I'd like to discuss the NEC requirement for a "Laundry receptacle."
The simple language of the code requires such a receptacle (210.52F) and that the circuit have no other outlets (210.11C2)
As explained (WAAAY back) in apprentice school, this was intended to provide for using a clothes iron. Yet, I observe that 210.52F references the laundry equipment, suggesting this outlet is to be used to power the washing machine, and not the iron.
210.11C2, however, specifies a 20-amp branch circuit. By the context - this is the section that covers the 'convenience outlets' - the code presumably means a 120V, 20A receptacle.
IMO, the code leaves many 'design issues' unresolved. Here are some of the issues I'd like this thread to address:
1) With many 'stack' units requiring 240V, is it sufficient to provide ONLY a receptacle for the equipment?
2) Laundry equipment is typically placed in spaces serving other equipment and uses. When are such areas also required to be served by 'convenience receptacles,' as described in 210.52A?
3) May the 'laundry circuit' also power a general-use receptacle (ostensibly there to power an iron)? Does speculated temporary equipment (an iron) qualify as 'laundry equipment?' If the receptacle COULD be used for other purposes (like powering a vacuum), have we violated the 'no other loads' restriction?
4) If we were to have such an 'ironing' receptacle, would 210.52A also require us to have a convenience receptacle, fed by a different circuit? Possibly mounted right next to the ironing receptacle?
5) Let us assume a gas dryer with a 120v igniter (simple plug-in). Are we REQUIRED to power this from a laundry circuit, or may any receptacle be used?
6) Laundry rooms often contain heating equipment. Heating equipment is required by the 'other code' to have it's own circuit. Does this restriction apply to the receptacle that igniter is powered by? Can the dryer, water heater, and furnace igniters all use convenience receptacles - or receptacles on the same circuit?
7) Let us assume the room that contains the laundry equipment serves other uses .... say, as an entryway, mud room, carport, porch, unfinished basement, etc .... at what point do you require the other receptacles in these areas to be powered by a separate convenience circuit?
8) If the water heater is adjacent to the laundry equipment, may it be considered to also be 'laundry equipment,' for the purpose of powering the igniter?
9) Must the lights in the laundry area be powered from a different circuit than the laundry equipment? (Keep in mind that such equipment is often installed in closets, where the 'light' is a simple bulb on a pull chain).
10) Can we infer that a receptacle for 'ironing' needs to be mounted at 'counter height?'
Let the discussion begin!
