404.14 Rating and Use of Snap Switches

Snap switches rated 20 amperes or less directly connected to aluminum conductors shall be listed and marked CO/ALR.

Snap switches rated 347 volts ac shall be listed and shall be used only for controlling the loads permitted by (D)(1) and (D)(2).

Noninductive loads other than tungsten-filament lamps not exceeding the ampere and voltage ratings of the switch.

Inductive loads not exceeding the ampere and voltage ratings of the switch. Where particular load characteristics or limitations are specified as a condition of the listing, those restrictions shall be observed regardless of the ampere rating of the load.

The ampere rating of the switch shall not be less than 15 amperes at a voltage rating of 347 volts ac. Flush-type snap switches rated 347 volts ac shall not be readily interchangeable in box mounting with switches identified in 404.14(A) and (B).

General-use dimmer switches shall be used only to control permanently installed incandescent luminaires unless listed for the control of other loads and installed accordingly.

Where a snap switch is used to control cord- and plug-connected equipment on a general-purpose branch circuit, each snap switch controlling receptacle outlets or cord connectors that are supplied by permanently connected cord pendants shall be rated at not less than the rating of the maximum permitted ampere rating or setting of the overcurrent device protecting the receptacles or cord connectors, as provided in 210.21(B).

Informational Note: See 210.50(A) and 400.7(A)(1) for equivalency to a receptacle outlet of a cord connector that is supplied by a permanently connected cord pendant.

Exception: Where a snap switch is used to control not more than one receptacle on a branch circuit, the switch shall be permitted to be rated at not less than the rating of the receptacle.