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Friday, February 7, 2020

Question:

We are having an argument about duplex receptacles and we are hoping you can clarify. Is a duplex receptacle one or two receptacles. It mounts in a single-gang box.

Please provide any applicable Code reference.

Thanks,

Scott Anton

A

Answer:

Hi Scott, thanks for the question.

We get that question a lot. That and which way does the ground go on a receptacle installation, up or down.

The answer to your question is that a duplex receptacle on a single mounting strap (yoke) is two receptacles (contact devices) mounted on the same mounting strap. The Code refers to this as a multiple receptacle on a single yoke. The definition of the term receptacle and the new informational note in Article 100 of the 2020 NEC help provide the apparent needed clarification.   

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