Rule 26-702 Receptacles in Residential Occupancies (see Appendices B and G
(16) A receptacle shall not be placed in a cupboard, cabinet, or similar enclosure except where:
(a) The receptacle is an integral part of a factory-built enclosure; or
(b) The receptacle is provided for use with a specific type of appliance that is intended for use within the enclosure; or
(c) The receptacle is intended for use with a microwave oven.
(17) Except for cord-connected dishwashers, in-line water heaters, garbage disposal units, and other similar appliances, receptacles installed in cupboards, cabinets, or similar enclosures in accordance with Paragraph (16)(b) shall be de-energized unless the enclosure door is in the fully opened position.
(22) Any receptacle that is part of a lighting fixture or appliance, or that is located within cabinets or cupboards as permitted by Subrule (16), or that is located more than 1.7 m above the floor shall not be considered as any of the receptacles required by this Rule.
Intent for Rule 26-702...
Subrule (16). Receptacles shall not be placed in cupboards/wall cabinets, unless:
(a) the receptacle is an integral part of a factory-built enclosure that is certified to Canadian standards (the standard requires the receptacle to be de-energized unless the enclosure door is in the fully open position); or
(b) they are intended for use with a specific appliance, ie, a receptacle in a cupboard/wall cabinet would be allowable for a food mixer mounted on a swing-away shelf; or
(c) they are intended for use with a microwave oven.
Subrule (17). We intend that where a receptacle is installed in a cupboard, cabinet, or similar enclosure, the receptacle shall be de-energized unless the door remains in the fully open position. An exception to this requirement is made for cord-connected dishwashers, in-line water heaters, garbage disposal units, and other similar appliances. We don't want an appliance to be plugged into a receptacle and then have someone damage the cord while trying to close the door of the cupboard, or a cooking or heating appliance to be plugged in and left on with the cupboard door closed, thus creating a severe fire hazard.
Subrule (22). Some outdoor lighting fixtures or appliances such as ranges are equipped with an integral receptacle. Such receptacles as well as those located within cabinets or cupboards, as permitted by Subrule (16), or receptacles located more than 1.7 m above the floor, are not to be substituted for any of the receptacles required by this Rule.
Tony Moscioni
Electrical Inspector
Electrical Safety Authority
