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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I purchase the Biceptacle^TM?
The Biceptacle^TM will be available through your local distributors.
Will the Biceptacle^TM fit in a standard box?
The Biceptacle's^TM dimensions are generally smaller than the typical GFCI receptacle. The Biceptacle^TM will fit in a standard box.
How is the Biceptacle^TM wired?
The Biceptacle ^TM has the standard three terminals (ground, hot, neutral) and one additional switched / alternate line terminal (see Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3).
What terminal connection types are provided?
The Biceptacle^TM has Backwired terminals. There are NO Quickwire (“BACK-STABBER”) terminals.
What wire sizes will work with the Biceptacle^TM?
The Biceptacle^TM will work with either 14 or 12 AWG wire but we strongly recommend 12 AWG for its higher current carrying capacity.
What are the different wiring requirements?
Each electrical box where you intend to install a Biceptacle^TM must be wired as a “switched” or “half-hot” box (generally with 12/3 or 14/3 romex). The switch controlled wire in all boxes of a typical room must be wired to the room light switch or switches (3 way). Larger volume boxes may be required when wired in this configuration (check local electrical code).
Are there different styles or grades of the Biceptacle^TM?
The Biceptacle^TM covers will be offered in three styles. The "Décor" Style will have visible screws. The "Décor Plus" Style will have visible screws with a rectangular face. The "Cleanline" Style will feature hidden screws in addition to the rectangular face of the "Décor Plus" Style.

Commercial Grade Biceptacles^TM will be available in the future.
Is the Biceptacle^TM gangable?
The Biceptacles^TM will be gangable. We will offer both single and dual face plates.
What colors are available?
The Biceptacle^TM will be available in white, ivory, almond, gray, and black.
In what configuration can the Biceptacle^TM be used?
The Biceptacle^TM is simply a 3 pole (two hot, one neutral), 4 wire multi-circuit receptacle. Following are three typical uses:
- Switched and Hot (new construction and remodels) – Two outlets switch controlled, two outlets continually hot (see Figure 1). This standard configuration allows users to access two hot, two switched, or a combination of one hot and one switched outlet.
- Totally Hot (existing construction) – Both hot sides are wired together using a jumper (see Figure 2). In this configuration, the Biceptacles^TM can directly replace currently installed receptacles without any wiring change. This wiring option allows two polarized transformer blocks (wall warts) or two GFCI corded appliances (hair dryers, curling irons, etc.) to be plugged in simultaneously.
- Dual Line – Two outlets on Line 1, and two outlets on Line 2 (see Figure 3). This configuration allows the user to optimize load distribution in dual circuit locations (dual 20 AMP circuits in kitchens – with proper GFCI protection provided by two pole GFCI circuit breaker).
Is there a GFCI version of the Biceptacle^TM?
A GFCI version is currently being developed and will be available in the future. Similar to regular receptacles, the Biceptacles^TM can be wired “down stream” from a conventional GFCI receptacle for ground fault protection.
What is the advantage of using the Biceptacle^TM in locations where switch control of the receptacle is typically not required (e.g. – kitchens, baths)?
When both sides of the Biceptacle^TM are wired together using a jumper (see Figure 2), the offset plug configuration allows two polarized transformer blocks (wall warts) or two GFCI corded appliances (hair dryers, curling irons) to be plugged in simultaneously. In this wiring configuration, the Biceptacles^TM can replace receptacles in existing construction without any change to building wiring.

Also, when wired in a Dual Line Configuration (see Figure 3), the Biceptacle^TM allows dual socket access to both circuits. This enables more effective load equalization and thus minimizes tripping of circuit breakers where dual circuits are required by code (e.g. kitchens and bathrooms – with proper GFCI protection provided by two pole GFCI circuit breaker).
Is the Biceptacle^TM “Listed” or “Certified”?
The Biceptacle^TM is "Certified" / "Listed" to UL Standards by CSA.

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