Overview

Electrical installations that precede the requirements for an equipment grounding conductor are still frequently encountered in the field. These installations typically have receptacles with only two prongs- one for the hot, and one for the neutral. Previous editions of the NEC have permitted the replacement of these receptacles with grounding type receptacles, provided the equipment grounding terminal is connected to a method listed in Subsection 250.130(C). This subsection lists six (6) permitted points-of-connection for the required equipment grounding conductor. This section did not address switches that exclude an equipment grounding conductor point-of-connection. The 2023 NEC now address the replacement of switches lacking a grounding terminal with grounding type snap switches in Subsection 250.130(C).

Applying the 2023 Code

The 2023 NEC now includes language addressing the replacement of non-grounding type snap switches with grounding-type snap switches in Section 250.130, in addition to the previously addressed replacement of non-grounding type receptacles. Subsection 250.130(C) now specifies that the equipment grounding terminal shall be connected to any of the permitted locations listed in previous editions of the NEC for receptacles only. What this means for the electrical professional is that Section 250.130 now aligns with Article 406, as it pertains to the replacement of non-grounding type receptacles and non-grounding type snap switches. In other words, the code now makes it clear that whenever non-grounding type snap switches are encountered, there is a list of permitted methods for providing an equipment grounding connection- rather than being forced to replace the switch with another non-grounding type switch.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

In the 2020 NEC Section 250.130 read as follows (excluding subsection [A] and [B], and the informational notes):

250.130 Equipment Grounding Conductor Connections.

Equipment grounding conductor connections at the source of separately derived systems shall be made in accordance with 250.30(A)(1). Equipment grounding conductor connections at service equipment shall be made as indicated in 250.130(A) or (B). For replacement of non–grounding-type receptacles with grounding-type receptacles and for branch-circuit extensions only in existing installations that do not have an equipment grounding conductor in the branch circuit, connections shall be permitted as indicated in 250.130(C).

(A) -> excluded

(B) -> excluded

(C) Nongrounding Recept
acle Replacement or Branch Circuit Extensions.
The equipment grounding conductor of a grounding-type receptacle or a branch-circuit extension shall be permitted to be connected to any of the following:

(1) Any accessible point on the grounding electrode system as described in 250.50

(2) Any accessible point on the grounding electrode conductor

(3) The equipment grounding terminal bar within the enclosure where the branch circuit for the receptacle or branch circuit originates

(4) An equipment grounding conductor that is part of another branch circuit that originates from the enclosure where the branch circuit for the receptacle or branch circuit originates

(5) For grounded systems, the grounded service conductor within the service equipment enclosure

(6) For ungrounded systems, the grounding terminal bar within the service equipment enclosure

2023 NEC

In the 2023 NEC Section 250.130 now reads as follows (excluding subsection [A] and [B], and the informational notes):

250.130 Equipment Grounding Conductor Connections.

Equipment grounding conductor connections at the source of separately derived systems shall be made in accordance with 250.30(A)(1). Equipment grounding conductor connections at service equipment shall be made as indicated in 250.130(A) or (B). For replacement of non-grounding-type receptacles with grounding-type receptacles, or snap switches without an equipment grounding terminal with snap switches with an equipment grounding terminal, and for branch-circuit extensions only in existing installations that do not have an equipment grounding conductor in the branch circuit, connections shall be permitted as indicated in 250.130(C).

(A) -> excluded

(B) -> excluded

(C) Replacement of Nongrounding Receptacle or Snap Switch and Branch Circuit Extensions.

The equipment grounding conductor that is connected to a grounding-type receptacle, a snap switch with an equipment grounding terminal, or a branch-circuit extension shall be permitted to be connected to any of the following:

(1) Any accessible point on the grounding electrode system as described in 250.50

(2) Any accessible point on the grounding electrode conductor

(3) The equipment grounding terminal bar within the enclosure where the branch circuit for the receptacle or branch circuit originates

(4) An equipment grounding conductor that is part of another branch circuit that originates from the enclosure where the branch circuit for the receptacle, snap switch, or branch circuit originates

(5) For grounded systems, the grounded service conductor within the service equipment enclosure

(6) For ungrounded systems, the grounding terminal bar within the service equipment enclosure