Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams

wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Wiring and Installing Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable
ask the electrician
Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams
wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Installing and Wire Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable

Electrical Codes for Wiring Outlets

electrical codes for outlets
Summary: Listing of electrical codes for outlets with examples of electrical outlets codes for home electrical wiring.


Electrical Code Definitions for Home Electrical Outlets


Electrical Wiring Video

Electric Outlet Wiring, How to Wire an Outlet

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos

Will Display at the End of This Video

So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!


Check out my YouTube Channel:
» AskTheElectrician «
and Subscribe!


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.

Code Adoption Information: The codes shown are examples only and may not be current or accurate for your application or jurisdiction. Contact your local building authority for complete information.

REPLACEMENT RECEPTACLES


NEC 210-7 where a grounding means does not exist in the receptacle enclosure, the installation shall comply with (a), (b), or (c),
a) a non- grounding type receptacle may be installed;
b) a ground-fault circuit-interrupter receptacle may be installed and shall be marked "No Equipment Ground." [An equipment grounding conductor shall NOT be connected from the GFCI receptacle to any outlet supplied from the GFCI;]
c) a grounding type receptacle may replace a non-grounding type receptacle when supplied through a ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacle. Grounding type receptacles supplied by a GFCI shall be marked "GFCI Protected" and "No Equipment Grounded." If more information is needed to complete your project, there are many books available at your local Home Improvement Center that are designed to help homeowners.

NEC 210-52 Receptacles installed in the kitchen to serve countertop surfaces shall be supplied by not less than two separate small appliance branch circuits.

NEC 210-52 Generally, receptacle outlets in habitable rooms shall be installed so that no point along the floor line (measured horizontally) in any wall space is more than 6 feet from an outlet in that space. An outlet shall be installed in each wall space 2 feet or more in width.

NEC 210-52 At kitchen countertops, receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line (measured horizontally) is more than 24 inches from a receptacle outlet in that space.

NEC 210-52 A receptacle shall be installed at each counter space 12 inches or wider, and at each island counter or peninsular space larger than 12 inches by 24 inches.

NEC 210-52 Receptacles shall not be installed in a face up position on work surfaces or countertops.

NEC 210-52 Outdoor receptacles, accessible at grade level and no more than 6 1/2 feet above grade, shall be installed at the front and back of a dwelling.

NEC 210-52 Generally, receptacle outlets in habitable rooms shall be installed so that no point along the floor line (measured horizontally) in any wall space is more than 6 feet from an outlet in that space. An outlet shall be installed in each wall space 2 feet or more in width.

NEC 210-52 At kitchen Countertops, receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line (measured horizontally) is more than 24 inches from a receptacle outlet in that space.

NEC 210.52 General Circuitry kitchen At kitchen countertops, receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 600 mm [24 inches] measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space.

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. Countertop spaces separated by, range tops, sinks or refrigerators are separate spaces.

NEC 210-52 A receptacle shall be installed at each counter space 12 inches or wider, and at each island counter or peninsular space larger than 12 inches by 24 inches.

NEC 210-52 Receptacles shall not be installed in a face up position on work surfaces or countertops.

NEC 210-52 Outdoor Receptacles, accessible at grade level and no more than 6 1/2 feet above grade, shall be installed at the front and back of a dwelling.

NEC 210-70 At least one wall switch controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every interior stairway, with a switch at each floor level to control the lighting outlet when the difference between floor levels is six steps or more.

NEC 210.52 General Circuitry outdoor outlets
Outdoor receptacles, accessible at grade level and no more than 2 m [6.5'] above grade, shall be installed at the front and back of a dwelling.

NEC 210.52 General Circuitry outlets in rooms
Generally, receptacle outlets in habitable rooms shall be installed so that no point measured horizontally along the floor line in any wall space is more than 1.8 m [6'] from a receptacle outlet. A receptacle shall be installed in each wall space 2 feet or more in width.

NEC 210.52 General Circuit Requirements outdoor outlets
At least one receptacle, accessible at grade level and no more than 6.5' above grade, shall be installed at the front and back of a dwelling and shall have covers that are weatherproof whether or not an attachment plug is inserted.

Residential Electrical Code Examples for Outlets

IRC Codes:

Receptacle Outlets Required NEC 210.52

1. Where. Every kitchen, family room, dining room, living room, parlor, library, den, sunroom, bedroom, recreation room, or similar room or area of dwelling units.

2. Spacing. Receptacles shall be installed so that no point measured horizontally along the floor line in any wall space is more than 6 feet from a receptacle outlet.

3.Wall Space.
a.Any space 2 feet or more in width
b.The space occupied by fixed panels in exteriors, excluding sliding panels.
c.The space afforded by fixed room dividers such as freestanding bar-type counters or railings.

4.Floor Receptacles. If receptacle is located with in 18 inches of wall it will be counted as part of the number of required outlets in the wall.

5.Wall Counter Spaces. A receptacle outlet shall be installed at each wall counter space that is 12 inches or wider. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line more than 24 inches measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet.

6.Island Counter Spaces. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed at each island counter space with a dimensions greater than 12 inches x 24 inches.

7.Peninsular Counter Spaces. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed at each island peninsular counter space with dimensions greater than 12 inches x 24 inches.

8.Receptacle Outlet Location For Counter Tops. Receptacle outlet shall be located above, but not more than 20 inches above, the counter top.

9.Bathrooms. At least one wall receptacle outlet shall be installed within 3 feet of the outside edge of each basin (sink).

10.Outdoor Outlets. At least one receptacle outlet accessible at grade level and not more that 6 1/2 feet above grade shall be installed at the front and back of the dwelling.

11.Laundry Areas. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed for general purpose.

12.Basements and Garages. At least one receptacle outlet, in addition to any provided for laundry equipment, shall be installed in each basement and in each attached and detached garage, where electric power is supplied. Where basement is unfinished than only one receptacle outlet needs to be installed.

13.Hallways. Hallways of 10 feet or more in length shall have at least one receptacle outlet.

14.Outlets in wet locations must be waterproof, the integrity of which is not affected when a cord is plugged in. NEC 406.8

15.Outlets shall not be installed in bathtub and shower spaces even if installed in a waterproof enclosure. NEC 406.8


Always contact your local building authority for complete and up to date code information.

More about Outlet Electrical Wiring


  • Exposed Electrical Outlet Wiring
  • How to Check an Electrical Wall Outlet for Safety – Unchecked problems can turn into electrical hazards that can be prevented and easily corrected.
  • How To Wire An Outlet From A Switch
  • Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home – Home electrical which wiring includes 110 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
  • Replacing an Electrical Outlet
  • How to Replace an Electrical Outlet: When an Electrical Outlet has been Damaged or is Worn Out then Replacing the Outlet is Necessary using this Process.
  • The Difference Between a Wall Outlet and a Floor Outlet
  • Floor Outlet Characteristics and Components: I would like to install a 15 amp floor outlet, are their specific codes that involve floor outlets?
  • Home Electrical Wiring Corrections
  • How to Make Electrical Wiring Connections with the help of Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams.

Learn more about Outlet Wiring



» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here is How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.


  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.



More about Electrical Codes for Outlets


related

Questions about Electrical Codes for Wiring Outlets


Questions about Residential Electrical Wiring Codes for Outlets


Question from Grant, a Homeowner in Portland, Oregon

When upgrading old outlet circuit wiring with new wire can the old wires be capped off?

I have old ungrounded wiring on the second floor of my house. I would like to replace the old wiring on each outlet with Romex that I am able to fish down from the attic. The existing wiring to each outlet comes in from under the floorboards, so I can’t really access it to disconnect from the power source without tearing up the ceiling below. My question: is it OK to just cap and tape the ends of the old wires, and leave them in the outlet box along with the outlet and new wire? Is there any danger in leaving a “live” wire in there, even though it would never have current running through it again? All the wire runs terminate at the outlet. If I can’t leave it in there, what should I do?

Dave’s Answer:

Grant, when installing new circuit wiring to replace old ungrounded wiring it is best to remove the old wiring. However, when that is not possible then capping off the old wires with either electrical tape or wire connectors is OK. Keep in mind that the outlet box must be large enough for all of the wires and the outlet.


Specific Project:
Electrical Outlets in a Basement located in an Industrial Building

Question from Scott in Milwaukee, Wisconsin asks:

What is the code for the Outlet Ground?

What is the code for 110 vac outlets; should the outlet be positioned with the ground up or the ground down?

Dave’s Answer:
At this time the NEC Code does not specify the orientation of the ground for a 110 vac outlet.
However specific projects may fall within other codes and guidelines.
For Example: Healthcare facilities within the OSHPD jurisdiction in California require that the outlet ground is to be positioned up.

Be sure to check with your local codes, or plan set for the project you are working on to see if there is a clear specification.

I have had some homeowners request ground up for all outlets for a few custom home projects as their personal preference.



Question:
Can a bathroom outlet circuit be used for a bedroom outlet?
Josh from Seattle, Washington asks:
I would like to install a new switched outlet in my closet. The closet shares a wall with the bathroom which has a receptacle. I’d like to use the existing bathroom receptacle power for the new switched receptacle but have read that it’s not allowed according to NEC code.

The house is a 2007 townhouse. The existing bathroom receptacle does not have the breaker buttons I’m used to seeing for water areas, so I am assuming it’s a special power source?

Is doing something like this to compliant with the NEC national code?

Answer:
The bathroom circuit should not be used for the bedroom outlet as you have described. It is best to branch off of the existing bedroom outlet circuit instead in order to keep these rooms isolated from each other.




Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

outlets-110volt

Outlets Parts and Accessories


120volt Wall Outlet

GFCI Outlet

Switch and Outlet Combo





RELATED


More about Electrical code outlets

Why Is My Bathroom Light Fixture Not Working?
How to Fix a Bathroom Light Fixture and a Bath Exhaust Fan that has Stopped Working. The Most Common Problems with Bathroom Light Fixtures and How You Can Fix Them.

Causes of Electric Circuit Buzz Crackle or Sizzle
How to find out what is causing a buzz and crackle sound in the electric box. How to Locate the Cause of Electrical Circuit Buzz or Crackle, The Most Common Problems that Cause Electrical Circuit Buzz or Crackle and What Should Be Done.

How to Wire a 220 Volt Electric Furnace
How Do I Wire an Electric Furnace? Wiring Connections for 220 Volt Electric Heater and How to Connect the Electrical Circuit Wiring for a Furnace.

What To Do With The Ground Wire
Grounding Wall Outlets and Light Switches: What to do When there is Nothing to Attach the Ground Wire to, Grounding Wall Outlets and Light Switches, Ground Wires and Ungrounded Fixtures and Boxes, Bonding the Ground Wire.

220 240 Volt Air Compressor Wiring
How to Wire a 220 Volt Air Compressor and Control Switch: Wiring a standard 240 volt motor for equipment such as an air compressor there are only two insulated wires for the 220/240 volts and one separate wire for the ground.

Lightning Strikes Can Damage Electrical Wiring
We had a lightning strike our tree in our front yard. A circuit breaker tripped in the breaker box. It would not reset...

Why Receptacle Outlets are Not Getting Full Power
Why Do I Only Have 70 Volts on a 120 Volt Receptacle? How to Troubleshoot and Repair Outlet Problems, The Most Common Problem with Electric Outlets and How to Repair Them.

Wiring a Clothes Dryer
How to Wire a Dryer Cord and Plug: Find out how it s it possible to rewire most dryers so that it can use a 3 wire plug.

electrical code outlets - 1719