Code Change Summary: New requirements added for receptacle cover plates with integral night lights and/or USB chargers.

In the 2017 NEC^®, Section 406.6(D) was added to address receptacle cover plates that have integral night lights and/or USB chargers. These cover plates have an internal Class 2 power supply that receives primary power by spring-tensioned contacts which make contact with the receptacle terminals (see image). These are not to be confused with receptacles equipped with integral USB chargers covered in Section 406.3(G).

In the 2023 NEC^®, a public input from a device manufacturer was accepted during the first draft meetings to require the above mentioned receptacle faceplates to connect to the branch circuit using approved wiring methods (pig tails, or wire splices) rather than spring-tensioned contacts that rely on the device manufacturers receptacle terminals.

The concern was for the potential overheating which may occur since listed receptacle terminal screws are not evaluated or tested to provide a means for adding other spring-tensioned contact devices to their terminals.

During the second draft NEC^® meetings, additional arguments were presented that reversed the first draft language and further modified the final language in 2023 NEC^® Section 406.6(D).

In the 2023 NEC^®, the revised language in Section 406.6(D) still permits receptacle faceplates equipped with integral night lights and/or USB chargers that connect by spring-tensioned contacts but only if rated 1 watt or less and connected to brass or copper alloy receptacle terminal screws.

A new exception with a future effective date of January 1, 2026, was also added which permits spring-tensioned contact connections to steel receptacle terminal screws if the receptacle faceplate is specifically listed and identified for connection to steel receptacle terminal screws.

Be sure to check the receptacle specifications to verify the material used for the receptacle terminal screws. More expensive receptacles may utilize brass, or nickel-plated brass for the terminal screws while less expensive receptacles may use nickel-plated steel terminal screws.

The future effective date for the new exception intends to provide time to evaluate any possible conflict with UL 498 regarding the use of steel receptacle terminal screws to carry current and to develop safety requirements in UL 514D for faceplate connection methods.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.