Continuous Walls

[whburling]

In the process of computing the location of general purpose outlets installed in room walls,

• The outlet locations are computed with the assumption that the wall is continuous.
• If there is a continuous wall, i am understanding NEC requires outlets to be placed in the continuous wall
• according a set of rules.

• architectural features that break a wall as a one continuous feature could be
• a door opening (of any type that opens with the door bottom within x inches of the floor with height being not relevent),
• counters (even if they do not extend to the floor), appliances, cabinets, bathtub & shower bases and toilets

In reading the NEC 2020 8th edition, it seems the above architectural features implicitly break a continous wall.

Is my interpretation correct?

 

[LarryFine]

Welcome to the forum.

You're essentially correct. The goals are to avoid extension cords and cords though doorways.

And most receptacle placement requirements are for residences.

 

[Sea Nile]

Bathrooms, hallways, foyers, laundry rooms, garages, and kitchen counter tops all have their own rules for receptacle location. But the back side of a kitchen peninsula with no cabinet doors I believe is considered a wall space. This is one of the hardest code sections to interpret IMO. Are you asking for residential, commercial, or is this an academic question?

 

[whburling]

Sea Nile,
Thank you for replying

academic (for myself)

residential, not commercial

 

[whburling]

Welcome to the forum.

You're essentially correct. The goals are to avoid extension cords and cords though doorways.

And most receptacle placement requirements are for residences.

Thank you, Larry, for your reply.

i hear you. Doorways are the key.. The idea is to prevent extension cords crossing places where people walk.

That helped me be more clear as I was concerned about other kinds of doors....

bil

 

[LarryFine]

i hear you. Doorways are the key.. The idea is to prevent extension cords crossing places where people walk.

Doorways, fireplaces, built-in furniture, etc. Any wall space 2' or wider.

Are you familiar with the 6-12-12-6 and the 2-4-4-2 rules?

 

[whburling]

Doorways, fireplaces, built-in furniture, etVolc. Any wall space 2' or wider.

Are you familiar with the 6-12-12-6 and the 2-4-4-2 rules?

Hi Larry

I bought the NFPA 70 NeC 2020 AND Holt's vol 1&@ Understanding the National Electrical code AND Miller's Illustrated guide 8th edition.
so i was exposed to those two rules.

HOWEVER, i missed a point that you brought to my attention. I had memorized the rules as 6-12-12-12-infinity and 2-4-4-infinity.
WRONG!!! it is so obvious by i missed the point. the ends of teh wall should always be 6 or less feet, never more.

I am so grateful you brought that to my attention.

Thank you
bil