Now, at least one receptacle is required for the first 9 ft 2, or fraction thereof, of the countertop or work surface. During the 2017 Code cycle, the electrician determined the number of receptacles required for both island and peninsular countertop surfaces and work surfaces by measuring the length and width of the countertop space according to … Sinks and ranges are two examples of a break in the countertop space. Here is the language from the old (2014 NEC) Code: NEC 2014 210.52(B)(3) Peninsular Countertop Spaces. It’s not uncommon to have one receptacle per bedroom in a 1940s era bungalow, and only one receptacle at the kitchen counter. A receptacle outlet is required behind a corner sink only when the distance from the countertop corner to the edge of the sink is equal to or greater than 18 inches. On the opposite wall there is a doorway in the center of the wall. Check with your local, municipality, and state codes. S, AFCI-protected receptacles, which recognize arcing in the circuit for fire protection, have also been phased into the code requirements. • How far above a kitchen countertop do electrical outlets have to be? Why would the other walls need a receptacle? If you are performing a major home improvement on any of the living areas in your home, it is important that you understand the National Electrical Code (NEC) rules for the placement of electrical receptacles (outlets). All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in unfinished basements shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. © McGarry and Madsen. Why is it dangerous? What's wrong? • What is a "backstab" receptacle outlet? At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed at each peninsular countertop space with a long dimension of 600 mm (24 in.) • My bathroom electric receptacle/outlet is dead and there are no tripped breakers in the electric panel. Using your diagram there would not need to be a receptacle on either of the 4' walls near the door. What is the minimum height for an exterior receptacle outlet? • Why does painting an electric receptacle (outlet) make it unsafe? Please see EFF’s page on this issue or the U.S. Court of Appeals docket for more information about ongoing litigation over your right to read and speak these laws. Outlet Spacing in Kitchens In kitchens, electrical outlets should be placed no farther than 48 inches apart, so that no point on the countertop is more than 24 inches away from a receptacle. (David Rains) 2011 NC Electrical Code 210.52 Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets. • Why is an opening in the wall around the side of an electrical receptacle outlet a safety defect? Home electric consumption has been increasing at a rate of about 5% per year for a while now. • Where are GFCI receptacle outlets required? • When was GFCI-protection for kitchen dishwasher receptacle outlet first required? The new code language in the 2020 NEC has taken the previous method to determine receptacle placement in these areas from an “inch” measurement and turned it into a square foot measurement. The slight arcing that happens when a cord is plugged-in can set off an explosion. • How do the new tamper-resistant electric outlets work? • When was the current receptacle/outlet spacing of 12-feet first required? On the wall that is 18 feet long, the code requires 2 electrical receptacles (outlets). How I can tell if a receptacle outlet is tamper resistant? The 2018 Electrical Code will become effective April 1, 2018. 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. or greater. Why is there no bathroom electric receptacle in this old house? When were GFCI receptacle outlets first required? 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. Why is there a GFCI breaker in the electric panel for the bathroom shower light and exhaust fan? Figure 1 - Spacing of electrical outlets along a wall. What I also take into account is laying out receptacles for a flexible furniture layout. The logic behind that number is that an appliance with a standard length cord could then be plugged-in anywhere along the wall. An electrical symbol schedule and legend shall appear on the first sheet of the electrical drawings. How can I tell if the electric receptacle outlets are grounded? Kitchen counters now have a more stringent standard: no point along the back of the counter can be more than 2-feet from a receptacle, and any counter more than 1-foot long requires a receptacle. • Does a washing machine receptacle outlet require GFCI protection? 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. Why is it dangerous? GFCI-protected receptacles are now required in wet areas, for personal shock protection. We are not affiliated with, and do not receive any compensation from, any of the companies or products mentioned in this blog. A receptacle should not be flush-mounted on a horizontal surface where it may have water splashed on it, like at kitchen counter. The breaks in the wall the code talks about are referring to doorways. The cord could come in contact with the top of the heater and melt. What is the difference between an electrical receptacle, an outlet, and a plug? The maximum spacing between receptacles, according to the National Electric Code (NEC), has been set at 12-feet since 1956--with no point along a wall being more than 6-feet from a receptacle. Receptacle outlet placement shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 24 inches measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space. North Carolina Electrical Code. For all details of kitchen spacing, go to our blog post How far apart should kitchen counter receptacles be spaced? • What is the minimum height for an exterior receptacle outlet? to learn more. Hey Guys, I had a NACH inspector call me Friday and I can’t for the life of me remember who it was…but I always love the calls and helping answer the electrical questions… The question was in regards to Floor Receptacles…and here are TWO views on the them to keep in mind. See How I can tell if a receptacle outlet is tamper resistant? Some installers will argue that the wall countertop receptacle outlet is sufficient and a separate receptacle outlet out on the peninsula is not required (especially if the peninsula countertop is simply supported with legs like a table, and has no base cabinets). Can I remove a 240-volt range receptacle and hard-wire the range? The prior maximum spacing was 20-feet. Also, for height of receptacles, see What is the height requirement for an electric receptacle outlet? • Why is there a GFCI breaker in the electric panel for the bathroom shower light and exhaust fan? Uploaded by Public.Resource.Org. • How high above the floor do electric outlets/receptacles in a garage have to be? • Does an electric receptacle outlet in a storage shed require GFCI protection? No point, measured along the floor line, can exceed 6 feet from an electrical outlet to reduce the need for hazardous extension cords. To meet code requirements we have placed an electrical receptacle (outlet) in the center of both of the walls that abut the doorway - 2 feet from the door in both directions and 2 feet from the wall on both directions. Article 210.52 (A) (1) of the NEC states that “A receptacle outlet must be installed in every kitchen, family room, dining room, living room, den, bedroom or … The countertop receptacles should be spaced no more than 4 feet apart. How high above the floor do electric outlets/receptacles in a garage have to be? And receptacles that only open to allow standard cord prongs (and not any metal object that a curious child may try to stick into it), called tamper resistant, are the latest improvement. These standards do not apply to kitchens, bathrooms, closets, hallways, foyers, garage, or outdoor receptacles. Should I be concerned about it. And when the total VA exceeds 10,000, the first 10,000 VA may be calculated at 100 percent and the remaining VA at 50 percent per Table 220.44. Does an electric receptacle outlet in a storage shed require GFCI protection? More receptacles are better than "just enough per code". • Why are electrical outlets and plugs polarized? The 6 / 12 rule are minimums and in theory there is no reason within the code that you could not have an electrical receptacle … or longer must have a receptacle, with spacing of subsequent receptacles a maximum of 48 in. Does a home inspector remove receptacle outlet cover plates? What is the height requirement for an electric receptacle outlet? for details. • What is the difference between an electrical receptacle, an outlet, and a plug? Doing the electrical work as a DIY home handyman does not remove the need for you to follow any and all codes and rules. • What is a false ground, bootleg ground, or cheated ground receptacle? • Why is there no bathroom electric receptacle in this old house? Ensure that the product you are selecting will be able to satisfy Code requirements as well as accommodate your needs. To find requirements for the other rooms, see our blog posts How far apart should electric receptacles be spaced in a bathroom? Professional seal is also required on the electrical plans for the design of the special systems, such as the stage lighting, the audio/video and the like. What is reversed polarity at an outlet/receptacle? 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. Here’s a diagram from Code Check® of how it works out in multiple situations. and How far apart should electric receptacle outlets be placed in a garage? and What is the code requirement for receptacle outlets in a foyer? Several other standards also come into play: each wall more than 2-feet long needs a receptacle. When was GFCI-protection for kitchen dishwasher receptacle outlet first required? • What is allowable voltage range at a wall receptacle outlet in a house? What problems does having too many electric receptacle outlets on a single circuit cause? • Is there an adapter that can be placed on a two-slot receptacle to make it safe? The website is 100% free. Local electrical codes are often more specific than the NEC, so if you want to know the regulations concerning electrical outlet height in your area, you will need to contact your local government body, and ask them to supply you with detailed information about the height of your outlets to avoid electrical code violations. On the wall that is 11 feet long, without the door, the code requires 1 electrical receptacle (outlet) as that receptacle (outlet) is no more than 6 feet from either perpendicular wall. See the diagram I posted above yours. 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. ORSC E35-210.52(C)(1) See Figure 1. NEC 210.52 General Circuitry kitchen A receptacle outlet shall be installed at each counter space 300 mm [12 inches] or wider, and at each island counter or peninsular space 600 mm [24 inches] by 300 mm [12 inches] or larger. For kitchen countertops, the spacing is reduced so that no point along the wall line is greater than 24 inches from a receptacle. Any floor receptacle is counted as a wall receptacle where the floor receptacle is within 18 inches of the wall. The National Electrical Code (NEC), I explained, normally requires each receptacle outlet to be calculated at 180 VA [120V 20A overcurrent protection device (OCPD) ÷ 180 VA = 13 outlets]. from the end of all countertops in front of walls. The NEC doesn't specify the number of receptacle outlets you must have in the kitchen, but it does have a specific requirement for outlets serving counter spaces more than 12 inches long. • What is the code requirement for GFCI protection for receptacles near a wet bar sink? • How I can tell if a receptacle outlet is tamper resistant? What is the code requirement for GFCI protection for receptacles near a wet bar sink? General: All receptacles 15A or 20A 125V that serve countertop surfaces or that are 6’ from the edge of sinks must be GFCI. To learn more about electrical wiring, devices, and receptacles, see these other blog posts: • What is the difference between what trips a GFCI (ground fault) receptacle and a circuit breaker? Spit receptacles don’t work well in this application due to increased costs, and most electrical contractors prefer to install 20A circuits and use type 5-20R receptacles, for GFCI protection of receptacles near sinks. 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 cover. For purposes of this section, unfinished basements are defined as portions or areas of the basement not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and the like. What's wrong? • Is an ungrounded electric receptacle outlet dangerous? Be sure to t alk to your electrical inspector to find out how they are interpreting this tricky part of the code. The code requires the maximum spacing to be 12' or less, not the 6' like your diagram shows. and What is the code requirement for receptacle outlets in a closet? Is an ungrounded electric receptacle outlet dangerous? What are the most common problems/defects found with electric receptacle outlets during a home inspection? How do the new tamper-resistant electric outlets work? GFCI-protected receptacles are now required in wet areas, for personal shock protection. A receptacle outlet must be installed in every kitchen, family room, dining room, living room, sunroom, parlor, library, den, bedroom, recreation room, and similar room or area so that no point along the wall space is more than 6 feet, measured horizontally along the floor line, from a receptacle outlet [210.52 (A)] (Figure). See our blog, And receptacles that only open to allow standard cord prongs (and not any metal object that a curious child may try to stick into it), called tamper resistant, are the latest improvement. With the ever changing scope of the garage new requirements are ahead for the 2017 NEC (National Electrical Code). What is the requirement for a service receptacle outlet for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HACR) equipment? Additional information on electrical layouts for additions and basements. What is a false ground, bootleg ground, or cheated ground receptacle? • How can adding wood paneling or a wainscot create an electrical safety hazard? Although one receptacle should be placed near each bathroom sink, it should not be placed behind the sink, to avoid the possibility of the cord drooping into a sink full of water. Visit our ELECTRICAL page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. The six foot rule is based on the length of cord supplied with living area devices such as floor and table lamps, televisions, music systems and computers. How far above a kitchen countertop do electrical outlets have to be? As electric technology has evolved over the years, so have receptacles. However, it is important to think about the placement of devices within the room and adjust the actual position of the electrical receptacles (outlets) accordingly. 5. If you click on an ad or link we may receive a fee or a commission if you purchase an item. National Electrical Code Introduction 5 Electrical Connections 110.14(D) Terminal Connection Torque 6 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel 210.8 Preface 7 210.8 – for Personnel 8 210.8(A) – Dwelling Units 9-11 210.8(B) – Other Than Dwelling Units 12-18 210.8(D) – Specific Appliances 19 In general electrical receptacles are installed along building walls such that at no point along the wall is the distance to the nearest electrical receptacle more than six feet - i.e. Any countertop space 12 in. A. THE NEW: 210.11 (C) (4) – DWELLING UNITS – GARAGE BRANCH CIRCUITS How far apart should kitchen counter receptacles be spaced? • What are "self-contained" electrical receptacle outlets and switches? Does a washing machine receptacle outlet require GFCI protection? The "24 Inch Rule" for Fire-Rated Walls. • Does a home inspector remove receptacle outlet cover plates? Nonliving areas are generally defined as: For clarification the following diagram shows the differences in the number and position of electrical receptacles (outlets), relative to wall length and an obstruction, in this example a doorway, Figure 2. and How many electrical receptacle outlets are required in a hallway? And, obviously, older homes have fewer receptacles. Also, construction methods and materials vary in different parts of the country and it is possible that important issues related to your area may not be covered here. Where are GFCI receptacle outlets required? When installing outlets and light switches in fire-rated walls, there are a few fire-related regulations and electrical codes regarding the placement of these penetrations. What is allowable voltage range at a wall receptacle outlet in a house? State Electrical Code and Interpretations The North Carolina State Electrical Code consists of an adopted version of the National Electrical Code (NEC) supplemented by State Amendments. Any countertop 12 inches wider or more should have an outlet on the wall behind the countertop. • What are the most common problems/defects found with electric receptacle outlets during a home inspection? And a floor receptacle in a dry area, like a living room, should have a special “rated” cover that protects the slots when not in use. According to the revised code language, when measuring wall spaces to determine if they need a receptacle, a wall space includes any space 2 foot wide or more, that is unbroken along the floor line by doorways and similar openings, fireplaces, and fixed cabinets without a countertop or similar work surface. William E. (Gene) Bradham Director Email City-County Inspections Department 101 City Hall Plaza Durham, NC 27701 Phone: 919-560-4144 IVR: 919-560-1500 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •. (110822 Item B-6) (I) Foyers. When was the current receptacle/outlet spacing of 12-feet first required? apart. • Can I remove a 240-volt range receptacle and hard-wire the range? See our blog post Where are GFCI receptacle outlets required? Why does painting an electric receptacle (outlet) make it unsafe? Kitchen counters now have a more stringent standard: no point along the back of the counter can be more than 2-feet from a receptacle, and any counter more than 1-foot long requires a receptacle. All countertop receptacles and any receptacle within 6 feet of a sink must be GFCI-protected. There can be no part of the countertop farther than 24 inches from an outlet, which means that the maximum spacing between countertop receptacles is 48 inches. • How can I tell if the electric receptacle outlets are grounded? Is a house required to have outdoor electric receptacle outlets? This leaves a distance of 10 feet between the electrical receptacles (outlets), which is also within the code requirements. On the lower portion of the Figure 2 diagram we have also placed 2 electrical receptacles (outlets) 4 feet from either perpendicular wall. We are in Florida and provide plenty of information about hurricanes and sinkholes, for example, but nothing on basements and ice dams. Receptacles spacing in building codes indicate maximum distance between room wall receptacles as well as minimum wall lengths that require a wall receptacle to be located in. These tighter standards have developed over the years in response to the increasing use of plug-in electric appliances around the home. Additional information on electrical receptacles (outlets) and switch box positioning. Equally important, though, are locations where an electric receptacles should not be placed: As electric technology has evolved over the years, so have receptacles. What is the difference between what trips a GFCI (ground fault) receptacle and a circuit breaker? Foyers that are not part of a hallway in accordance with 210.52(H) and that have an area that is greater than 5.6m2 (60 ft2) shall have at least one receptacle located in each wall In the upper portion of the Figure 2 diagram we have placed 2 electrical receptacles (outlets) 6 feet from either perpendicular wall. When should I replace electric receptacle outlets? As long as you use the 6 / 12 rule as a minimum guideline you will be within code. This article is based on the NEC 2002 code. For all details of kitchen spacing, go to our blog post. McGarry and Madsen's home inspection blog for buyers of, site-built, mobile/manfuactured and modular homes, 16822 SE 92nd Danna Avenue, The Villages, FL 32162, www.thevillagesbestinspector.com • Comments or questions to  mcgarryandmadsen@mac.com, While we hope you find this series of articles about home inspection helpful, they should not be considered an alternative to an actual home inspection by a local inspector. Requirements for electrical receptacle (outlet or wall plug) spacing, height, and clearances in buildings. • When were GFCI receptacle outlets first required? These dimensions certainly … • What is the height requirement for an electric receptacle outlet? Local Codes. 24 inches, measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space; therefore, the maximum receptacle spacing is 48 inches on center. My bathroom electric receptacle/outlet is dead and there are no tripped breakers in the electric panel. There are also some details and exceptions to know: There must be a receptacle within 24 in. How can adding wood paneling or a wainscot create an electrical safety hazard? In regards to fire-rated walls, electrical outlets and light switches must be treated with firestop materials. The national electric code calls for outlets on walls every 12 feet, on any wall wider than 24 inches, and GFCI (ground fault current interrupter) outlets in bathrooms and above countertops. Is there an adapter that can be placed on a two-slot receptacle to make it safe? Receptacles directly over a baseboard electric heater are a no-no. Hence the positions of the electrical receptacles (outlets) are within the code.
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