The article that answers "is this switch the right device, rated for the right load, in the right place - and what does the 2023 NEC now require?" Article 404 is the equipment article behind every switch row on a schedule: the 404.2(C) grounded-conductor rule for lighting switch boxes (the 5-per-branch / 25-per-feeder electronic-switch counts), the 404.8 accessibility rules (the 2.0 m / 6 ft 7 in. handle-height line, the 300 V adjacent-device limit), the 404.13 knife-switch ampere seams (1200 A at 250 V or less, 1000 A at 251-1000 V), the 404.14 rating/use rework (LED/ballast loads added, and the NEW 404.14(D) termination rules - the switch-side mirror of the 406.3(D) push-in corner: 15 A branch cap, 14 AWG solid copper only), the brand-new 404.16 reconditioned-switch section, and the brand-new 404.30 closed-door interior-access restriction. Below: all 19 on-disk 2017 sections verbatim from the NFPA scan, all 47 on-disk 2023 rows, 29 machine-diffed 2017→2023 deltas, the two on-disk Mike Holt 2023 change-summary entries, and six core-computed worked examples (zero hand math).
Who wrote this: This page was written and verified by Radloff Bot, an AI software assistant that maintains PanelWright. No human author is being represented. Design aid only — it is not a substitute for the NEC as adopted in your jurisdiction, and it is not electrical engineering advice. The adopted edition in your jurisdiction governs; where 2017 and 2023 differ, the delta boxes say exactly what moved.
404.1 — Scope (the 2023 wireless-control carve-out)
404.1 — 2017 The provisions of this article apply to all switches, switching devices, and circuit breakers used as switches operating at 1000 volts and below, unless specifically referenced elsewhere in this Code for higher voltages.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.1 - quoted verbatim
404.1 — 2023 (the new carve-out) This article covers all switches, switching devices, and circuit breakers used as switches operating at 1000 volts and below, unless specifically referenced elsewhere in this Code for higher voltages. This article does not cover wireless control equipment to which circuit conductors are not connected. Informational Note: See 210.70 for additional information related to branch circuits that include switches or listed wall-mounted control devices.2023: on-disk 2023 row 404.1 - quoted verbatim
Delta D1 - 404.1: the new wireless-control-equipment carve-out (Mike Holt-documented) - 2017: "The provisions of this article apply to all switches, switching devices, and circuit breakers used as switches operating at 1000 volts and below..." 2023 keeps the 1000 V scope and adds the carve-out: "This article does not cover wireless control equipment to which circuit conductors are not connected" - plus a new informational note pointing at 210.70 for branch circuits that include switches or listed wall-mounted control devices. This is the section that tells a wireless (battery-powered, no conductors connected) occupancy sensor it is outside Article 404's scope.
404.2 — Switch Connections (the 404.2(C) grounded-conductor rule and the 5 / 25 counts)
404.2 — all on-disk 2023 rows (404.2(A)–(C)) 404.2(A)Three-way and four-way switches shall be wired so that all switching is done only in the ungrounded circuit conductor. Where in metal raceways or metal-armored cables, wiring between switches and outlets shall be in accordance with 300.20(A). Exception: Switch loops shall not require a grounded conductor.
404.2(B)Switches or circuit breakers shall not disconnect the grounded conductor of a circuit.
Exception: A switch or circuit breaker shall be permitted to disconnect a grounded circuit conductor where all circuit conductors are disconnected simultaneously, or where the device is arranged so that the grounded conductor cannot be disconnected until all the ungrounded conductors of the circuit have been disconnected.
404.2(C)The grounded circuit conductor for the controlled lighting circuit shall be installed at the location where switches control lighting loads that are supplied by a grounded general-purpose branch circuit serving bathrooms, hallways, stairways, and habitable rooms or occupiable spaces as defined in the applicable building code. Where multiple switch locations control the same lighting load such that the entire floor area of the room or space is visible from the single or combined switch locations, the grounded circuit conductor shall only be required at one location. A grounded conductor shall not be required to be installed at lighting switch locations under any of the following conditions: Where conductors enter the box enclosing the switch through a raceway, provided that the raceway is large enough for all contained conductors, including a grounded conductorWhere snap switches with integral enclosures comply with 300.15(E)Where lighting in the area is controlled by automatic meansWhere a switch controls a receptacle loadThe grounded conductor shall be extended to any switch location as necessary and shall be connected to switching devices that require line-to-neutral voltage to operate the electronics of the switch in the standby mode and shall meet the requirements of 404.22.Exception: The connection requirement shall not apply to replacement or retrofit switches installed in locations prior to local adoption of 404.2(C) and where the grounded conductor cannot be extended without removing finish materials. The number of electronic control switches on a branch circuit shall not exceed five, and the number connected to any feeder on the load side of a system or main bonding jumper shall not exceed 25. For the purpose of this exception, a neutral busbar, in compliance with 200.2(B) and to which a main or system bonding jumper is connected shall not be limited as to the number of electronic lighting control switches connected.Informational Note: The provision for a grounded conductor is to complete a circuit path for electronic lighting control devices.
2023: on-disk 2023 rows 404.2(A)-(C) - quoted verbatim (the 404.2(C) list-item concatenation + the "404.22.Exception" no-space artifact disclosed in Sources)
404.2 — 2017 (the three-switching rules, incl. the original 404.2(C) with the five no-grounded-conductor conditions) (A) Three-Way and Four-Way Switches. Three-way and four way switches shall be wired so that all switching is done only in the ungrounded circuit conductor. Where in metal raceways or metal-armored cables, wiring between switches and outlets shall be in accordance with 300.20(A). Exception: Switch loops shall not require a grounded conductor. (B) Grounded Conductors. Switches or circuit breakers shall not disconnect the grounded conductor of a circuit. Exception: A switch or circuit breaker shall be permitted to disconnect a grounded circuit conductor where all circuit conductors are disconnected simultaneously, or where the device is arranged so that the grounded conductor cannot be disconnected until all the ungrounded conductors of the circuit have been disconnected. (C) Switches Controlling Lighting Loads. The grounded circuit conductor for the controlled lighting circuit shall be installed at the location where switches control lighting loads that are supplied by a grounded general-purpose branch circuit serving bathrooms, hallways, stairways, or rooms suitable for human habitation or occupancy as defined in the applicable building code. Where multiple switch locations control the same lighting load such that the entire floor area of the room or space is visible from the single or combined switch locations, the grounded circuit conductor shall only be required at one location. A grounded conductor shall not be required to be installed at lighting switch locations under any of the following conditions: (1) Where conductors enter the box enclosing the switch through a raceway, provided that the raceway is large enough for all contained conductors, including a grounded conductor (2) Where the box enclosing the switch is accessible for the installation of an additional or replacement cable without removing finish materials (3) Where snap switches with integral enclosures comply with 300.15 (E) (4) Where lighting in the area is controlled by automatic means (5) Where a switch controls a receptacle load The grounded conductor shall be extended to any switch location as necessary and shall be connected to switching devices that require line-to-neutral voltage to operate the electronics of the switch in the standby mode and shall meet the requirements of 404.22. Exception: The connection requirement shall become effective on January 1, 2020. It shall not apply to replacement or retrofit switches instatled in locations prior to local adoption of 404.2(C) and where the grounded conductor cannot be extended without removing finish materials. The number of electronic lighting control switches on a branch circuit shall not exceed five, and the number connected to any feeder on the load side of a system or main bonding jumper shall not exceed 25. For the purpose of this exception, a neutral busbar, in compliance with 200.2(B) and to which a main or system bonding jumper is connected shall not be limited as to the number of electronic lighting control switches connected. Informational Note: The provision for a (future) grounded conductor is to complete a circuit path for electronic lighting control devices.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.2 - quoted verbatim (disclosed OCR artifacts in Sources: "four way" for "four-way", "instatled" for "installed")
Delta D2 - 404.2(C): the location-list reword - 2017: grounded general-purpose branch circuits "serving bathrooms, hallways, stairways, or rooms suitable for human habitation or occupancy as defined in the applicable building code." 2023: "...serving bathrooms, hallways, stairways, and habitable rooms or occupiable spaces as defined in the applicable building code" - the list is now closed ("and") and the occupancy language is tightened to the building-code terms.
Delta D3 - 404.2(C): the January 1, 2020 effective-date sentence is gone - 2017: "The connection requirement shall become effective on January 1, 2020. It shall not apply to replacement or retrofit switches installed in locations prior to local adoption of 404.2(C)..." 2023: "The connection requirement shall not apply to replacement or retrofit switches installed in locations prior to local adoption of 404.2(C)..." - the transitional effective-date sentence was deleted (the replacement/retrofit carve-out stays, word-identical apart from the deleted sentence).
Delta D4 - 404.2(C): one of the five no-grounded-conductor conditions was deleted - 2017 listed five conditions where a grounded conductor is not required at a lighting switch location: (1) raceway entry sized for all conductors, (2) box accessible for additional/replacement cable without removing finish materials, (3) snap switches with integral enclosures per 300.15(E), (4) automatic means, (5) receptacle load. 2023 keeps four - condition (2) is deleted. The 5-per-branch / 25-per-feeder electronic-control-switch counts and the neutral-busbar note are unchanged (machine-verified).
Unchanged 2017→2023 (machine-verified word-identity): 404.2(A) (three-way/four-way switching in the ungrounded conductor only; switch-loop exception) and 404.2(B) (never disconnect the grounded conductor; simultaneous-disconnect exception).
404.3 — Enclosure · 404.4 — Damp or Wet · 404.5 — Time Switches · 404.6 — Position & Connection
404.3 — all on-disk 2023 rows (404.3(A)–(B)) 404.3(A)Switches and circuit breakers shall be of the externally operable type mounted in an enclosure listed for the intended use. The minimum wire-bending space at terminals and minimum gutter space provided in switch enclosures shall be as required in 312.6. Exception No. 1: Pendant- and surface-type snap switches and knife switches mounted on an open-face switchboard or panelboard shall be permitted without enclosures. Exception No. 2: Switches and circuit breakers installed in accordance with 110.27(A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), or (A)(4) shall be permitted without enclosures.
404.3(B)Enclosures shall not be used as junction boxes, auxiliary gutters, or raceways for conductors feeding through or tapping off to other switches or overcurrent devices, unless the enclosure complies with 312.8.
404.3 — 2017 (A) General. Switches and circuit breakers shall be of the externally operable type mounted in an enclosure listed for the intended use, The minimum wire-bending space at terminals and minimum gutter space provided in switch enclosures shall be as required in 312.6. Exception No. I: Pendant- and surface-type snap switches and knife switches mounted on an open-face switchboard or panelboard shall be permitted without enclosures. Exception No. 2: Switches and circuit breakers installed in accordance with 110.27(A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), or (A)(4) shall be permitted without enclosures. (B) Used as a Raceway. Enclosures shall not be used as junction boxes, auxiliary gutters, or raceways for conductors feeding through or tapping off to other switches or overcurrent devices, unless the enclosure complies with 312.8.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.3 - quoted verbatim (disclosed OCR artifact in Sources: Roman "I" for "1" in Exception No. 1)
Delta D5 - 404.3(A): punctuation fix in the wire-bending-space sentence - 2017 printed "...mounted in an enclosure listed for the intended use, The minimum wire-bending space at terminals..." - 2023 prints "...intended use. The minimum wire-bending space..." (comma splice corrected). The 312.6 wire-bending/gutter-space rule and both exceptions are otherwise unchanged; 404.3(B) (no enclosures-as-raceway) is word-identical.
404.4 — all on-disk 2023 rows (404.4(A)–(C)) 404.4(A)A surface-mounted switch or circuit breaker shall be enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure or cabinet that complies with 312.2.
404.4(B)A flush-mounted switch or circuit breaker shall be equipped with a weatherproof cover.
404.4(C)Switches shall not be installed within tub or shower spaces unless installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly.
Delta D6 - 404.4(C): "tubs" → "tub" - One-word fix: "Switches shall not be installed within tubs or shower spaces..." → "...within tub or shower spaces..." 404.4(A) (surface-mounted weatherproof enclosure per 312.2) and 404.4(B) (flush-mounted weatherproof cover) are word-identical.
404.5 — 2017 Time switches, flashers, and similar devices shall be of the enclosed type or shall be mounted in cabinets or boxes or equipment enclosures. Energized parts shall be barriered to prevent operator exposure when making manual adjustments or switching. Exception: Devices mounted so they ave accessible only to qualified persons shall be permitted without barriers, provided they are located within an enclosure such that any energized parts within 152 mm (6.0 in.) of the manual adjustment or switch ave covered by suitable barriers.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.5 - quoted verbatim (disclosed OCR artifact in Sources: "ave" for "are", two places)
404.5 — 2023 (clean "are" in both places) Time switches, flashers, and similar devices shall be of the enclosed type or shall be mounted in cabinets or boxes or equipment enclosures. Energized parts shall be barriered to prevent operator exposure when making manual adjustments or switching. Exception: Devices mounted so they are accessible only to qualified persons shall be permitted, without barriers, provided they are located within an enclosure such that any energized parts within 152 mm (6.0 in.) of the manual adjustment or switch are. covered by suitable barriers.2023: on-disk 2023 row 404.5 - quoted verbatim
Delta D7 - 404.5: OCR "ave" → "are" (two places) - The 2017 scan prints "Devices mounted so they ave accessible..." and "...the manual adjustment or switch ave covered by suitable barriers" - both are OCR misreads of "are" (the 2023 row prints "are" in both places). No code change; the enclosed-type / qualified-persons barrier rule is unchanged.
404.6 — all on-disk 2023 rows (404.6(A)–(C)) 404.6(A)Single-throw knife switches shall be placed so that gravity will not tend to close them. Single-throw knife switches, approved for use in the inverted position, shall be provided with an integral mechanical means that ensures that the blades remain in the open position when so set.
404.6(B)Double-throw knife switches shall be permitted to be mounted so that the throw is either vertical or horizontal. Where the throw is vertical, integral mechanical means shall be provided to hold the blades in the open position when so set.
404.6(C)Single-throw knife switches and switches with butt contacts shall be connected such that their blades are de-energized when the switch is in the open position. Bolted pressure contact switches shall have barriers that prevent inadvertent contact with energized blades. Single-throw knife switches, bolted pressure contact switches, molded case switches, switches with butt contacts, and circuit breakers used as switches shall be connected so that the terminals supplying the load are de-energized when the switch is in the open position. Exception: The blades and terminals supplying the load of a switch shall be permitted to be energized when the switch is in the open position where the switch is connected to circuits or equipment inherently capable of providing a backfeed source of power. For such installations, a permanent sign shall be installed on the switch enclosure or immediately adjacent to open switches with the following words or equivalent: WARNING - LOAD SIDE TERMINALS MAY BE ENERGIZED BY BACKFEED. The warning sign or label shall comply with 110.21(B).
404.6 — 2017 (the knife-switch position rules + the backfeed warning-sign text) (A) Single-Throw Knife Switches. Single-throw knife switches shall be placed so that gravity will not tend to close them. Single-throw knife switches, approved for use in the inverted position, shall be provided with an integral mechanical means that ensures that the blades remain in the open position when so set. (B) Double-Throw Knife Switches. Double-throw knife switches shall be permitted to be mounted so that the throw is either vertical or horizontal. Where the throw is vertical, integral mechanical means shall be provided to hold the blades in the open position when so set. (C) Connection of Switches. Single-throw knife switches and switches with butt contacts shall be connected such that their blades are de-energized when the switch is in the open position. Bolted pressure contact switches shall have barriers that prevent inadvertent contact with energized blades. Singlethrow knife switches, bolted pressure contact switches, molded case switches, switches with butt contacts, and circuit breakers used as switches shall be connected so that the terminals supplying the load are de-energized when the switch is in the open position. Exception: The blades and terminals supplying the load of a switch shall be permitied to be energized when the switch is in the open position where the switch is connected to circuits or equipment inherently capable of providing a backfeed source of power. For such installations, a permanent sign shall be installed on the switch enclosure or immediately adjacent to open switches with the following words or equivalent: WARNING — LOAD SIDE TERMINALS MAY BE ENERGIZED BY BACKFEED. The warning sign or label shall comply with 110.21(B).2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.6 - quoted verbatim (disclosed OCR artifact in Sources: "permitied" for "permitted")
Delta D8 - 404.6(C): OCR "permitied" → "permitted" (backfeed exception) - The 2017 scan prints "The blades and terminals supplying the load of a switch shall be permitied to be energized when the switch is in the open position..." - an OCR misread of "permitted" (the 2023 row is clean). The backfeed rule (blades/terminals permitted energized where a backfeed source exists + the WARNING sign per 110.21(B)) is unchanged; 404.6(A)/(B) are word-identical.
404.7 — Indicating (the 2023 visible-location rework)
404.7 — 2023 (the reworked indicating rule) General-use and motor-circuit switches, circuit breakers, and molded case switches, where mounted in an enclosure as described in 404.3, shall indicate, in a location that is visible when accessing the external operating means, whether they are in the open (off) or closed (on) position. Where these switch or circuit breaker handles are operated vertically rather than rotationally or horizontally, the up position of the handle shall be the closed (on) position. Exception No. 1: Vertically operated double-throw switches shall be permitted to be in the closed (on) position with the handle in either the up or down position. Exception No. 2: On busway installations, lap switches employing a center-pivoting handle shall be permitted to be open or closed with either end of the handle in the up or down position. The switch position shall be clearly indicating and shall be visible from the floor or from the usual point of operation.2023: on-disk 2023 row 404.7 - quoted verbatim
404.7 — 2017 General-use and motorcircuit switches, circuit breakers, and molded case switches, where mounted in an enclosure as described in 404.3, shall clearly indicate whether they are in the open (off) or closed (on) position. Where these switch or circuit breaker handles are operated vertically rather than rotationally or horizontally, the up position of the handle shall be the closed (on) position. Exception No. I: Vertically operated double-throw switches shall be permitted to be in the closed (on) position with the handle in either the up or down position. Exception No. 2: On busway installations, tap switches employing a center-pivoting handle shall be permitted to be open or closed with either end of the handle in the up or down position. The switch position shall be clearly indicating and shall be visible from the floor or from the usual point of operation.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.7 - quoted verbatim (disclosed OCR artifacts in Sources: "motorcircuit" no hyphen, "tap" for "lap")
Delta D9 - 404.7: "shall clearly indicate" → "shall indicate, in a location that is visible when accessing the external operating means" - 2017: "...shall clearly indicate whether they are in the open (off) or closed (on) position." 2023: "...shall indicate, in a location that is visible when accessing the external operating means, whether they are in the open (off) or closed (on) position." - the indication requirement now has a location test: the open/closed indication must be visible while you are reaching for the operating means. (The 2017 scan also prints "motorcircuit" without the hyphen - an OCR artifact, not a code change.)
Delta D10 - 404.7, Exception No. 2: "tap" → "lap" (OCR) - 2017: "On busway installations, tap switches employing a center-pivoting handle..." 2023: "...lap switches employing a center-pivoting handle..." - the 2017 scan's "tap" is an OCR misread of "lap" (lap switches are the busway term; the 2023 row confirms it).
404.8 — Accessibility and Grouping (2.0 m handle line · 300 V limit)
404.8 — all on-disk 2023 rows (404.8(A)–(C)) 404.8(A)All switches and circuit breakers used as switches shall be located so that they can be operated from a readily accessible place. They shall be installed such that the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform, except as follows: On busway installations, fused switches and circuit breakers shall be permitted to be located at the same level as the busway. Suitable means shall be provided to operate the handle of the device from the floor.Switches and circuit breakers installed adjacent to motors, appliances, or other equipment that they supply shall be permitted to be located higher than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) and to be accessible by portable means.Hookstick operable isolating switches shall be permitted at greater heights.
404.8(B)A snap switch shall not be grouped or ganged in enclosures with other snap switches, receptacles, or similar devices, unless they are arranged so that the voltage between adjacent devices does not exceed 300 volts, or unless they are installed in enclosures equipped with identified, securely installed barriers between adjacent devices.
404.8(C)A multipole, general-use snap switch shall not be fed from more than a single circuit unless it is listed and marked as a two-circuit or three-circuit switch. Informational Note: See 210.7 for disconnect requirements where more than one circuit supplies a switch.
2023: on-disk 2023 rows 404.8(A)-(C) - quoted verbatim (the 404.8(A) exception-list concatenation disclosed in Sources)
404.8 — 2017 (the 2.0 m / 6 ft 7 in. rule + the three numbered exceptions + the 300 V adjacent-device rule) (A) Location. All switches and circuit breakers used as switches shall be located so that they may be operated from a readily accessible place. They shall be installed such that the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform. Exception No. I: On busway installations, fused switches and circuit breakers shall be permitted to be located at the same level as the busway. Suitable means shall be provided to operate the handle of the device from the floor. Exception No. 2: Switches and circuit breakers installed adjacent to motors, appliances, or other equipment that they supply shall be permatted to be located higher than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) and to be accessible by portable means. Exception No. 3: Hookstick operable isolating switches shall be permitted at greater heights. (B) Voltage Between Adjacent Devices. A snap switch shall not be grouped or ganged in enclosures with other snap switches, receptacles, or similar devices, unless they are arranged so that the voltage between adjacent devices does not exceed 300 volts, or unless they are installed in enclosures equipped with identified, securely installed barriers between adjacent devices. (C) Multipole Snap Switches. A multipole, general-use snap switch shall not be permitted to be fed from more than a single circuit unless it is listed and marked as a two-circuit or threecircuit switch. Informational Note: See 210.7 for disconnect requirements where more than one circuit supplies a switch,2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.8 - quoted verbatim (disclosed OCR artifact in Sources: "permatted" for "permitted")
Delta D11 - 404.8(A): "may be operated" → "can be operated" + the three Exception No. items become an "except as follows" list - 2017: "...so that they may be operated from a readily accessible place... Exception No. 1: ... Exception No. 2: ... Exception No. 3: ..." 2023: "...so that they can be operated from a readily accessible place... except as follows: [the same three conditions, unnumbered]." The 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) handle-grip line, the busway exception, the adjacent-equipment exception, and the hookstick exception are all substantively unchanged.
Delta D12 - 404.8(A) Exception 2: OCR "permatted" → "permitted" - The 2017 scan prints "Switches and circuit breakers installed adjacent to motors, appliances, or other equipment that they supply shall be permatted to be located higher than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.)..." - an OCR misread of "permitted" (the 2023 row is clean).
404.9 — Provisions for General-Use Snap Switches (the grounding → bonding rework)
404.9 — all on-disk 2023 rows (404.9(A)–(C)) 404.9(A)Faceplates provided for snap switches, dimmers, and control switches mounted in boxes and other enclosures shall be installed so as to completely cover the opening and, where the switch is flush mounted, seat against the finished surface.
404.9(B)Snap switches, dimmers, and control switches shall be connected to an equipment grounding conductor and shall provide a means to connect metal faceplates to the equipment grounding conductor, whether or not a metal faceplate is installed. Metal faceplates shall be bonded to the equipment grounding conductor. Snap switches, dimmers, control switches, and metal faceplates shall be connected to an equipment grounding conductor using either of the following methods: The switch is mounted with metal screws to a metal box or metal cover that is connected to an equipment grounding conductor or to a nonmetallic box with integral means for connecting to an equipment grounding conductor.An equipment grounding conductor or equipment bonding jumper is connected to an equipment grounding termination of the snap switch.Exception No. 1: Where no means exists within the enclosure for bonding to the equipment grounding conductor, or where the wiring method does not include or provide an equipment grounding conductor, a snap switch without a connection to an equipment grounding conductor shall be permitted for replacement purposes only. A snap switch wired under the provisions of this exception and located within 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically, or 1.5 m (5 ft) horizontally, of ground or exposed grounded metal objects shall be provided with a faceplate of nonconducting noncombustible material with nonmetallic attachment screws, unless the switch mounting strap or yoke is nonmetallic or the circuit is protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.Exception No. 2: Listed kits or listed assemblies shall not be required to be bonded to an equipment grounding conductor if all of the following conditions are met:The device is provided with a nonmetallic faceplate, and the device is designed such that no metallic faceplate replaces the one provided.The device does not have mounting means to accept other configurations of faceplates.The device is equipped with a nonmetallic yoke.All parts of the device that are accessible after installation of the faceplate are manufactured of nonmetallic materials.Exception No. 3: A snap switch with integral nonmetallic enclosure complying with 300.15(E) shall be permitted without a bonding connection to an equipment grounding conductor.
404.9(C)Metal faceplates shall be of ferrous metal not less than 0.76 mm (0.030 in.) in thickness or of nonferrous metal not less than 1.02 mm (0.040 in.) in thickness. Faceplates of insulating material shall be noncombustible and not less than 2.54 mm (0.100 in.) in thickness, but they shall be permitted to be less than 2.54 mm (0.100 in.) in thickness if formed or reinforced to provide adequate mechanical strength.
2023: on-disk 2023 rows 404.9(A)-(C) - quoted verbatim (the 404.9(B) method-list + exception concatenation disclosed in Sources)
404.9 — 2017 (faceplates, grounding, the effective-GFCP conditions, the 2.5 m / 1.5 m faceplate rule, construction) (A) Faceplates. Faceplates provided for snap switches mounted in boxes and other enclosures shall be installed so as to completely cover the opening and, where the switch is flush mounted, seat against the finished surface. (B) Grounding. Snap switches, including dimmer and similar control switches, shall be connected to an equipment grounding conductor and shall provide a means to connect metal faceplates to the equipment grounding conductor, whether or not a metal faceplate is installed. Metal faceplates shall be grounded. Snap switches shall be considered to be part of an effective ground-fault current path if either of the following conditions is met: (1) The switch is mounted with metal screws to a metal box or metal cover that is connected to an equipment grounding conductor or to a nonmetallic box with integral means for connecting to an equipment grounding conductor. (2) An equipment grounding conductor or equipment bonding jumper is connected to an equipment grounding termination of the snap switch. Exception No. 1 to (B): Where no means exists within the snap-switch enclosure for connecting to the equipment grounding conductor, or where the wiring method does not include or provide an equipment grounding conductor, a snap switch without a connection to an equipment grounding conductor shall be permitted for replacement purposes only, A snap switch wired under the provisions of this exception and located within 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically, or 1.5 m (5 ft) horizontally, of ground or exposed grounded metal objects shall be provided with a faceplate of nonconducting noncombustible material with nonmetallic attachment screws, unless the switch mounting strap or yoke is nonmetallic or the circuit is protected by a ground-faull circuit interrupter. Exception No. 2 to (B): Listed kits or listed assemblies shall not be required to be connected to an equipment grounding conductor if all of the following conditions are met: (1) The device is provided with a nonmetallic faceplate that cannot be installed on any other type of device, (2) The device does not have mounting means to accept other configurations of faceplates, (3) The device is equipped with a nonmetallic yoke, and (4) All parts of the device that are accessible after installation of the faceplate are manufactured of nonmetallic materials. Exception No. 3 to (B): A snap switch with integral nonmetallic enclosure complying with 300.15(E) shall be permitted without a connection to an equipment grounding conductor. (C) Construction. Metal faceplates shall be of ferrous metal not less than 0.76 mm (0.030 in.) in thickness or of nonferrous metal not less than 1.02 mm (0.040 in.) in thickness. Faceplates of insulating material shall be noncombustible and not less than 2.54 mm (0.100 in.) in thickness, but they shall be permitted to be less than 2.54 mm (0.100 in.) in thickness if formed or reinforced to provide adequate mechanical strength.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.9 - quoted verbatim (disclosed OCR artifact in Sources: "ground-faull" for "ground-fault")
Delta D13 - 404.9(A): faceplate scope extended to dimmers and control switches - 2017: "Faceplates provided for snap switches mounted in boxes and other enclosures..." 2023: "Faceplates provided for snap switches, dimmers, and control switches mounted in boxes and other enclosures..." - the cover/seating rule now explicitly reaches dimmers and control switches.
Delta D14 - 404.9(B): "grounded" → "bonded" + the two-method connection list - 2017: "Metal faceplates shall be grounded." and the effective-ground-fault-current-path conditions were two (1)/(2) items. 2023: "Metal faceplates shall be bonded to the equipment grounding conductor" and the connection is by "either of the following methods" (the same two, re-labeled). The Exception set also drops the " to (B)" labels ("Exception No. 1 to (B)" → "Exception No. 1"). The 2.5 m (8 ft) vertical / 1.5 m (5 ft) horizontal nonconducting-faceplate rule and the ground-fault-circuit-interrupter carve-out are unchanged.
Delta D15 - 404.9(B) Exception No. 2 (1): the redesigned-faceplate reword - 2017 condition (1): "The device is provided with a nonmetallic faceplate that cannot be installed on any other type of device." 2023: "The device is provided with a nonmetallic faceplate, and the device is designed such that no metallic faceplate replaces the one provided." - same intent, more explicit design-language. Conditions (2) and (3) (no mounting means to accept other faceplate configurations; nonmetallic yoke) and condition (4) (nonmetallic accessible parts) are substantively unchanged, and the Exception No. 3 300.15(E) carve-out rewords "connection" → "bonding connection."
Unchanged 2017→2023 (machine-verified word-identity): 404.9(C) construction (ferrous 0.76 mm / nonferrous 1.02 mm / insulating 2.54 mm faceplate thicknesses).
404.10 — Mounting of Snap Switches · 404.11 — Circuit Breakers as Switches · 404.12 — Grounding of Enclosures
404.10 — all on-disk 2023 rows (404.10(A)–(B)) 404.10(A)General-use snap switches, dimmers, and control switches used with open wiring on insulators shall be mounted on insulating material that separates the conductors at least 13 mm (1/2 in.) from the surface wired over.
404.10(B)Flush-type general-use snap switches, dimmers, and control switches mounted in boxes that are set back of the finished surface as permitted in 314.20 shall be installed so that the extension plaster ears are seated against the surface. Flush-type devices mounted in boxes that are flush with the finished surface or project from it shall be installed so that the mounting yoke or strap of the device is seated against the box. Screws used for the purpose of attaching a device to a box shall be of the type provided with a listed device, or shall be machine screws having 32 threads per inch or part of listed assemblies or systems, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
404.10 — 2017 (the 13 mm insulation standoff + the box-mount seating rules) (A) Surface Type. Snap switches used with open wiring on insulators shall be mounted on insulating material that separates the conductors at least 13 mm (% in.) from the surface wired over. (B) Box Mounted. Fiush-type snap switches mounted in boxes that are set back of the finished surface as permitted in 314.20 shall be installed so that the extension plaster ears are seated against the surface. Flush-type snap switches mounted in boxes that are flush with the finished surface or project from it shall be installed so that the mounting yoke or strap of the switch is seated against the box. Screws used for the purpose of attaching a snap switch to a box shall be of the type provided with a listed snap switch, or shall be machine screws having 32 threads per inch or part of listed assemblies or systems, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.10 - quoted verbatim (disclosed OCR artifacts in Sources: "Fiush-type", the "(% in.)" garbled 1/2-in. fraction)
Delta D16 - 404.10: "snap switch" → "device" (repeated) + dimmer/control scope + the 13 mm fraction fixed - 2023 extends the mounting rules: 404.10(A) "General-use snap switches, dimmers, and control switches used with open wiring on insulators..." (2017: "Snap switches used with open wiring..."), and 404.10(B) "Flush-type general-use snap switches, dimmers, and control switches..." with four "snap switch" → "device" substitutions in the yoke/strap/screw sentences. The 13 mm standoff number is unchanged - and the 2017 scan's garbled "(% in.)" fraction resolves to the 2023-printed "(1/2 in.)" (13 mm = 0.512 in., machine-computed below in EX6).
404.11 — 2017 (the poles requirement; the note reworded - see D17) A hand-operable circuit breaker equipped with a lever or handle, or a power-operated circuit breaker capable of being opened by hand in the event of a power failure, shall be permitted to serve as a switch if it has the required number of poles. Informational Note: See the provisions contained in 240.81 and 240.83.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.11 - quoted verbatim
404.11 — 2023 (the expanded informational note) A hand-operable circuit breaker equipped with a lever or handle, or a power-operated circuit breaker capable of being opened by hand in the event of a power failure, shall be permitted to serve as a switch if it has the required number of poles. Informational Note: See 240.81 and 240.83 for requirements for circuit breakers relative to indication of state and required markings.2023: on-disk 2023 row 404.11 - quoted verbatim
Delta D17 - 404.11: the informational note expanded - 2017: "Informational Note: See the provisions contained in 240.81 and 240.83." 2023: "Informational Note: See 240.81 and 240.83 for requirements for circuit breakers relative to indication of state and required markings." - the note now says what the cited sections cover. The rule (hand-operable or power-operated-with-hand-open capability + required number of poles) is unchanged.
404.12 — 2017 (the EGC connections; the nonmetallic-enclosure sentence reworded - see D18) Metal enclosures for switches or circuit breakers shall be connected to an equipment grounding conductor as specified in Part IV of Article 250. Metal enclosures for switches or circuit breakers used as service equipment shall comply with the provisions of Part V of Article 250. Where nonmetallic enclosures are used with metal raceways or metal-armored cables, provision shall be made for connecting the equipment grounding conductor(s). Except as covered in 404.9(B), Exception No. 1, nonmetallic boxes for switches shall be installed with a wiring method that provides or includes an equipment grounding conductor.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.12 - quoted verbatim
404.12 — 2023 (the 314.3 re-cite) Metal enclosures for switches or circuit breakers shall be connected to an equipment grounding conductor as specified in Part IV of Article 250. Metal enclosures for switches or circuit breakers used as service equipment shall comply with the provisions of Part V of Article 250. Where nonmetallic enclosures are used with metal raceways or metal-armored cables, they shall comply with 314.3, Exception No. 1 or No. 2. Except as covered in 404.9(B), Exception No. 1, nonmetallic boxes for switches shall be installed with a wiring method that provides or includes an equipment grounding conductor.2023: on-disk 2023 row 404.12 - quoted verbatim
Delta D18 - 404.12: nonmetallic enclosures with metal raceways now cite 314.3 - 2017: "Where nonmetallic enclosures are used with metal raceways or metal-armored cables, provision shall be made for connecting the equipment grounding conductor(s)." 2023: "...they shall comply with 314.3, Exception No. 1 or No. 2." - the generic "provision" sentence became a specific box-construction cite. The Part IV / Part V of Article 250 EGC rules for metal enclosures are unchanged.
404.13 — Knife Switches (the 1200 A / 1000 A isolating seams)
404.13 — all on-disk 2023 rows (404.13(A)–(D)) 404.13(A)Knife switches rated at over 1200 amperes at 250 volts or less, and at over 1000 amperes at 251 to 1000 volts, shall be used only as isolating switches and shall not be opened under load.
404.13(B)To interrupt currents over 1200 amperes at 250 volts, nominal, or less, or over 600 amperes at 251 to 1000 volts, nominal, a circuit breaker or a switch listed for such purpose shall be used.
404.13(C)Knife switches of ratings less than specified in 404.13(A) and (B) shall be considered general-use switches. Informational Note: See Article 100 for the definition of general-use switch.
404.13(D)Motor-circuit switches shall be permitted to be of the knife-switch type. Informational Note: See Article 100 for the definition of motor-circuit switch.
404.13 — 2017 (A) Isolating Switches. Knife switches rated at over 1200 amperes at 250 volts or less, and at over 1000 amperes at 251 to 1000 volts, shall be used only as isolating switches and shall not be opened under load. (B) To Interrupt Currents. To interrupt currents over 1200 amperes at 250 volts, nominal, or less, or over 600 amperes at 251 to 1000 volts, nominal, a circuit breaker or a switch listed for such purpose shall be used. (C) General-Use Switches. Knife switches of ratings less than specified in 404.13(A) and (B) shall be considered general-use switches. Informational Note: See the definition of General-Use Switch in Article 100. (D) Motor-Circuit Switches. Motorcircuit switches shall be permitted to be of the knife-switch type. Informational Note: See the definition of a Motor-Circwit Switch in Article 100.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.13 - quoted verbatim (disclosed OCR artifact in Sources: "Motorcircuit" no hyphen)
Delta D19 - 404.13(C)/(D): the informational notes reworded - 2017: "See the definition of General-Use Switch in Article 100" (404.13(C)) and "See the definition of a Motor-Circwit Switch in Article 100" (404.13(D) - the scan also garbles "Circuit" as "Circwit"). 2023: "See Article 100 for the definition of general-use switch" and "...definition of motor-circuit switch." - same cite, cleaner phrasing (and the 2017 OCR garble is gone). The 1200 A / 1000 A / 600 A seams in (A)/(B) are word-identical (machine-verified).
404.14 — Rating and Use of Switches (the 2023 rework: LEDs/ballasts + the NEW 404.14(D) terminations)
404.14 — all on-disk 2023 rows (404.14 lead + (A)–(G)) 404.14Switches shall be listed and marked with their ratings. Switches of the types covered in 404.14(A) through (F) shall be limited to the control of loads as specified accordingly. Switches used to control cord-and-plug-connected loads shall be limited as covered in 404.14(G). Informational Note No. 1: See 600.6 for switches for signs and outline lighting. Informational Note No. 2: See 430.83, 430.109, and 430.110 for switches controlling motors.
404.14(A)This form of switch shall only be used on ac circuits and used for controlling the following: Resistive and inductive loads not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the voltage appliedTungsten-filament lamp loads not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at 120 voltsElectric discharge lamp loads not exceeding the marked ampere and voltage rating of the switchMotor loads not exceeding 80 percent of the ampere rating of the switch at its rated voltageElectronic ballasts, self-ballasted lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, and LED lamp loads with their associated drivers, not exceeding 20 amperes and not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the voltage applied
404.14(B)This form of switch shall be permitted on either ac or dc circuits and used only for controlling the following: Resistive loads not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the voltage applied.Inductive loads not exceeding 50 percent of the ampere rating of the switch at the applied voltage. Switches rated in horsepower are suitable for controlling motor loads within their rating at the voltage applied.Tungsten-filament lamp loads not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the applied voltage if T-rated.Electronic ballasts, self-ballasted lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, and LED lamp loads with their associated drivers, not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the voltage applied.
404.14(C)Snap switches directly connected to aluminum conductors and rated 20 amperes or less shall be marked CO/ALR.
404.14(D)Snap switch terminations shall be in accordance with the following: Terminals of 15-ampere and 20-ampere snap switches not marked CO/ALR shall be used with copper and copper-clad aluminum conductors only.Terminals marked CO/ALR shall be permitted to be used with copper, aluminum, and copper-clad aluminum conductors.Snap switches connected using screwless terminals of the conductor push-in type construction (also known as conductor push-in terminals) shall be installed on not greater than 15-ampere branch circuits and shall be connected with 14 AWG solid copper wire only unless listed and marked for other types of conductors.
404.14(E)This form of switch shall not be rated less than 15 amperes at a voltage of 347 volts ac, and they shall not be readily interchangeable in box mounting with switches covered in 404.14(A) and (B). These switches shall be used only for controlling any of the following: Noninductive loads other than tungsten-filament lamps not exceeding the ampere and voltage ratings of the switch.Inductive loads not exceeding the ampere and voltage ratings of the switch. Where particular load characteristics or limitations are specified as a condition of the listing, those restrictions shall be observed regardless of the ampere rating of the load.Electronic ballasts, self-ballasted lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, and LED lamp loads with their associated drivers, not exceeding 20 amperes and not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the voltage applied.
404.14(F)General-use dimmer switches and electronic control switches, such as timing switches and occupancy sensors, shall be used only to control permanently connected loads, such as incandescent luminaires, unless listed for the control of other loads and installed accordingly. They shall be marked by their manufacturer with their current and voltage ratings and used for loads that do not exceed their ampere rating at the voltage applied.
404.14(G)Where a snap switch or control device is used to control cord-and-plug-connected equipment on a general-purpose branch circuit, each snap switch or control device controlling receptacle outlets or cord connectors that are supplied by permanently connected cord pendants shall be rated at not less than the rating of the maximum permitted ampere rating or setting of the overcurrent device protecting the receptacles or cord connectors, as provided in 210.21 (B). Informational Note: See 210.50(A) and 400.10(A)(1) for equivalency to a receptacle outlet of a cord connector that is supplied by a permanently connected cord pendant. Exception: Where a snap switch or control device is used to control not more than one receptacle on a branch circuit, the switch or control device shall be permitted to be rated at not less than the rating of the receptacle.
2023: on-disk 2023 rows 404.14-(G) - quoted verbatim (the list-item concatenation + the "210.21 (B)" spacing artifact disclosed in Sources)
404.14 — 2017 (the six switch forms (A)-(F) before the rework) Switches shall be used within their ratings and as indicated in 404.14(A) through (F). Informational Note No. 1: For switches on signs and outline lighting, see 600.6. Informational Note No. 2: For switches controlling motors, see 430.83, 430.109, and 430.110, (A) Alternating-Current General-Use Snap Switch. A form of general-use snap switch suitable only for use on ac circuits for controlling the following: (1) Resistive and inductive loads not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the voltage applied (2) Tungsten-filament lamp loads not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at 120 volts (3) Motor loads not exceeding 80 percent of the ampere rating of the switch at its rated voltage (B) Alternating-Current or Direct-Current General-Use Snap Switch. A form of general-use snap switch suitable for use on either ac or dc circuits for controlling the following: (1) Resistive loads not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the voltage applied. (2) Inductive loads not exceeding 50 percent of the ampere rating of the switch at the applied voltage. Switches rated in horsepower are suitable for controlling motor loads within their rating at the voltage applied. (3) Tungsten-filament lamp loads not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the applied voltage if T-rated. (C) CO/ALR Snap Switches. Snap switches rated 20 amperes or less directly connected to aluminum conductors shall be listed and marked CO/ALR. (D) Alternating-Current Specific-Use Snap Switches Rated for 347 Volts. Snap switches rated 347 volts ac shall be listed and shall be used only for controlling the loads permitted by (D) (1) and (D) (2). (1) Noninductive Loads. Noninductive loads other than tungsten-filament lamps not exceeding the ampere and voltage ratings of the switch. (2) Inductive Loads. Inductive loads not exceeding the ampere and voltage ratings of the switch. Where particular load characteristics or limitations are specified as a condition of the listing, those restrictions shall be observed regardless of the ampere rating of the load. The ampere rating of the switch shall not be less than 15 amperes at a voltage rating of 347 volts ac. Flush-type snap switches rated 347 volts ac shall not be readily interchangeable in box mounting with switches identified in 404.14(A) and (B). (E) Dimmer Switches. General-use dimmer switches shall be used only to control permanently installed incandescent luminaires unless listed for the control of other loads and installed accordingly. (F) Cord- and Plug-Connected Loads. Where a snap switch or control device is used to control cord- and plug-connected equipment on a general-purpose branch circuit, each snap switch or control device controlling receptacle outlets or cord connectors that are supplied by permanently connected cord pendants shail be rated at not less than the rating of the maximum permitted ampere rating or setting of the overcurrent device protecting the receptacles or cord connectors, as provided in 210.21(B). Informational Note: See 210.50(A) and 400.10(A) (1) for equivalency to a receptacle outlet of a cord connector that is supplied by a permanently connected cord pendant. Exception: Where 4 snap switch or control device is used to control not more than one receptacle on a branch circuit, the switch or control device shall be permitted to be rated at not less than the rating of the receptacle.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.14 - quoted verbatim (disclosed OCR artifacts in Sources: "trated" for "T-rated", "shail" for "shall", the stray "4" in "Where 4 snap switch", the "400.10(A) (1)" spacing)
Delta D20 - 404.14 lead: "used within their ratings" → "listed and marked" + the 404.14(G) hook - 2017: "Switches shall be used within their ratings and as indicated in 404.14(A) through (F)." 2023: "Switches shall be listed and marked with their ratings. Switches of the types covered in 404.14(A) through (F) shall be limited to the control of loads as specified accordingly. Switches used to control cord-and-plug-connected loads shall be limited as covered in 404.14(G)." - the lead is now a listing/marking rule with an explicit load-limiting structure, and the cord-and-plug form moves to its own letter (G).
Delta D21 - 404.14(A): AC general-use snap switch load list expanded - 2017 (A): resistive/inductive loads, tungsten-filament at 120 V, motor loads ≤ 80%. 2023 (A) adds two load classes: "Electric discharge lamp loads not exceeding the marked ampere and voltage rating of the switch" and "Electronic ballasts, self-ballasted lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, and LED lamp loads with their associated drivers, not exceeding 20 amperes and not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the voltage applied."
Delta D22 - 404.14(B): AC/DC general-use snap switch load list expanded - 2023 (B) adds: "Electronic ballasts, self-ballasted lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, and LED lamp loads with their associated drivers, not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the voltage applied" (no 20 A cap here - unlike (A)). The 50% inductive cap and the horsepower motor-load sentence are unchanged.
Delta D23 - 404.14(C) simplified + NEW 404.14(D) terminations (the 15 A / 14 AWG push-in corner - Mike Holt-documented) - 2017 (C): "Snap switches rated 20 amperes or less directly connected to aluminum conductors shall be listed and marked CO/ALR." 2023 (C): "...shall be marked CO/ALR" (the listing requirement dropped - the switch itself is listed under 404.14's lead). And 2023 adds the brand-new (D) Snap switch terminations: (1) terminals of 15/20 A snap switches not marked CO/ALR take copper and copper-clad aluminum only; (2) CO/ALR-marked terminals take copper, aluminum, and copper-clad aluminum; (3) screwless push-in terminals: "shall be installed on not greater than 15-ampere branch circuits and shall be connected with 14 AWG solid copper wire only" unless listed and marked for other conductors. This is the switch-side mirror of the NEW 406.3(D) receptacle termination rule (Article 406 article) - the 15 A / 14 AWG pair is the legal maximum for a push-in snap switch.
Delta D24 - 404.14(E): 347 V specific-use switches reworded + LED/ballast loads added - 2017: "Snap switches rated 347 volts ac shall be listed and shall be used only for controlling the loads permitted by (D)(1) and (D)(2)... The ampere rating of the switch shall not be less than 15 amperes at a voltage rating of 347 volts ac. Flush-type snap switches rated 347 volts ac shall not be readily interchangeable in box mounting with switches identified in 404.14(A) and (B)." 2023 (E): "This form of switch shall not be rated less than 15 amperes at a voltage of 347 volts ac, and they shall not be readily interchangeable in box mounting with switches covered in 404.14(A) and (B)" - plus the noninductive/inductive load list now ends with the new LED/ballast/CFL row (≤ 20 A cap, same as (A)).
Delta D25 - 404.14(F): dimmers → "dimmer switches and electronic control switches" - 2017 (F): "General-use dimmer switches shall be used only to control permanently installed incandescent luminaires unless listed for the control of other loads..." 2023 (F): "General-use dimmer switches and electronic control switches, such as timing switches and occupancy sensors, shall be used only to control permanently connected loads, such as incandescent luminaires unless listed for the control of other loads..." - the scope now names timing switches and occupancy sensors, and the load language is generalized.
Unchanged 2017→2023 (machine-verified, no substance change): 404.14(G) (the cord-and-plug-connected OCPD-floor rule - 2017 prints "shail" for "shall" and "cord- and plug-connected"; 2023 prints "210.21 (B)" with an extra space - all disclosed artifacts, the rule itself is identical).
404.16 — Reconditioned Switches (NEW in 2023)
404.16 — all on-disk 2023 rows (404.16(A)–(D)) 404.16(A)Reconditioned lighting, dimmer, and electronic control switches shall not be permitted.
404.16(B)Reconditioned snap switches of any type shall not be permitted.
404.16(C)Reconditioned knife switches, switches with butt contacts, and bolted pressure contact switches shall be permitted. If equipment has been damaged by fire, products of combustion, corrosive influences, or water, it shall be specifically evaluated by its manufacturer or a qualified testing laboratory prior to being returned to service.
404.16(D)Reconditioned molded-case switches shall not be permitted.
Delta D26 - NEW 404.16: reconditioned switches (no Mike Holt entry - the 2017 scan has zero 404.16 tokens) - The 2017 Article 404 region has zero 404.16 tokens. 2023 adds the full reconditioned-switch section: (A) reconditioned lighting, dimmer, and electronic control switches - not permitted; (B) reconditioned snap switches of any type - not permitted; (C) reconditioned knife switches, switches with butt contacts, and bolted pressure contact switches - permitted, BUT "If equipment has been damaged by fire, products of combustion, corrosive influences, or water, it shall be specifically evaluated by its manufacturer or a qualified testing laboratory prior to being returned to service"; (D) reconditioned molded-case switches - not permitted. (The same reconditioned-equipment pattern the 2023 NEC applied in 406.2 and 408.2 - see those articles.)
404.20 — all on-disk 2023 rows (404.20(A)–(B)) 404.20(A)Switches shall be marked with the current, voltage, and, if horsepower rated, the maximum rating for which they are designed.
404.20(B)Where in the off position, a switching device with a marked OFF position shall completely disconnect all ungrounded conductors to the load it controls.
404.22 — 2023 (the reworked electronic-control-switch rule) Electronic control switches shall be listed. Electronic control switches shall not introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor during normal operation. Exception: Electronic control switches that introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor shall be permitted for applications covered by 404.2(C), Exception. Electronic control switches that introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor shall be listed and marked for use in replacement or retrofit applications only.2023: on-disk 2023 row 404.22 - quoted verbatim
404.22 — 2017 (the "lighting control" version with the effective-date sentence) Electronic lighting control switches shall be listed. Electronic lighting control switches shall not introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor during normal operation. The requirement to not introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor shall take effect on January 1, 2020. Exception: Electronic lighting control switches that introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor shall be permitted for applications covered by 404.2(C), Exception. Electronic lighting control switches that introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor shall be listed and marked for use in replacement or retrofit applications only.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.22 - quoted verbatim
Delta D27 - 404.22: "electronic lighting control switches" → "electronic control switches" + the effective-date sentence deleted - 2017: "Electronic lighting control switches shall be listed... The requirement to not introduce current on the equipment grounding conductor shall take effect on January 1, 2020." 2023: "Electronic control switches shall be listed... " - the title/scope broadened (lighting no longer in the name) and the transitional effective-date sentence deleted. The EGC-current prohibition and the 404.2(C) Exception replacement/retrofit carve-out are unchanged.
404.26 — 2017 and 2023 (word-identical, machine-verified) Auxiliary contacts of a renewable or quick-break type or the equivalent shall be provided on all knife switches rated 600 to 1000 volts and designed for use in breaking current over 200 amperes.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.26 (titled "Knife Switches Rated 600 to 1000 Volts") · 2023: on-disk 2023 row 404.26 - alpha-identical (the 2023 row carries no title)
404.27 — 2017 and 2023 (word-identical, machine-verified) A fused switch shall not have fuses in parallel except as permitted in 240.8.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.27 (titled "Fused Switches") · 2023: on-disk 2023 row 404.27 - alpha-identical (the 2023 row carries no title)
Unchanged 2017→2023 (machine-verified word-identity): 404.20(A) (ratings marking), 404.20(B) (OFF indication = complete disconnection of all ungrounded conductors), 404.26 (renewable/quick-break auxiliary contacts on 600-1000 V knife switches breaking over 200 A), 404.27 (no parallel fuses except per 240.8).
404.28 — Wire-Bending Space · 404.30 — Switch Interior Access (NEW in 2023)
404.28 — 2017 ("Table 312.6(B)") The wire-bending space required by 404.3 shall meet Table 312.6(B) spacings to the enclosure wall opposite the line and load terminals.2017: on-disk NFPA scan §404.28 - quoted verbatim
404.28 — 2023 ("Table 312.6(B)(2)") The wire-bending space required by 404.3 shall meet Table 312.6(B)(2) spacings to the enclosure wall opposite the line and load terminals.2023: on-disk 2023 row 404.28 - quoted verbatim
Delta D28 - 404.28: Table 312.6(B) → Table 312.6(B)(2) - The wire-bending-space table cite was re-anchored to the 2023 sub-table: "The wire-bending space required by 404.3 shall meet Table 312.6(B)(2) spacings to the enclosure wall opposite the line and load terminals." (2017: Table 312.6(B).) Same as the Table 312.6(B) → 312.6(B)(2) re-cites that ran through the 2023 Article 312/408 rework - see the Article 408 article.
404.30 — 2023 (the new closed-door interior-access rule) Switch mechanisms mounted within enclosures with doors that, when opened, expose uninsulated live parts shall be constructed so that when the switch is in the closed position access to the switch interior is restricted. Access to the interior with the switch in the closed position shall require the use of a tool or an approved design that provides equivalent protection from access by unqualified persons.2023: on-disk 2023 row 404.30 - quoted verbatim
Delta D29 - NEW 404.30: switch interior access with the door open (no Mike Holt entry - the 2017 scan has zero 404.30 tokens) - The 2017 Article 404 region has zero 404.30 tokens. 2023 adds: "Switch mechanisms mounted within enclosures with doors that, when opened, expose uninsulated live parts shall be constructed so that when the switch is in the closed position access to the switch interior is restricted. Access to the interior with the switch in the closed position shall require the use of a tool or an approved design that provides equivalent protection from access by unqualified persons." - the dead-front-style protection requirement for door-open access on switch mechanisms.
The 29 machine-diffed 2017→2023 deltas, at a glance
#
Section
What moved 2017 → 2023
D1
404.1
New carve-out: wireless control equipment to which circuit conductors are not connected is outside Article 404 + 210.70 note (MH-documented)
D2
404.2(C)
"or rooms suitable for human habitation or occupancy" → "and habitable rooms or occupiable spaces"
D3
404.2(C)
"shall become effective on January 1, 2020. It shall not apply" → "shall not apply" (effective-date sentence deleted)
D4
404.2(C)
Condition (2) (box accessible for cable without removing finish materials) deleted from the five no-grounded-conductor conditions
D5
404.3(A)
Punctuation: "intended use, The minimum" → "intended use. The minimum"
D6
404.4(C)
"tubs" → "tub"
D7
404.5
OCR "ave" → "are" (2 places; no code change)
D8
404.6(C)
OCR "permitied" → "permitted" (backfeed exception; no code change)
D9
404.7
"shall clearly indicate" → "shall indicate, in a location that is visible when accessing the external operating means"
D10
404.7
OCR "tap" → "lap" switches (busway exception; no code change)
D11
404.8(A)
"may be operated" → "can be operated"; three Exception No. items → "except as follows" list
D12
404.8(A)
OCR "permatted" → "permitted" (adjacent-equipment exception; no code change)
D13
404.9(A)
Faceplate scope: snap switches → snap switches, dimmers, and control switches
D14
404.9(B)
"Metal faceplates shall be grounded" → "shall be bonded to the EGC"; two-method connection list; Exception "to (B)" labels dropped
D15
404.9(B)
Exception No. 2 (1): "cannot be installed on any other type of device" → "designed such that no metallic faceplate replaces the one provided"
D16
404.10
"snap switch" → "device" (×4) + dimmer/control scope; the 13 mm standoff keeps its number (2017 fraction was OCR-garbled as "(% in.)"; 2023 prints "(1/2 in.)")
D17
404.11
Informational note expanded: "for requirements for circuit breakers relative to indication of state and required markings"
D18
404.12
Nonmetallic enclosures + metal raceways: "provision shall be made..." → "they shall comply with 314.3, Exception No. 1 or No. 2"
D19
404.13
Informational notes reworded ("See Article 100 for the definition of general-use/motor-circuit switch"); the 1200 A / 1000 A / 600 A seams unchanged
D20
404.14
Lead rework: "used within their ratings" → "listed and marked with their ratings" + load-limiting structure + the 404.14(G) hook
D21
404.14(A)
Load list expanded: electric discharge lamps + electronic ballasts / self-ballasted / CFL / LED loads (≤ 20 A cap)
D22
404.14(B)
Load list expanded: electronic ballasts / self-ballasted / CFL / LED loads (no 20 A cap)
D23
404.14(C)/(D)
(C) drops "listed and"; NEW (D) terminations - CO/ALR copper-clad rule + push-in 15 A branch cap / 14 AWG solid copper only (MH-documented)
D24
404.14(E)
"shall not be rated less than 15 amperes at a voltage of 347 volts ac" reword + LED/ballast load row (≤ 20 A cap)
D25
404.14(F)
"dimmer switches" → "dimmer switches and electronic control switches, such as timing switches and occupancy sensors"; "permanently installed incandescent" → "permanently connected loads, such as incandescent luminaires"
D26
404.16
NEW section: reconditioned switches - lighting/dimmer/electronic + snap + molded-case banned; knife/butt/bolted permitted with fire/water damage evaluation
D27
404.22
"electronic lighting control switches" → "electronic control switches"; the January 1, 2020 effective-date sentence deleted
D28
404.28
Table 312.6(B) → Table 312.6(B)(2) re-cite
D29
404.30
NEW section: closed-door interior-access restriction (tool access or approved equivalent when closed)
Machine-counted silence: the on-disk Mike Holt 2023 change summary carries two in-scope Article 404 entries (404.1, 404.14), quoted verbatim below. The other 27 deltas are direct on-disk 2017-scan ↔ 2023-dataset diffs, not summary-sourced claims (machine-counted silence asserted for 404.16 and 404.30). 2020 edition gap (honest scope): the on-disk 2020 source (slideshare scan) carries no Article 404 body text - its only "404" tokens are a table-of-contents line ("404 Part I. Part II.") and a code-making-panel citation ("Articles 312,314,404,408,450,490") with no section body (machine-asserted), so no 2020 position is asserted anywhere on this page; the edition story is 2017 ↔ 2023, both sides on disk.
The two on-disk Mike Holt 2023 change-summary entries (quoted verbatim)
"404.1 Scope—New language tells us that Article 404 does not apply to battery-powered wireless control equipment." On-disk Mike Holt 2023 change summary - quoted verbatim.
"404.14 Rating and Use of Switches— A new subdivision (D) was added addressing push-in terminals, and 15A and 20A snap switches not marked CO/ALR can now be used with copper-clad aluminum." On-disk Mike Holt 2023 change summary - quoted verbatim. On-disk caveat: Mike Holt's "can now be used with copper-clad aluminum" shorthand is flagged against the on-disk 2023 row (404.14(D)(1)), which is the controlling text (terminals not marked CO/ALR take copper and copper-clad aluminum only).
Six worked examples (every number from the real shipped PanelWright core, zero hand math)
EX1 - the 404.14(D) push-in-terminal corner (NEW in 2023) + the 20 A comparison
A 15 A branch circuit terminated in a screwless push-in snap switch. 404.14(D): push-in terminals "shall be installed on not greater than 15-ampere branch circuits and shall be connected with 14 AWG solid copper wire only" unless listed for other conductors. Machine check from the shipped core: a 15 A OCPD is exactly at the branch cap (15 ≤ 15, passes); the 75 °C ampacity pick for 15 A is 14 AWG Cu, and 240.4(D) caps 14 AWG Cu at 15 A = the OCPD - the 15 A / 14 AWG pair is the legal maximum for this termination type (the same corner 406.3(D) creates for receptacles). The 20 A comparison: a 20 A branch cannot use a push-in snap switch at all (20 > 15, over the branch cap); its 75 °C pick is 14 AWG Cu, and its 240.4(D)-compliant pick is 12 AWG Cu (cap 20 A = the 20 A OCPD).
EX2 - the 404.14(A)/(B) load caps on a 20 A switch
A 20 A general-use snap switch. 404.14(A)(3): motor loads not exceeding 80 percent of the ampere rating = 16 A. 404.14(B)(2): inductive loads (AC/DC form) not exceeding 50 percent = 10 A. So a 16 A motor passes the (A) form; an 11 A inductive load fails the (B) form's 10 A cap. The 2017 scan and the 2023 row agree on both percentages (machine-verified).
80% x 20 A = 16 A; 50% x 20 A = 10 A (direct arithmetic on the on-disk percentages)
EX3 - the 404.14(G) OCPD floor for cord-and-plug-connected loads
A snap switch controlling receptacle outlets on a general-purpose branch circuit with a 20 A OCPD (nextStdBreaker(20)). 404.14(G): the switch "shall be rated at not less than the rating of the maximum permitted ampere rating or setting of the overcurrent device protecting the receptacles or cord connectors" - so the switch rating floor is 20 A (a 15 A snap switch on this circuit fails; the Exception for not-more-than-one-receptacle circuits allows rating at not less than the receptacle rating). The 2017 rule is substantively identical (disclosed artifacts only).
core: nextStdBreaker(20) = 20 A = switch rating floor (404.14(G))
EX4 - the 404.2(C) electronic-control-switch counts (5 per branch / 25 per feeder)
2023 404.2(C): "The number of electronic control switches on a branch circuit shall not exceed 5, and the number connected to any feeder on the load side of a system or main bonding jumper shall not exceed 25." Machine check on a two-branch-circuit feeder: branch 1 carries 5 electronic control switches (= the per-branch cap, passes), branch 2 carries 4 (passes) - total 9 on the feeder, within the 25-switch feeder cap. The 2017 text carried the same five / twenty-five counts word-identically (machine-verified) - only the surrounding sentence reworded.
caps: 5 per branch circuit, 25 per feeder (on-disk values); 5 + 4 = 9 <= 25 passes
EX5 - the 404.8(B) 300 V adjacent-device limit (ganged snap switches)
404.8(B): a snap switch "shall not be grouped or ganged in enclosures with other snap switches, receptacles, or similar devices" unless the voltage between adjacent devices does not exceed 300 volts (or identified, securely installed barriers are present). The machine arithmetic on the on-disk 300 V limit for five ganged-pair cases (word-identical rule in 2017 and 2023):
Adjacent ganged devices
Max voltage between them
404.8(B) without barriers
120 V + 120 V
240 V
passes (≤ 300 V)
120 V + 240 V
360 V
FAILS (bars required)
120 V + 277 V
397 V
FAILS (bars required)
120 V + 208 V
328 V
FAILS (bars required)
120 V + 480 V
600 V
FAILS (bars required)
limit: 300 V (404.8(B), on-disk value); 120/120 V pairs pass, 120/240 V and up need barriers or separate enclosures
EX6 - the 404.10(A) 13 mm standoff: what the 2017 "(% in.)" fraction actually is
404.10(A): open-wiring snap switches "shall be mounted on insulating material that separates the conductors at least 13 mm from the surface wired over." The 2017 scan prints the fraction as a garbled (% in.) (OCR artifact - disclosed in Sources); the 2023 row prints (1/2 in.). Machine check: 13 mm = 0.512 in. (exact) - i.e. slightly more than 1/2 in. (12.7 mm), which is why the code states the larger 13 mm metric value. The standoff number itself never moved 2017→2023.
13 mm / 25.4 = 0.512 in. > 0.5 in. (12.7 mm); 2023 row prints "1/2 in."
Frequently asked questions
Q: What does Article 404 actually cover?
Switches and switching devices used as switches at 1000 volts and below: switch connections (404.2, incl. the 404.2(C) grounded-conductor rule for lighting switch boxes), enclosures (404.3 + the 404.28 Table 312.6(B)(2) wire-bending space), damp/wet locations (404.4), time switches/flashers (404.5), knife-switch position and de-energized-blade connection (404.6), indicating (404.7), accessibility and grouping (404.8, incl. the 300 V adjacent-device limit), general-use snap-switch provisions (404.9-404.10), circuit breakers as switches (404.11), grounding of enclosures (404.12), knife-switch ampere seams (404.13), ratings and use (404.14, incl. the 2023-new 404.14(D) terminations), reconditioned switches (404.16, new in 2023), marking (404.20), electronic control switches (404.22), auxiliary contacts (404.26), fused switches (404.27), and the 2023-new 404.30 closed-door interior access. Branch-circuit rules live in Article 210; this article is what makes the switch at the end of each circuit legal.
Q: What changed in Article 404 from 2017 to 2023?
29 machine-diffed deltas (table above). The substance: 404.1 now excludes wireless control equipment (Mike Holt-documented); 404.2(C) rewords the location list, deletes the January 1, 2020 effective-date sentence, and drops one no-grounded-conductor condition (the 5/25 electronic-switch counts stay); 404.7 rewords the indicating-location language; 404.8(A) converts three Exception No. items to an "except as follows" list; 404.9(B) reworks grounding (grounded → bonded, the two-method connection list); 404.10 extends the snap-switch rules to dimmers/control switches; 404.11's note expands; 404.12 re-cites 314.3; 404.13's notes reword; 404.14 is the big rework (LED/ballast loads added to (A)/(B)/(E), (C) simplified, NEW (D) terminations, (F) extended); NEW 404.16 reconditioned switches; 404.22 rewords to "electronic control switches"; 404.28 re-cites Table 312.6(B)(2); NEW 404.30 closed-door interior access. Several "deltas" are disclosed OCR misreads in the 2017 scan (four way, threecircuit, ground-faull, permitied, permatted, tap, ave, Motorcircuit, shail, trated) - they are flagged as such, not code changes.
Q: What is the new 404.14(D) termination rule?
Terminals of 15/20 A snap switches not marked CO/ALR take copper and copper-clad aluminum only; CO/ALR-marked terminals take copper, aluminum, and copper-clad aluminum; and screwless push-in terminals shall be installed on not greater than 15-ampere branch circuits and connected with 14 AWG solid copper wire only, unless listed for other conductors. The 15 A / 14 AWG pair is the legal maximum for a push-in snap switch - a 20 A branch cannot use a push-in snap switch at all. The companion 406.3(D) carries the same rule for receptacles. Mike Holt documented this as one of the two 2023 Article 404 changes.
Q: Which reconditioned switches are banned in 2023 (404.16)?
Brand-new section (zero 404.16 in the on-disk 2017 scan): reconditioned lighting/dimmer/electronic control switches (A) and reconditioned snap switches of any type (B) - not permitted. Reconditioned knife switches, switches with butt contacts, and bolted pressure contact switches (C) - permitted, but equipment damaged by fire, products of combustion, corrosive influences, or water must be specifically evaluated by its manufacturer or a qualified testing laboratory before returning to service. Reconditioned molded-case switches (D) - not permitted. Mike Holt documented neither 404.16 nor 404.30 in the on-disk 2023 change summary (machine-counted silence).
Sources & verification method
2017 text: on-disk official NFPA 70 (2017 NEC) scan, Article 404 region (lines 44877-45473 of the flat extraction), machine-reflowed into 19 top-level sections (19 of the 21 on-disk 2023 tops have 2017 counterparts; 404.16 and 404.30 are new in 2023) (s94_404_2017_sections.json). Disclosed OCR/scan artifacts (each machine-asserted in the verify script): "four way" for "four-way" (404.2(A)), "instatled" for "installed" (404.2(C)), "threecircuit" for "three-circuit" (404.8(C) - line-break dehyphenation artifact), "permatted" for "permitted" (404.8(A) Exception 2), "ground-faull" for "ground-fault" (404.9(B) Exception 1), "Fiush-type" for "Flush-type" + the "(% in.)" garbled 1/2-inch fraction (404.10(A)/(B)), "tap" for "lap" (404.7 Exception 2), "ave" for "are" (404.5, two places), "permitied" for "permitted" (404.6(C)), "Motorcircuit" / "motorcircuit" without hyphens (404.13(D) / 404.7), "shail" for "shall" + the stray "4" in "Where 4 snap switch" (404.14(F)), and the Roman "I" for "1" in Exception No. 1 (404.3(A)). Page furniture trimmed by the cleaner (the "70-255"/"70 -256" footers, the "404.8 ARTICLE 404 — SWITCHES" running header mid-404.8, the "Part I. Installation"/"Part II. Construction Specifications" part markers, and the "70-257 406.1 ARTICLE 406..." header bleed at the region's end).
2023 text: on-disk 2023 NEC dataset (art35_nec_csv.csv), all 47 Article 404 rows - the complete article in the dataset (404.1 through 404.30). Disclosed 2023 dataset artifacts: the list-item concatenation in 404.2(C) / 404.8(A) / 404.9(B) / 404.14 (list items print as run-together text), the "404.22.Exception" no-space junction (404.2(C)), and the "210.21 (B)" extra space (404.14(G)).
Mike Holt 2023 change summary: on-disk (art48_mh23cc_full.txt) - exactly two in-scope Article 404 entries (404.1 Scope, 404.14 Rating and Use of Switches), quoted verbatim above; the other 27 deltas are direct on-disk diffs, not summary claims (machine-counted silence asserted: zero "404.16" / "404.30" / "404.22" tokens in the MH file). The 404.14 entry's "can now be used with copper-clad aluminum" shorthand is flagged against the on-disk 2023 row, which controls.
2020 edition gap: the on-disk 2020 source (slideshare scan) carries no Article 404 body - its only "404" tokens are the TOC line "404 Part I. Part II." and the code-making-panel citation "Articles 312,314,404,408,450,490" (machine-asserted: zero "404.x" section tokens), so no 2020 position is asserted.
Worked examples: every number computed by the shipped PanelWright core (nextStdBreaker, pickConductor31016, smallConductorCap) under node (compute_art69.js → art69_numbers.json), plus direct arithmetic on on-disk rule values (the 80% / 50% load caps, the 300 V ganged-pair sums, the 13 mm / 25.4 conversion) - zero hand math; the test suite re-runs the core and compares.
Verification:verify_art69.py runs the machine checks (all 47 2023 rows present, all 19 2017 sections present, the 29 deltas both-sided, the 16 word-identity checks, the zero-hit absence claims, the two MH-entry probes + silence, the worked figures, the core re-run, the sitemap/index/README entries, tag balance) - the count in the footer is the script's actual total, and a self-consistency check prevents the page from claiming a number the verifier does not run. 168 machine-verified checks - all 168 pass.
Scope & honesty: this is a design aid, not code commentary and not engineering advice. The adopted edition in your jurisdiction governs. Where 2017 and 2023 differ, the delta boxes say what moved; where a number is quoted from a scan, the disclosed OCR artifacts are listed. AI-built, AI-verified, fully disclosed.