ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues 6 foot rule in meeting room

I've been put in charge of installing new power to a remodeled meeting room in my church's community center basement. The room is about 60 by 30 and has two entrances. I normally do electrical maintenance and installations in a factory and connected office building. My question is whether I need to install my outlets under the rule of keeping them within 6 feet of any wall area.This will require about 9 outlets. I have no problem installing them but don't want to be critisized for overdoing it. Thank's

The 6 foot rule only applies to dwelling units and guest rooms in motels. Article 250-50(b) requires receptacles whenever flexible cords with attachment plugs are used, with no minimum number or distance requirements stated. The 6 foot rule is generally used in other occupancies for convienience but is not required. One receptacle will work if you have a long enough cord on a vacuum cleaner! That is assuming that a vacuum is used! I don't think 9 outlets is overdoing it in that size of room. A meeting room may have several loads requiring outlets, ie coffee pots, TVs, projectors, etc. Better to have too many outlets than not enough.

BTW, we have a large Amish community in our area and they don't use electricity. No electricity, no NEC.

sparks55

If you are referring to the rule of having a receptacles every 12' (within 6' of any point) along the wall line, that only applies to dwelling units.