Code For Electrical Outlets Spacing

Figure 1 spacing of electrical outlets along a wall.

Code for electrical outlets spacing. The codes shown are examples only and may not be current or accurate for your application or jurisdiction. 120volt 15amp garage circuits are typically wired with 14 2. In this article we ll break down the building code for electrical outlets so you can ensure safety and code compliance. The national electrical code defines a wet location as an area that is subject to saturation with water or other liquids and unprotected locations exposed to the weather.

The 6 12 rule are minimums and in theory there is no reason within the code that you could not have an electrical receptacle outlet every foot across the wall space. In these spaces wall outlets should be spaced no farther than 12 feet apart. Requirements for electrical receptacle outlet or wall plug spacing height and clearances in buildings. The nec basically states that within any living area of a home you must have an electrical receptacle outlet 6 feet from any obstruction or break in the wall such as a doorway and no more than 12 feet from the previous electrical receptacle outlet figure 1.

Height spacing of electrical receptacles or outlets in buildings. The united states national electrical code section 210 52 states that a receptacle outlet must be placed in every kitchen bedroom living room family room and any other area designated has habitable space. See new section 210 71 which basically says do it like 210 52 but the receptacles can be anywhere as long as they are the required amount. Introduction to electrical codes for outlets and receptacles nec 210 7 receptacle outlets shall be of the grounding type be effectively grounded and have proper polarity.

Electrical receptacle height code standards. Fremont ca residential kitchen electrical receptacle code 210 52 c 2017 pdf. But it only applies to meeting rooms. The national electric code has another definition for damp locations that is more subjective but if you think the receptacle is going to get wet use an in use.

The nec electrical code section 210 specifically article 210 52 g states that one receptacle outlet is required for each car space and nec article 210 8 a 2 states that gfci protection is required for all 120volt 15amp and 20 amp receptacles. For code purposes general areas are defined as rooms such as living rooms family rooms bedrooms and hallways. Most local codes are based on the national electrical code nec a document that lays out required practices for all aspects of residential and commercial electrical. Building codes devote a lot of attention to electrical outlet receptacle spacing in and effort to limit the use of extension cords.

Also there is a new nec code for outlet spacing. These general guidelines will give you the basics of what electrical inspectors are looking for when they review both remodeling projects and new installations. Electrical codes are in place to protect you the homeowner.