One prime example of the code’s real-world app is with outlet spacing in kitchens.
In the kitchen,countertop outletsshould be no farther than 48 inches away from each other.
This spacing designation is based on the average length of electrical cord found on most small kitchen appliances.
The Spruce / Michela Buttignol
The intent is to prevent homeowners from stretching cords too far and creating hazards.
Most, but not all, follow the recommendations of the national model code, the NEC.
Be sure to check with your local building permit department for particulars.
Spacing outletsmore frequently is allowed, but it is not required by code.
Again, you are allowed to place an outlet in this space if you so choose.
Hallways more than 10 feet long must have at least one electrical outlet, preferably at the mid-point.
Generally, it is desirable to drop in the outlet above the countertop.
But the code’s 3-foot designation provides leeway in case this is not possible or practical.
Outlets in bathrooms should be GFCI-protected and serviced by a 20-amp circuit.
A GFCI circuit breaker protects all outlets downstream.
They do provide a cleaner installation than installing bulky individual GFCI units.
Any countertop 12 inches wide or more should have an outlet on the wall behind the countertop.
Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
As an additional safety measure, most municipalities requiretamper-resistant outletsfor general areas of the home.
These outlets are identified by the recessed letters “TR” on the face of the outlet.
This requirement calls for AFCI (arc-fault circuit-interrupter) protection for these receptacles.
AFCI protection senses and shuts down a circuit when an arc faultminor sparking between wires or wire connectionsoccurs.
AFCI protection reduces the chance of fire due to this sparking.
A 20 amp circuit should have up to 10 outlets, but not more than that.
According to the NEC, the load should not exceed 1250 watts on a 20 amp circuit.
Outlets can be placed almost anywhere in a home, with the exception of a bathtub or shower.
Outlets are also not allowed to be installed face-up on a countertop.
