NEC 210.52: dwelling receptacle rules
Section 210.52 lists where dwelling receptacle outlets are required. Exam questions test the distances and the rooms, so learn the numbers below and where each one sits in the section.
A timed 80-question exam in the ICC R17 format on the 2023 NEC, or your state’s exact format. Every answer has a worked explanation.
Or start with the free branch circuits and receptacles drillThe numbers to know (2023 NEC)
| Location | Requirement | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Habitable rooms | No point along the floor line more than 6 ft from a receptacle (so receptacles can be up to 12 ft apart) | 210.52(A)(1) |
| Wall space | Any space 2 ft or more wide counts | 210.52(A)(2) |
| Kitchen and dining | Two or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits | 210.52(B) |
| Kitchen wall countertops | Every space 12 in. or wider; no point more than 24 in. from a receptacle | 210.52(C)(1) |
| Bathrooms | At least one receptacle within 3 ft of the outside edge of each basin | 210.52(D) |
| Outdoors, one- and two-family | One at the front and one at the back, accessible from grade, not more than 6-1/2 ft above grade | 210.52(E)(1) |
| Laundry | At least one receptacle for the laundry area | 210.52(F) |
| Hallways | At least one receptacle in a hallway 10 ft or longer | 210.52(H) |
Worked example
A living room wall 20 ft long with no doors
- No point along the floor line may be more than 6 ft from a receptacle (210.52(A)(1)).
- A receptacle 6 ft from each end covers the first and last 6 ft, and they are 8 ft apart, so each point between is within 6 ft.
- Two receptacles meet the rule on this wall.
Exam traps
- Measure the 6 ft rule along the floor line, around corners, and stop at doorways and fireplaces.
- Receptacles more than 5-1/2 ft above the floor do not count toward the required outlets.
- The countertop rules changed again in the 2026 NEC, so answer from the edition your exam names. Texas, Colorado and Minnesota exams now use the 2026 NEC.
Common questions
How far apart must dwelling receptacles be?
No point along the floor line of a wall may be more than 6 ft from a receptacle, so receptacles can be up to 12 ft apart (210.52(A)(1)).
How close to a bathroom sink must a receptacle be?
Within 3 ft of the outside edge of each basin (210.52(D)).
Does a hallway need a receptacle?
Yes, when the hallway is 10 ft or longer (210.52(H)).
Practice branch-circuit rules on a timed exam
A timed 80-question exam in the ICC R17 format on the 2023 NEC, or your state’s exact format. Every answer has a worked explanation.
Or start with the free branch circuits and receptacles drillMore journeyman exam guides
Section numbers follow the 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). Independent preparation, not affiliated with NFPA, ICC, PSI, Prometric, Pearson VUE or any state board.