Required Residential Receptacles Per Square Foot

Outdoor Receptacles

• The National Electric Code requires each residential dwelling to have at least two electric receptacles located on the exterior of the building, one at the front and one at the rear. These exterior outlets must be no higher than 6.5 feet above grade so that a resident can access the receptacles from ground level. Both exterior outlets must have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection that automatically shuts off the flow of electrical power if wet conditions make it unsafe to use the outlet.

Receptacles in Living Areas

• Inside the house, the code calls for receptacles to be spaced no more than 12 feet apart so that any point on a wall, measuring horizontally along the line of the floor, is within 6 feet of an electric outlet. An outlet must be installed in every wall that is 2 feet wide or wider. In other words, if a closet and doorway on one wall take up so much room that no segment of the wall is 2 feet wide, the code does not require an outlet on that wall.

Kitchen Receptacles

• A kitchen needs enough receptacles to power major appliances, such as a stove, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher. The kitchen also needs enough receptacles to power small appliances like coffeemakers, toasters, blenders and can openers. Along kitchen countertops, the code calls for receptacles to be spaced no more than 4 feet apart so that any point on the countertop is within 24 inches of an electrical outlet. A receptacle must be installed at each counter space that is 12 inches wide or larger, and at least one receptacle must be installed at a kitchen island or peninsula that measures 24 inches by 12 inches or larger.

GFCI Outlets

• In residential dwellings, the code requires GFCI outlets in areas where moisture can affect the flow of electricity. In particular, GFCI outlets are required for safety purposes in receptacles that are located outdoors or in garages. These outlets must also be used in bathrooms, kitchens, unfinished basements, wet bars and boathouses. Hydro-massage bathtubs are also required to be protected by GFCI connections.