Electrical

Electrical Outlet Spacing: Code Requirements

March 21, 2025

Electrical Team

5 min read

Electrical Outlet Spacing: Code Requirements

Have you ever wondered why electrical outlets are placed where they are in your home? It's not random; their placement is dictated by the National Electrical Code (NEC) to ensure both convenience and safety. These rules are designed to minimize the need for extension cords, which can be a common cause of trips and fires.

📏 The General Rule for Habitable Rooms

The most well-known rule applies to general living spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms.

The NEC requires that no point along a wall space be more than 6 feet away from a receptacle. This means you need an outlet within 6 feet of a doorway, and then at least every 12 feet along the wall. This "6-foot/12-foot rule" ensures that a lamp or appliance with a standard 6-foot cord can be plugged in anywhere without an extension cord.

Any wall space that is 2 feet wide or more must have an outlet.

🍽️ Special Rules for Kitchens

Kitchens have their own set of rules due to the high concentration of appliances.

countertop

Countertop Outlets: No point along the countertop wall should be more than 24 inches from an outlet. This generally means you need an outlet every 4 feet. Any countertop surface 12 inches or wider needs an outlet.

island

Kitchen Islands and Peninsulas: These also require at least one outlet to provide power for small appliances. The number and placement depend on the size of the island.

GFCI

GFCI Protection: All outlets serving countertop surfaces must have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection.

📍 Other Important Spacing Rules

The code includes specific requirements for other areas as well.

Placement Rules for Other Areas:

Hallways: Hallways longer than 10 feet must have at least one receptacle.
Bathrooms: Must have at least one GFCI-protected outlet on a 20-amp circuit, located within 3 feet of the outside edge of the sink basin.
Laundry Areas: Must have at least one 20-amp outlet for the washing machine.
Garages and Basements: Require at least one outlet, and they must all be GFCI-protected.

Proper outlet spacing is a key component of a safe and functional electrical design. When planning a renovation or new construction, The Box Advantage Group ensures that all outlet placements meet or exceed NEC requirements, providing you with a home that is both convenient and code-compliant.

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