When Must I Use a Marked Controlled Receptacle?

[@rogerdevero8726]

Bill, your models and diagrams are a big help. BEST ELECTRICAL CHANNEL on KZbin. Subscribed & Like each video. Enjoy your snorkeling at Catalina Island - Hebrews 11:6

[@SparkyChannel]

You recognized Catalina Island by the casino! What a great spot for snorkeling. I had my GoPro fixed above my mask. Thanks so much Roger!

[@billthompson9482]

I learned something today.

[@ayeitsshane806]

Sparkey has done that to us all. I wish he did classes

[@SparkyChannel]

Any day you learn something new is a good day!

[@donl1410]

Hi Bill. 406.3(F) covers the requirements required for marking of AUTOMATICALLY controlled receptacles. Automatic control could be a OS device, time clock/timer, or other AUTOMATIC devices. The wording, "or that incorporate control features that remove power from the receptacle," could be a programmable Energy Management System. The intent was to make sure that the end user of the receptacle knew that the receptacle may not be on 24 hours a day. This often occurs when buildings are supplied by an energy management system. The switch example at 5:30 controlling the printer is manually controlled, not automatically. Some thoughts.

[@SparkyChannel]

Hi Don, great to hear from you on this! How about the phrase "or that incorporate control features that remove power from the receptacle". Wouldn't that describe a single pull switch? Doesn't a regular switch remove power from the receptacle? And then in the exception, "The marking shall not be required for receptacles controlled by a wall switch that provide the required room lighting outlets as permitted by 210.70." My point here is that the receptacle at 5:30 doesn't control lighting, it controls a copy machine. If the receptacle controlled lighting, I would agree with you.

[@donl1410]

The first sentence of 406.3(F) defines the scope of the article. Receptacles that are controlled by an AUTOMATIC control device as I mentioned in my last post. I posted that quote that you mentioned previously also. That I believe, probably is covering other automatic energy control systems such as a central Energy Management System. The intent of automatically controlled receps is for energy management by taking the human element out of the picture. Personnel are not always going to remember to turn off a regular wall switch that's controlling a recep of an energy consuming piece of equipment. The next to last paragraph in 406.3(F) states, "For receptacles controlled by an AUTOMATIC control device, the marking (control marking) shall be located on the receptacle face and visible after installation." I suppose one could use a controlled recep as a switched recep, but it might cause confusion by someone understanding 406.3(F) as an automatically controlled recep. NOTE: ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1- 2019: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. Section 8.4.2, at least 50% of all 125V, 15- and 20- amp receptacles should be automatically controlled by a device that turns power on and off based on a schedule, occupancy sensor, or an automated signal from another control or alarm system. These automatic control devices may be in private offices, conference rooms, rooms used primarily for printers/copiers, break rooms, classrooms, and individual workstations. ASHRAE 90.1-2019, Section 8.4.2 also states that at least 25% of branch circuit feeders installed for modular furniture must be automatically controlled. Exceptions to 8.4.2: Receptacles for the following shall not require an automatic control device: 1. Receptacles specifically designated for equipment requiring continuous operation (24/day, 365 days/year). 2. Spaces where an automatic control would endanger the safety or security of the room or building occupants. Energy codes only state that the receptacle shall be permanently marked to visually differentiate them from uncontrolled receptacles, but do not specify the marking requirements. However, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, National Electric Code (NEC) does specify the markings.@@SparkyChannel

[@SparkyChannel]

Hi Don. I'm thinking of re-making this video. That is, taking this one down and putting up a new one with new examples. Can you think of a good example or 2 for my new video? Thanks!

[@donl1410]

You pretty much covered the local control for controlled receptacles, with the exception of the manual wall switch. Another example might be using an astronomical timer. For central controlled energy management, Leviton has programmable control panels and relays that could be used. Controlled receptacle are require to meet Energy Standards for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings.

[@anthonyelectric6045]

Hey Bill. This was a good example and explanation for these outlets. Can’t tell ya how many people (homeowners) didn’t even know that their outlets were half switched or didn’t know what the switch in the room did if you can believe it. Now with the markings that will help, hopefully 😆

[@SparkyChannel]

Oh man, half hot receptacles cause a lot of "repair calls" which are really just teaching the occupants about half hot receptacles. The markings really help reduce those calls.

[@anthonyelectric6045]

@@SparkyChannel and it took long enough for the code writers to get this done. I agree about the electrical tour and how to for homeowners.

[@SparkyChannel]

Yes, when tenants move in, an electrical tour can really save some calls. @@anthonyelectric6045

[@billdotpilot]

Congrats on 200K

[@SparkyChannel]

Hi Bill! Thanks so much!

[@timdyer7692]

Thanks for all of the examples! Excellent information.

[@SparkyChannel]

Hi Tim! Yes, we're all learning.

[@iowawrench]

looks like Leviton gravitates towards ground prong 'down' based on orientation of the power symbol:)

[@SparkyChannel]

I noticed that because most electricians like to put the controlled outlet of the duplex out down.

[@garydudgeon]

Another great explanation Sparky.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Gary!

[@Eddy63]

Great explanation Bill ... Technology changes everyday doesn't it ... Thx

[@SparkyChannel]

I sure does. Thanks Eddy!

[@wmcomprev]

I accept that the copier shown was just a convenient picture. However, for someone who may have one of those copiers, please do NOT turn it on and off by cutting the power to it using an occupancy switch. That copier, and many other large copiers, have hard drives in them. Turning them on and off by plugging them in and unplugging them is going to damage them, just as it would a computer.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks, good point!

[@SparkyChannel]

I'm thinking of re-making this video. That is, taking this one down and putting up a new one with new examples. Can you think of a good example or 2 for my new video? Thanks!

[@wmcomprev]

@@SparkyChannel I usually use the occupancy switches for overhead lights. This is probably the most common, but doesn't require the labeled outlets. Some things I can think of for the labeled outlets could be space heaters, air compressors (think auto shop), radio (hopefully, the volume wasn't left cranked up the last time someone left 🙂), computer monitors (not the computer itself), and surveillance system monitors.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

I’ve not seen office equipment use IR to shut it down, normally they have internal controls. Most are lighting and fans are controlled. Internal damage can be made to the software and hardware, they typically wake up to do timed maintenance.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@kenbrown2808]

I'm having flashbacks to a custom home that had a whole house lighting control panel. the problem was that the system included switched outlets for lamps, and the control modules were only rated for 5 amps, so when a housekeeper plugged a vacuum into a lighting outlet, they would accidentally fry a control module. for a while, there was a discussion of changing every lighting outlet in the house to twistlock, to stop it.

[@SparkyChannel]

Wow! Great story and example!

[@kenbrown2808]

@@SparkyChannel it did prejudice me against whole house lighting control systems. it was poorly engineered and poorly installed, and every time it broke, it was a headache to get back online.

[@SparkyChannel]

Some vacuum cleaners are 12 amps now, so they would really fry those control modules. @@kenbrown2808

[@kenbrown2808]

@@SparkyChannel the Hoover Wind Tunnel was 13.5 amps in the 2000s. it was a code violation to plug it into a 15 amp combination circuit. I finally started telling people to plug their vacuums into the bathroom receptacle, because so many contractors were stretching 15 amp circuits to minimize how many AFCI breakers they had to buy.

[@IceBergGeo]

​@@kenbrown2808I am curious where you think that is a code violation to have something plugged in and turned on for a short period of time. If it was a violation, the uL (or other testing/certification agency) would have deemed it necessary to use a 20A cord end on it.

[@mauroaparicio1855]

very interesting and very explained easy to understand thank you for sharing

[@SparkyChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@OriginalJetForMe]

I suspect the exception for switch-controlled receptacles is to accommodate the millions that are currently installed like that. But unless the code forbids it, I’d mark all controlled receptacles regardless of how they’re controlled. It’s a nice convenience for the user.

[@SparkyChannel]

Sounds good, thanks Rick!

[@wim0104]

I do think "controlled" implies some kind of automation or scheduling, not manual switch or simple count-down

[@okaro6595]

Chnages in general apply only to the new installs. You do not need to change things just because the code changes. I think people are just used the the switch control. Some outlet controlled by some timer who knows where is different.

[@aatonhernandez3561]

Very helpful info

[@SparkyChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jameskoehler4939]

This is one of the stupider code updates. An unused outlet uses no power, but a motion sensor has a constant (albeit very low) load.

[@SparkyChannel]

Good tip, thanks!

[@Noah-qt3rq]

Incorrect. A piece of equipment may be drawing a much higher phantom load being left on than the occupancy switch.

[@jameskoehler4939]

That would be a used outlet. An unused outlet would mean nothing is plugged into it, and would have zero load, except for the current drawn to operate the motion sensor (which is not zero).@@Noah-qt3rq

[@IceBergGeo]

​@@jameskoehler4939I can agree with that statement, but statistically, if even 1% of the outlets that are controlled have something plugged in, the cost of the quiescent current, is now (most likely) mitigated by the saving of what was plugged in, and is now off.

[@tedmcdonald3377]

Morning Bill😎⚒️😎⚒️😎

[@SparkyChannel]

Morning Ted!

[@theoisaac9948]

👍 👍 💯

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Theo!

[@NipkowDisk]

LOL at 2:30; "Wallplace not included". Whoever wrote the ad copy didn't proofread, or maybe it's required to be on a pendant...

[@SparkyChannel]

LOL! I didn't notice that.

[@theseattlegreen1871]

Did I win the meter Mr. Sparky?

[@SparkyChannel]

The drawing isn't until September 30.

[@theseattlegreen1871]

@@SparkyChannel Gotcha thanks!

[@IceBergGeo]

Unfortunately, you need to have swtiches rated for plug loads, when usong the automatic means. That 1800W occ sensor is insufficient for that. It needs to able to handle whatever may be plugged into it. A compressor, for an example, could be plugged in, and that is most certainly more than 1/2HP... it is a big pain for customers. It now costs almost twice as much for receptacles as it once did since the newest energy code has taken place.

[@SparkyChannel]

Let's see... a 20A circuit can take up to (80%)= 16A x120V= 1920W. So you are correct. If it was a 15A circuit, 80%=12A x 120V= 1440W which is 80% of the 1800W rating for the occ switch, so that would be OK. Agree? I'm thinking of re-making this video. That is, taking this one down and putting up a new one with new examples. Can you think of a good example or 2 for my new video? Thanks!

[@IceBergGeo]

@@SparkyChannel I would see about getting your hands on a ceiling occupancy sensor and plug rated power pack (relay) either wired or wireless. The switch you mentioned, if I recall, said it had 1/2HP motor rating. That, in and of itself would disqualify it from being used to control a receptacle. The switch needs to be fully rated for the load. I don't think that most people would know that anything was wrong with this, but I've been dealing with the IECC code rules for months, and they are kind of crazy... and things get expensive.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much! That's a great idea for a video, but I'm not seeing where it involves a marked controlled receptacle. The ceiling occupancy sensor usually just controls lights, not a marked controlled receptacle. There is more to this than I thought! LOL@@IceBergGeo

[@IceBergGeo]

@@SparkyChannel oh, there is a lot more to it, to be sure. The ceiling sensor can control two power packs, one for lights and one for receptacles, and a switch to dim the lights, or manually switch them. You can also have a wireless controlled receptacle too. Very handy when you have to have them installed in office furniture...

[@SparkyChannel]

If the power pack from a ceiling PIR is controlling a receptacle (wired), wouldn't that receptacle have to be marked controlled? Also, if the power pack was controlling the receptacle wirelessly, wouldn't that receptacle have to be marked controlled? @@IceBergGeo

[@ayeitsshane806]

are you going to start doing classes?

[@SparkyChannel]

I prefer making videos because they reach so many more people.

[@JF-fx2qv]

If the marked controlled receptacle is not continuously reactivated when in use; I assume, it would time out? In other words; if a person working at a computer remains motionless for a sort period, the device shuts down?

[@SparkyChannel]

It shouldn't. The PIR switches sense heat and movement so they should stay on if anyone is in the room. There are also settings which make the devices stay on for an adjustable amount of time once someone has left the room.

[@IceBergGeo]

​@@SparkyChannelthe energy code has specified times/durations that the receptacles are permitted to be on. Sometimes, it is a time clock, sometimes it is a BMS, sometimes it is just an occupancy sensor. And if the timer/time clock goes past normal on times, you will have to seek the override. It is probably just telling you to go home though.

[@robbehr8806]

Good video! From what I see, your can probably monetize by adding the "$Thanks" button. If you do, viewers and send you some bucks.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Rob!

[@wuilliamscoa3467]

Awesome explanation! Thanks.