ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Plugs behind doors?

Ahh ok. I guess the boss is right. That does happen from time to time.

I thought there was a 'Usable wall space' clause... but I just looked and apperently I made that up.

I do have to say I don't recall ever plugging a device into a plug behind a door. Darn code, strikes again.

I would not require recpts in closets (most of my closets have them) and I would not require recepts where a normally open door would cover the entire wall section.

"I would not require recpts in closets (most of my closets have them) and I would not require recepts where a normally open door would cover the entire wall section."

You would not be enforcing code either.

"One needs to read the code in a rational manner."
I like this approach. How many inspectors are rational? Maybe I should word that differently. If everyone read the code in a rational manner, I don't think we would have had the change from useable wall space. Too many people tried taking too many shortcuts and too many inspectors got fed up with arguing about whether there should be one there or not.

The "receptacle behind the door" is the direct result of using the code improperly.

First, let's review what the code actually says.
Code says, in effect, that receptacles be spaced no further than 12 ft. apart, measuring along the baseboard.
Code ALSO says "this is not a design manual."

Nevertheless, the practice has developed where a man will start at the door, measure off 6 ft, place a receptacle.... measure off 12 ft, place a receptacle... and so on, around the room.
Since many bedrooms measure something like 10x12, 12x12, etc., this results in receptacles in the middle of the walls, with the final one behind the door.
Does it meet code? Yes. Does it use the absolute minimum number of receptacles? Yes. Does it result in every receptacle being poorly placed? YES.


That final receptacle can be anywhere within 6 ft of the hinge side of the door. If that places it, say, 2 ft away from the corner, on the meeting wall, that is fine.

It is NOT true that every 2 ft wall needs a receptacle.... it IS true that every 2 ft wall be included in measuring along the baseboard.

I don't agree with you Reno. All wall spaces 2 foot or wider require a receptacle to prevent running a cord across a doorway to plug in something that needs power. That's the way I read 210.52(A)(1),(2). ('02 NEC) If I'm wrong I'm sure I'll be corrected for sure.

I think we just might be having a communications issue here.

I believe John is saying I could start my 6' at this door jamb, measure along the baseboard, turn the corner and place an outlet on this wall still within 6' of the door along the baseboard.

If that is what he means I agree that is OK.

That said personally I like the idea of an easily accessible outlet for general purpose use.

One that is not behind the sofa or entertainment center.

I agree with you Bob. Wall space that extends around the corner of a room unbroken is treated as the same wall space. Whereas if we had a 2 foot wall space between the room door and then it was interrupted by a closet door, that 2 foot wall would get a receptacle even if it where behind the door.

Thanks, Bob and George. I didn't want to spend most of my post going into all the 'ifs, ands, or buts' of the "12 ft. rule." As you rightly pointed out, doors do change things!

I don't have my NEC 2005 to verify (left it at work), but IRC 2003 has an illustration (Fig E3801.2) of a short wall behind a door being explicitely counted as part of the 6' but not requiring a receptacle by itself.

I'm curious- am I the only one who refers to IRC as opposed to NEC when looking for electrical code on simple residential things? In VA at least, NEC is only invoked because it's a reference of IRC/IBC and it's not itself ever called out by law. So, the electrical portion of IRC is every bit as legally binding, and generally nicely condensed.

[This message has been edited by SteveFehr (edited 07-01-2006).]

Steve,

Codes aren't law until adopted by the government that has control of the real estate where the building is located (the AHJ).
The 2003 IRC chapters 33-42 are based on the 2002 NEC (and authored by the same NEC folks). If your AHJ has adopted the 2005 NEC, and you are using the 2003 IRC, then you may be missing some important items.
Are you using the 2006 IRC?, then you are on the same page as the 2005 NEC.