On the lower portion of the Figure 2 diagram we have also placed 2 electrical receptacles (outlets) 4 feet from either perpendicular wall.Hence the positions of the electrical receptacles (outlets) are within the code. This leaves a distance of 6 feet between the electrical receptacles (outlets). In the upper portion of the Figure 2 diagram we have placed 2 electrical receptacles (outlets) 6 feet from either perpendicular wall.On the wall that is 18 feet long, the code requires 2 electrical receptacles (outlets). To meet code requirements we have placed an electrical receptacle (outlet) in the center of both of the walls that abut the doorway - 2 feet from the door in both directions and 2 feet from the wall on both directions. The code requires that we have an electrical receptacle (outlet) no more than 6 feet from the corner of the wall and no more than 6 feet from an obstruction - the doorway. On the opposite wall there is a doorway in the center of the wall. On the wall that is 11 feet long, without the door, the code requires 1 electrical receptacle (outlet) as that receptacle (outlet) is no more than 6 feet from either perpendicular wall. Figure 2 - Electrical outlet spacing in a room kitchen area that is void of countertopsįor clarification the following diagram shows the differences in the number and position of electrical receptacles (outlets), relative to wall length and an obstruction, in this example a doorway, Figure 2.The 6 / 12 rule are minimums and in theory there is no reason within the code that you could not have an electrical receptacle (outlet) every foot across the wall space. Figure 1 - Spacing of electrical outlets along a wall 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. Doing the electrical work as a DIY home handyman does not remove the need for you to follow any and all codes and rules. This article is based on the NEC 2002 code. If you are performing a major home improvement on any of the living areas in your home, it is important that you understand the National Electrical Code (NEC) rules for the placement of electrical receptacles (outlets). Electrical receptacle (outlet) Locations In Living Areas

Placing electrical outlets in slatwall