Do outlets have to be a certain distance apart?
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.
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).
The General Rule of Thumb for Outlet Spacing
Receptacles are needed in every room of a home such that no point on a wall is over 6′ from an outlet. This means that you need an outlet within 6′ of a doorway or fireplace. A long wall, however, may have up to 12′ between outlets.
The maximum spacing between receptacles, according to the National Electric Code, has been set at 12-feet since 1956—with no point along a wall being more than 6-feet from a receptacle.
This spacing is based on the average length of electrical cord found on most small kitchen appliances. The intent is to prevent homeowners from stretching cords too far and creating hazards.
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 ...
The only guidance the NEC provides for receptacle outlet placement is in PART III of Article 210. Everything beyond these requirements is design preference. As long as you can properly install the box, receptacle and trim plate, there is no restriction on locating a receptacle outlet near a corner.
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.
National Electrical Code & Outlets
The National Electrical Code (NEC) does not limit the number of outlets per circuit. The NEC only states that a circuit cannot supply more than 80% of the circuit breakers limits. This is so the circuit breaker does not constantly trip during regular use.
Ideally, you should spread as many outlets around your home as possible and assign them to a single circuit. Just keep in mind the maximum load for a single circuit. A good rule of thumb is to assume that there will be a maximum power draw of 1.5 amps for each outlet, allowing 10 outlets for a single 20-amp circuit.
Can you put 15 amp outlets on a 20 amp circuit?
Can You Put A 15 Amp Outlet On A 20 Amp Circuit? Yes. You can very well put a 15 amp receptible on a 20 amp circuit. In fact, with the highest allowable amps on a 20 amp circuit in mind, you can put a 16 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit.
How many outlets can be put on a 20 amp circuit safely? A rule of thumb is to factor a maximum draw of 1.5 amps to each receptacle, which means you can put 10 outlets on a 20-amp circuit.
spacing between wall receptacles is 12 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 4) Receptacles installed in the floor must be within 18 inches of the wall to be included as a require receptacle (See Figure 3).
The maximum spacing between receptacles, according to the National Electric Code (NEC), has been set at 12-feet since 1956--with no point along a wall being more than 6-feet from a receptacle. The logic behind that number is that an appliance with a standard length cord could then be plugged-in anywhere along the wall.
To comply with building regulations, an outlet should be located six feet from any point along the floor line. For a typical 11- by 12-foot room, with 12-foot maximum distance between each outlet, this means you can install between one and five outlets.
An electrical panel must be installed at least 4 feet off the ground, but cannot be higher than 6 feet. You need to also allow for the panel door to open at least 90 degrees.
The Code of Federal Regulations 28 Part 36 (American Disabilities Act) in Section 4.27. 3 states that electrical and communications system receptacles on walls shall be mounted no less than 15" above floor.
Watch out: do not install a pair of interior and exterior electrical receptacle boxes in the same stud bay back-to back. The result of such an installation can violate the fire resistance of the wall. Instead, as you will read below, the boxes need to be offset from one another.
spacing between wall receptacles is 12 ft.
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.