Overview

Receptacle cover plates with integral night lights and/or USB chargers are innovative additions to electrical systems, offering enhanced functionality and convenience without needing separate devices. Selecting and installing these cover plates correctly 

is crucial for safe and reliable operation. Section 406.6(D) was updated in the 2023 version of the NEC, requiring these devices to be listed and designed so that features like night lights and Class 2 power supplies are integrated with the flush device cover plate. New requirements also mandate that connections for these features be made exclusively with brass or copper alloy receptacle terminal screws for optimal performance, with exceptions allowing connections to be made with steel screws from January 1, 2026, for specific receptacle cover plates.

Applying the 2023 Code

Receptacle cover plates with integral night lights and/or USB chargers are a modern innovation in electrical installations. These cover plates include an internal Class 2 power supply, drawing primary power through spring-tensioned contacts connected to the receptacle terminals. They have gained popularity due to their ability to provide additional functionality without requiring separate devices: the built-in night lights enhance safety and visibility in dark areas, while the USB chargers offer a practical solution for charging devices without occupying traditional outlets.

Section 406.6(D) of previous NEC versions outlined guidelines for selecting and installing receptacle faceplates with integral night lights and/or USB chargers. It required that such flush device cover plates be listed and constructed so that the night light and/or Class 2 circuitry is integral to the cover plate. The 2023 NEC version has added new requirements for these cover plates. Now, listed receptacle faceplates with integral night lights, USB chargers, or both, that rely solely on spring-tensioned contacts must be connected only to brass or copper alloy receptacle terminal screws and be rated at 1 watt or less. An exception, effective January 1, 2026, allows spring-tensioned contact connections to steel receptacle terminal screws if the faceplate is specifically listed and identified for such connections. These updates aim to enhance the safety and reliability of these multifunctional receptacle cover plates.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

The comparison of 2020 NEC and 2023 NEC in terms of Section 406.6(D), is given in the Table below.