Outlet Spacing

If no room for outlets is available on the wall a floor outlet is an option.

Outlet spacing. 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. For example an electrical outlet can be placed between 12 and 16 inches from the floor. 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.

The nec outlines the spacing requirements for electrical outlet installation. No point measured along the floor line can exceed 6 feet from an electrical outlet to reduce the need for hazardous extension cords. 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.

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. Requirements for electrical receptacle outlet or wall plug spacing height and clearances in buildings. Figure 1 spacing of electrical outlets along a wall.

Any countertop 12 inches wider or more should have an outlet on the wall behind the countertop. Receptacles can be as high as 5 1 2 ft.