Products and the 2002 National Electrical Code Changes

Article 388
(1999 NEC Article 352 Part B)
Surface Nonmetallic Raceways
Article 388 Surface Nonmetallic Raceways. This article for Surface Nonmetallic
Raceways is now a stand alone article. In the 1999 NEC this product was Part B of the
Surface Metal Raceway article.
Article 392
(1999 NEC Article 318)
Cable Trays
Table 392.3(A) Wiring Methods. (Optical Fiber/Communication Raceways). Optical
Fiber and Communication Raceways have been added to this table as a permitted wiring
method to be used in Cable Trays.
Article 406
(1999 NEC Article 410 Part L)
Receptacles, Cord Connectors, and Attachment Plugs (Caps)
406.8(B)(1) 15- and 20-Ampere Outdoor Receptacles. (In-Use Weatherproof Covers).
Currently the 1999 NEC, Section 410-57(b), requires outdoor receptacles to be covered
with a weatherproof cover listed for a Wet Location, with the plug inserted or removed,
where products that will be used are unattended. Such products are landscape lighting,
sprinkler systems and holiday lights (410-57(b)(1)). If the receptacle is intended for
temporary use, when product that is attended or supervised, such as drills and
landscaping tools are used, than the cover is only required to be listed for a Wet Location
when the plug is removed (410-57(b)(2)).
The majority of new homes built today utilizes only the cover listed for a Wet Location
when the plug is removed. Contractors will install this standard weatherproof cover
indicating to the inspector that the receptacle is to be used strictly for attended, temporary
use. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to change the cover if they ever intend to use
holiday lights.
NEC Code Making Panel 18 Accepted in Principle and Part a proposal to revise this
section and to read as follows:
406.8 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations
(B) Wet Locations.
(1) 15- and 20-Ampere outdoor Receptacles. 15-and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volts
receptacles installed outdoors in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is
weatherproofed whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted.
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