The National Electrical Code (NEC), published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as NFPA 70, outlines detailed specifications for electrical receptacles (outlets). Below is a structured overview of the key NEC specifications for receptacles, including types, locations, spacing, amperage, and safety requirements as per the 2023 NEC edition (still widely adopted in jurisdictions as of 2025).
⚡ 1. General Receptacle Requirements
🧱 1.1 Spacing (NEC 210.52(A))
- Receptacles must be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 6 feet from a receptacle.
- Applies to residential dwelling unit general-use areas (living rooms, bedrooms, family rooms, etc.).
- Includes wall spaces 2 feet wide or more.
🧱 1.2 Floor Receptacles (NEC 210.52(A)(3))
- Counted as part of the required receptacle spacing only if within 18 inches of the wall.
🧱 1.3 Hallways (NEC 210.52(H))
- Hallways 10 feet or more in length require at least one receptacle.
🛁 2. Location-Specific Rules
2.1 Kitchens (NEC 210.52(C))
- Receptacles must be installed along countertops:
- No more than 4 feet apart
- Every 2 feet of wall space must have an outlet
- Required at:
- Island countertops
- Peninsulas
- Must be GFCI protected (NEC 210.8(A)(6)).
2.2 Bathrooms (NEC 210.52(D))
- At least one receptacle must be installed within 3 feet of the basin edge.
- Must be GFCI protected.
2.3 Garages and Outdoors (NEC 210.52(G), (E))
- At least one receptacle required in attached/detached garages with power.
- At least one receptacle outdoors at the front and back of dwellings.
- Must be GFCI protected and weather-resistant (WR-rated).
🔌 3. Ampacity and Configuration
3.1 Common Residential Ratings
- 15-amp, 125V: Standard duplex outlets.
- 20-amp, 125V: Required in some kitchen and laundry areas.
- 240V outlets: Used for appliances (e.g., dryers, ovens) and must be specifically rated.
3.2 Receptacle Identification
- T-slot = 20-amp rated.
- Straight slot = 15-amp rated.
3.3 Tamper-Resistant (TR) Receptacles (NEC 406.12)
Required in:
- Dwelling units (all habitable rooms)
- Common areas of multifamily dwellings
- Guest rooms and guest suites
- Childcare facilities
🔒 4. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Protection (NEC 210.8(A))
GFCI is required for receptacles in:
- Bathrooms
- Garages
- Outdoors
- Crawl spaces
- Unfinished basements
- Kitchens (within 6 feet of sink)
- Laundry areas
- Utility rooms
- Wet bar areas
All GFCI outlets must be readily accessible and listed for the environment (e.g., WR for outdoors).
🔐 5. Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Protection (NEC 210.12(A))
Required in:
- Living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms, libraries
- Bedrooms, hallways, closets, sunrooms, etc.
AFCI devices protect branch circuits against series and parallel arcing faults, minimizing the risk of fire.
🧠 6. Other Important NEC Notes
6.1 Box Fill and Spacing (NEC 314.16)
- Receptacle boxes must not be overfilled; cubic inch capacity must match wire/conductor count.
6.2 Polarity (NEC 406.5)
- Receptacles must be connected with correct hot-neutral-ground polarity.
6.3 Face-Up Prohibition (NEC 406.5(E))
- Receptacles cannot be installed face-up on countertops (unless listed for that orientation).
6.4 Accessible Mounting Height (ADA + NEC)
- Typical mounting height: 12–18 inches from the floor.
- ADA compliance: Controls must be no higher than 48 inches from the floor in accessible areas.
🏁 Summary Table
| Area | Spacing Requirement | GFCI Required | AFCI Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Rooms | Every 6 ft | No | Yes | TR required |
| Kitchens | Every 2–4 ft | Yes | Yes | At islands & peninsulas |
| Bathrooms | 1 within 3 ft | Yes | Yes | Near lavatory basin |
| Outdoors | 1 front, 1 rear | Yes | No | WR receptacles |
| Garages | 1 min | Yes | No | If powered |
| Hallways (≥10 ft) | 1 min | No | Yes |