[retirede]

Not required unless used as a disconnect.

 

[jim dungar]

Wouldn't a color on the side of a handle also work as an indicator? I don't remember the NEC specifically requiring an embossed indicator, much less the actual words on-off.

 

[K8MHZ]

How would that work for Decora switches?

 

[retirede]

How would that work for Decora switches?

Color on the top and bottoms edge surfaces. You only see the color on the opposite edge of the side that is depressed.

 

[Rock86]

404.7 says that switches must indicate whether on/off (closed/open). This rule doesn't apply to general use snap switches though.

However there is also 422.35 and possibly other similar sections (maybe in 430 for one) that says switches used as a disconnecting means need to also be indicating, and general use snap switches are permitted to be used as disconnecting means in certain situations.

"404.7 Indicating. General-use and motor-circuit switches... " You might be wrong here mate. But I think The second paragraph allows general use switches which operate vertically to allow decora switched to not be labeled. maybe?

 

[kwired]

"404.7 Indicating. General-use and motor-circuit switches... " You might be wrong here mate. But I think The second paragraph allows general use switches which operate vertically to allow decora switched to not be labeled. maybe?

Go to art 100 and look up Switch, General-use and Switch, General-use snap.

A decora switch is a general-use snap switch as are your typical toggle style lighting switches and those miniature bat handle style switches and other miniature styles.

General-use snap switches can be used as disconnecting means if they meet conditions particularly by 430.109(C), and when they are used for disconnecting means they must be indicating in accordance with 430.104. I believe motor operated appliances in 422 refers you to these sections in 430, possibly other sections refer you here or have similar rule within.

 

[Rock86]

Go to art 100 and look up Switch, General-use and Switch, General-use snap.

Ok... i'll buy that one. You won this round .