The 2017 National Electrical Code introduced a new type of receptacle different from what most electrical professionals and homeowners expected. This prompted a change to the definition in Article 100: “A contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug, or for the direct connection of electrical utilization equipment designed to mate with the corresponding contact device. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.” This new receptacle permits users to transition from one type of luminaire or ceiling paddle fan to another with a simple twist of the attachment fitting.

Old and new definitions

The new term “attachment fitting” was used in 314.27(E) for boxes and 422.18(2) and 422.33(A) for ceiling paddle fans in the 2017 NEC, but it did not have a definition. However, by the 2020 NEC, it was defined: “A device that, by insertion into a locking support and mounting receptacle, establishes a connection between the conductors of the attached utilization equipment and the branch-circuit conductors connected to the locking support and mounting receptacle.”

The 2020 NEC also provided this informational note: “An attachment fitting is different from an attachment plug because no cord is associated with the fitting. An attachment fitting in combination with a locking support and mounting receptacle secures the associated utilization equipment in place and supports its weight.” 

This definition was further clarified and a new separate definition was added for a “weight-supporting ceiling receptacle” (WSCR) in Article 100 of the 2023 edition. These revised and new definitions are as follows: “Attachment Fitting, Weight-Supporting (WSAF) (Weight-Supporting Attachment Fitting). A device that, by insertion into a weight-supporting ceiling receptacle, establishes a connection between the conductors of the attached utilization equipment and the branch-circuit conductors connected to the weight-supporting ceiling receptacle.

“Informational Note No. 1: A weight-­supporting attachment fitting is different from an attachment plug because no cord is associated with the fitting. A weight-­supporting attachment fitting in combination with a weight-supporting ceiling receptacle secures the associated utilization equipment in place and supports its weight.” 

The new and separate definition and new informational note in the 2023 NEC, from a general receptacle, is as follows: “Receptacle, Weight-Supporting Ceiling (WSCR). (Weight-Supporting Ceiling Receptacle). A contact device installed at an outlet box for the connection and support of luminaries or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans using a weight-supporting attachment fitting (WSAF).

“Informational Note: See ANSI/NEMA WD 6, American National Standard for Wiring Devices—Dimensional Specifications, for the standard configuration of weight-supporting ceiling receptacles and related weight-­supporting attachment fittings.”

NEC 314.27(E) was rewritten and revised in the 2023 edition as a separate subsection dealing with a new title: (E), “Weight-Supporting Ceiling Receptacles and Weight-Supporting Attachment Fittings.” The new text is as follows: “Outlet boxes required in 314.27 shall be permitted to support listed weight-supporting ceiling receptacles. A WSCR shall be used in combination with compatible weight-supporting attachment fittings that are identified for the support of equipment within the weight and mounting orientation limits of the listing. Where the WSCR is installed, it shall be included in the box fill calculation covered in 314.16(B)(4). Listed WSCR used in combination with compatible WSAF shall be permitted to be installed in outlet boxes for the sole support of ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans, in accordance with 314.27(C).” 

Substantial changes occurred with this new wiring method in the definitions and box requirements in Article 314 in the 2023 NEC.

Ceiling-suspended paddle fans

NEC 422.18(2) dealing with ceiling-­suspended paddle fans was modified in the 2023 NEC to correspond with the new information in 314.27(E) for support of ceiling fans using listed WSCR and WSAF. Section 422.33(A) states: “(A) Separable Connector or an Attachment Plug (or Attachment Fitting) and Receptacle. For cord-and-plug-connected appliances (or attachment fitting), an accessible separable connector or an accessible plug (or attachment fitting) and receptacle combination shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means. The attachment fitting shall be a factory-­installed part of the appliance and suitable for disconnection of the appliance. Where the separable connector or plug (or attachment fitting) and receptacle combination are not accessible, cord-and-plug-connected or attachment fitting-and-plug-connected appliances shall be provided with disconnecting means in accordance with 422.31.”

To use this new wiring system and ceiling paddle fan support, carefully study the system and available listed equipment. Improper installation of boxes and the support structure could be dangerous.

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