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Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Question:
Hi Charlie. Why does the 2023
NEC® provide a definition of
“Work Surface” and
“Counter (Countertop)”? Aren’t these technically the same thing? Thanks, Tim McManaman.
A
Answer:
Hello Tim, the need for these two (2) terms to be defined differently is to support the requirements of Section 406.5. Specifically, Sections 406.5(E)-(G) as these Sections require receptacles and/or receptacles assemblies to be listed for a specific location (i.e., countertops or work surfaces). The key difference in the listing for devices installed in “Countertops” vs “Work Surfaces” relates liquid exposure and the amount of liquid that could be spilled on each respective device.