NEMA Wiring Devices

Tamper Resistant Receptacles

TR receptacles protect children by resisting the insertion of foreign
objects such as keys, paperclips etc. into the receptacle resulting in electric
shock and burns. Tamper Resistant receptacles are now required in
most residential and commercial location where children may be present.

Outlet Branch Circuit AFCI
Receptacles

Outlet Branch Circuit (OBC) Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Receptacles
protect against arc faults in wiring resulting from damaged insulation
and other causes that can lead to electrical fires. AFCI detects arc faults
that standard circuit breakers and GFCI’s (panel mounted and receptacle
types) are not designed to detect.

Automatic Controlled
Receptacles

Many new building and energy codes are requiring a certain percentage
of receptacles to be “controlled” by an energy management system,
timer, occupancy sensor, or similar method to remove power from
these receptacles when not needed.

Switches

Switches offer the convenience of local control for lighting and other
electrical loads. They are available in a variety of styles and colors to
match any décor. Switches are rated for use in residential, commercial
and industrial application.

Dimmers

Dimmers offer the convenience of local control of lighting levels to set
ambience, increase comfort, and reduce energy costs. They are available
in a wide variety of colors, styles, and control options for all popular light
sources, including dimmable LED and CFL lamps. Dimmers that can
integrate into home automation systems and be controlled by voice
assistants such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are also available.

Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors automatically turn lights on when you enter a room and
turn them off after you leave. They provide both energy savings in places
where lights are often left on and convenience and safety when entering a
room with your hands full. They often feature dimming and ambient light
detection to provide additional energy savings and control options.
Occupancy sensors can also be used to comply with energy codes such as
IECC, ASHRAE 90.1, and California T24.

NEMA Wiring Devices

The Wiring Devices Section develops technical standards and guidelines for its products. This page is a convenient place to access the variety of standards and guidance documents available from the NEMA Wiring Device Section.

The product scope of the Wiring Device Section covers typical electrical devices such as Convenience and power outlets (plugs and receptacles), Outlet Branch Circuit (OBC) Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Receptacles, Attachment plug caps and flanged inlets, Connector bodies and flanged outlets, General-use switches, Motion sensing switches, Timer switches, Multiple outlet assemblies, surface extensions, and power distribution poles, Lampholders, Undercarpet Premise Wiring Systems.

Standards

Sound technical standards benefit the user, by improving safety, ensuring products interoperability and assisting proper product selection.

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White Papers

The Wiring Devices Section develops white papers to give guidance to the function and application of certain products that may not be fully understood by the general installer or user.

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Presentations

The Wiring Devices Section also develops guidelines describing the function and application of certain products in a “Presentation” format.

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Application Guide for Isolated Ground Wiring Devices

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