• Welcome to The Building Code Forum

    Your premier resource for building code knowledge.

    This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.

    Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.

    Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.

Replacing A Receptacle Requires Meeting Current Codes - Existing Building Code & NEC

Understanding Florida's Requirements for Receptacle Replacement Under the FBC and NEC​

Florida’s adoption of the Florida Building Code, Existing Building (FBC, Existing) incorporates National Electrical Code (NEC) safety requirements for replacing electrical receptacles. Building officials, plans examiners, and inspectors must understand and enforce these provisions effectively.

Code Hierarchy​

The FBC, Existing organizes requirements into Chapters 4, 7, 8, and 9 for repairs and alterations. Each level builds upon the previous one, ensuring compliance with foundational standards.

FBC Chapter 4, Section 407.1.1​

Section 407.1.1 (Repairs) of the FBC, Existing states:

407.1.1 Receptacles. Replacement of electrical receptacles shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 406.4(D) of NFPA 70.
Click to expand...

NEC Section 406.4(D) Requirements​

The NEC provides detailed provisions for receptacle replacements under Section 406.4(D), ensuring adherence to modern safety standards:
  • 406.4(D) Replacements: Replacement of receptacles shall comply with 406.4(D)(1) through (D)(7). Arc-fault and ground-fault circuit-interrupter receptacles must be installed in readily accessible locations.
  1. Grounding-Type Receptacles: Where grounding means exist in the receptacle enclosure or an equipment grounding conductor is installed per NEC 250.130(C), grounding-type receptacles must connect to the equipment grounding conductor in accordance with 406.4(C) or 250.130(C).
  2. Non-Grounding-Type Receptacles:
    • (a) Replace with another non-grounding-type receptacle.
    • (b) Replace with a GFCI receptacle marked “No Equipment Ground.”
    • (c) Replace with a grounding-type receptacle supplied through a GFCI, marked “GFCI Protected” and “No Equipment Ground.”
  3. Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection: GFCI-protected receptacles must be provided where required elsewhere in the NEC. Exceptions allow replacement with the existing type if box size prohibits GFCI installation, provided GFCI protection is marked appropriately.
  4. Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection: Replacements in areas specified by NEC 210.12(A), (B), or (C) require AFCI receptacles or equivalent protection.
  5. Tamper-Resistant Receptacles: Listed tamper-resistant receptacles must be installed where required, except when replacing a non-grounding receptacle with another non-grounding receptacle.
  6. Weather-Resistant Receptacles: Weather-resistant receptacles must be installed where required.
  7. Controlled Receptacles: Automatically controlled receptacles must be replaced with equivalently controlled receptacles unless automatic control is no longer required.

Example Application​

For instance, when replacing kitchen receptacles, compliance with NEC 210.8 for GFCI protection is mandatory. This ensures receptacles meet today’s safety standards, as referenced by FBC, Existing Section 407.1.1.

Importance of Compliance​

These standards enhance safety and protect occupants by:
  • Ensuring proper grounding and protective measures.
  • Addressing fire and shock risks through GFCI and AFCI requirements.
  • Mandating tamper-resistant and weather-resistant receptacles for child safety and durability.
  • Maintaining functionality of controlled receptacles for energy efficiency.

Practical Guidance for Officials and Inspectors​

Building officials and inspectors must:
  • Verify that receptacle replacements meet NEC standards during renovations.
  • Ensure compliance with labeling requirements for GFCI-protected or non-grounding-type receptacles.
  • Confirm electrical plans specify compliant replacements.
For example, replacing kitchen receptacles during any alteration level requires GFCI, AFCI and tamper-resistant compliance to align with FBC and NEC requirements.
 
Click to expand...
Replacing A receptacle. Really! Okay I get it during a renovation but the title of the thread says A receptacle.
 
Did I need a permit to replace receptacles? They'd been painted over by previous owners so when I painted I replaced them and plates.
 
jar546 said:
Let's not make this confusing. If you are doing a remodel and part of it is replacing the receptacles, then they are required to be upgraded to current code.
Click to expand...
Are you running for a political office? Is painting a remodel? So what difference is there between a kitchen remodel and a paint job if the receptacles are replaced?
 
ICE said:
Are you running for a political office? Is painting a remodel? So what difference is there between a kitchen remodel and a paint job if the receptacles are replaced?
Click to expand...
First, painting does not require a permit.

Second, if you pull a permit and part of your scope of work is replacing the receptacles, then they must be compliant.

Third, if someone paints and replaces the receptacles without pulling a permit, chances are no one will ever know.

Fourth, see the second above.
 
jar546 said:
Third, if someone paints and replaces the receptacles without pulling a permit, chances are no one will ever know.
Click to expand...
Well you won me over.
This is a not uncommon occurrence: The receptacles in the entire dwelling are replaced with modern style Decora receptacles. A year later there is an addition built under a permit. The inspector asks the contractor if he replaced the balance if the receptacles. The contractor says no and the inspector requests a permit….or not. May have gone up $2000.00 and even more.
 
Last edited:
ICE said:
Well you won me over.
This is a not uncommon occurrence: The receptacles in the entire dwelling are replaced with modern style Decora receptacles. A year later there is an addition built under a permit. The inspector asks the contractor if he replaced the balance if the receptacles. The contractor says no and the inspector requests a permit….or not. May have gone up $2000.00 and even more.
Click to expand...
We stamp all electrical plans for remodels with the same verbiage reminding them of the requirement. It is never an issue.
 
jar546 said:
We stamp all electrical plans for remodels with the same verbiage reminding them of the requirement. It is never an issue.
Click to expand...
Does this imply I should have a permit for painting that could - did - result in replacing receptacles? I did use the commercial grade at >$3 versus the <$1.
 
bill1952 said:
Does this imply I should have a permit for painting that could - did - result in replacing receptacles? I did use the commercial grade at >$3 versus the <$1.
Click to expand...
The implication is that a permit is required and AFCI protection provided.
 
ICE said:
The implication is that a permit is required and AFCI protection provided.
Click to expand...
Now I recall I had this specific discussion with electrical inspector. If I don't move or add wiring, I don't have to add AFCI. He specifically allowed me to replace the device and move the circuit to a different breaker within the panel without upgrade. No word on permit - but not around here is my guess.
 
bill1952 said:
Now I recall I had this specific discussion with electrical inspector. If I don't move or add wiring, I don't have to add AFCI. He specifically allowed me to replace the device and move the circuit to a different breaker within the panel without upgrade. No word on permit - but not around here is my guess.
Click to expand...
We had that gimmie...it is now gone...and so are the permits...
 
406.4(D)(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. If a receptacle outlet located in any areas specified in 210.12(A), (B), or (C) Is replaced, a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following:
(1) A listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuitinterrupter receptacle
(2) A receptacle protected by a listed oudet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter type receptacle
(3) A receptacle protected by a listed combination type arcfault circuit-interrupter type circuit breaker
Exception: Section 210.12(D), Exception, shall not apply to replacement of receptacles.

210.12(D)
Exception: AFCI protection shall not be required where the extension of the existing branch circuit conductors is not more than 1.8 m (6 ft) and does not include any additional outlets or devices, other than splicing devices. This measurement shall not include the conductors inside an enclosure, cabinet, or junction box. THE

Having pointed out the code that would require AFCI for replacement of the receptacles, I will state that I consider this code to be overreach.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top