Currently in New York State, the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) is being enforced. When replacing a receptacle outlet in a dwelling unit for any reason, the following National Electrical Code requirements apply:

406.4(D) Replacements. Replacement of receptacles shall comply with 406.4(D)(1) through (D)(6), as applicable. Arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) type and ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) type receptacles shall be installed in a readily accessible location.

406.4(D)(3) Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters. Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be so protected elsewhere in this Code.

406.4(D)(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Where a receptacle outlet is located in any areas specified in 210.12(A) or (B), a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following:

(1) A listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) receptacle.
(2) A receptacle protected by a listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) type receptacle.
(3) a receptacle protected by a listed combination type arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) type circuit breaker.

406.4(D)(5) Tamper-Resistant Receptacle. Listed tamper-resistant receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be tamper-resistant elsewhere in this Code, except where a non-grounding receptacle is replaced with another non-grounding receptacle.

406.4(D)(6) Weather-Resistant Receptacles. Weather-resistant receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be so protected elsewhere in this Code.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us or your local inspector.