What is code for installing electrical outlets?

The US National Electrical Code, Section 210.52, states that there should be an electrical outlet in every kitchen, bedroom, living room, family room, and any other room that has dedicated living space. They must be positioned at least every twelve feet measured along the floor line.

What is the maximum distance between electrical outlets?

Sometimes this requirement is known as the “6-foot rule.” (See Figure 1.) Since the maximum distance to a receptacle is 6 feet (1.8 meters), the maximum distance between two receptacles is doubled. Therefore, the maximum distance between receptacles is 12 feet (3.6 meters).

How far off the floor should electrical outlets be?

As for typical heights, that isn't as well-regulated (and we're glad for that). Generally, you want to mount receptacle boxes with the bottom of the box about 16-inches off the floor. Coincidentally, this roughly equates to the same height as your garden variety 22-ounce framing hammer.

What is the minimum distance between two receptacles along a wall?

Wall receptacles serve spaces for 6 ft. on each side of receptacle. Therefore, max. spacing between wall receptacles is 12 ft.

Where should electrical outlets be placed?

Outlet Receptacle Spacing - Code Minimum

Why do electricians install outlets upside down?

Electricians may position the outlet in an upside-down position so that you can quickly identify the switch-controlled receptacle. Since it stands out visually to most people right away – it provides convenience to the occupants to easily remember which outlet is switch controlled.

What is code height for electrical switches?

If you prefer to install the switches lower than the standard 48 inches, there's no restriction, as long as they aren't too low for someone in a wheelchair to access them. The minimum allowable height, according to the Fair Housing Act, is 15 inches from the floor.

Should outlet ground be up or down?

The outlet should be oriented with the ground pin down because a person grabbing the outlet will have their index finger at the bottom side of the plug and the index finger sticks out further than the thumb. Having the ground down will keep a person's index finger from touching the live pins.

Is a receptacle required in a bedroom on a 3 ft wall space behind the door?

So a three foot wall behind a door swing requires a receptacle but, in most cases, you just have to count the length of wall behnd the door swing towards the spacing requirement. As long as it is not more than six feet from a receptacle to the edge of the door jamb, it's acceptable.

Can lights and outlets be on the same circuit?

Maybe. The biggest concern is that if you plug in a heavy enough load, your lights might dim due to the in-rush current. Generally a properly wired home should have dedicated lighting circuits that are apart from receptacles.

How many receptacles can be on a 20 amp circuit?

The answer to the question how many outlets on a 20 amp circuit is ten outlets. Always comply with the 80% circuit and breaker load rule, allowing a maximum load of 1.5 amps per receptacle. Remember that your circuit, wire sizes, and outlets must be compatible to avoid overheating and electrical hazards.

How many receptacles can be on a 15 amp circuit?

Technically, you can have as many outlets on a 15 amp circuit breaker as you want. However, a good rule of thumb is 1 outlet per 1.5 amps, up to 80% of the capacity of the circuit breaker. Therefore, we would suggest a maximum of 8 outlets for a 15 amp circuit.

What is the code for light switches?

Start with the NEC Code

According to NEC 210.70, at least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet (including ceiling fans) must be installed in every habitable room and bathroom of a dwelling unit.

How many outlets should be in a room?

According to US regulations, no single point measured along the floor line of the room walls should be more than 6 ft away from an electrical outlet. This means that a standard, 12 x 14 ft room needs at least 4 to 6 electrical outlets, depending on the wall space.

Does code require an outlet on every wall?

Yes. The requirements are contained in 210.52(A), which reads: 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 in accordance with (1), (2), and (3): (1) Receptacle placement.

How low can you install outlet?

Electrical receptacle outlets on branch circuits of 30 amperes or less and communication system receptacles shall be located no more than 48 inches (1219 mm) measured from the top of the receptacle outlet box nor less than 15 inches (381 mm) measured from the bottom of the receptacle outlet box to the level of the ...

Can a receptacle be behind a door?

Potential hazards can be avoided by the proper use of electrical devices that are plugged into the outlet. Consider that a lengthy electrical cord in use near a doorway may present a tripping hazard. Outlets placed behind the door's swing radius could result in the cord being pinched between the door and the frame.

Is it code to install outlets upside down?

In reality, there is no code requirement that says an outlet receptacle should be installed one way or the other. In fact, at one time some manufacturers actually recommended the orientation that many of us view as upside down—with the round grounding slot at the top.

Can electrical outlets face up?

Receptacles are permitted below a sink, but not face-up. Code Change Summary: New code section prohibits receptacles under a sink in a face-up position.

Why do some outlets have the ground on top?

With the ground up, if the plug should work its way loose you have the ground prong on top to protect an object from falling across the hot and neutral prong. If the ground is down and the plug works it way loose the item that is plugged in is still grounded protecting the user.

How far from the door should a light switch be?

There are no national laws on how far a light switch should be from a door frame. It's recommended that a switch should be installed at least 8 inches from the frame to leave space for the switch plate.

How high should electrical wires run in walls?

We usually run them close to the height that the receptacles are to save wire many of the homes I have wired run from 8” to 24” with most 12-16” I like the taller ones because boring the holes through the studs is easier a little higher, just make you bore your hole in the center of the board so there is 1-1/4” or more ...

How far do light switches have to be off the floor?

Typically, light fixture wall switches in standard residential construction are set so that wall switch boxes are somewhere between 48 and 52 inches above the floor.

What does a blue outlet mean?

The blue color outlets are self grounding outlets with alarm indication in case of loss of ground protection are used in the following applications. Hospital grade outlets in emergency rooms in healthcare buildings and hospital, industrial and commercial applications.

Can I install a GFCI outlet myself?

You'll need: A new GFCI outlet and outlet plate. A flat head screwdriver, for removing the outlet plate and old electrical outlet. A Phillips screwdriver, for replacing the GFCI outlet, and tightening the connections.