Laundry Dedicated circuit

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WA_Sparky

WA_Sparky

Electrical Engineer
Location
Vancouver, WA, Clark
Occupation
Electrical Engineer
I have a project where the architects have located (1) stacked washer/dryers (in each multifamily unit) in a closet. This space is enclosed, and identified as laundry space. There is no accessible space within the closet for the code required dedicated laundry receptacle.

Is it required by code to have the receptacle in the laundry space/closet, or is it common for inspectors give scenarios like this a pass and allow for the dedicated laundry receptacle to be located nearby in the hallway?

Thanks,
 
The required receptacle is for the washing machine. You can’t run the cord through the door.

Where does it state that it must be accessible?
 
You need a 20 amp, 120 volt circuit and receptacle in the laundry area even if the washer/dryer has it's own circuit. You'll need to figure out a way to get it in there. We put them in the front corner of the closet.
 
This is what im working with. Stacked units should be pretty tall so no chance of mounting above. Maybe there could be room to located in the front corner? I figured there is no chance to get a cord-plug iron on that side wall without hitting WD unit.
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retirede said:
The required receptacle is for the washing machine. You can’t run the cord through the door.

Where does it state that it must be accessible?
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I always viewed this requirement as connection for an iron/clothes steamer, or battery powered vacuum. In the case where there is 120V washer, the washer receptacle counts as the dedicated laundry outlet? No additional receptacle required for additional appliances?

210.60(F) - "Laundry areas. In dwelling units at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in areas designated for the installation of laundry equipment."
 
WA_Sparky said:
This is what im working with. Stacked units should be pretty tall so no chance of mounting above. Maybe there could be room to located in the front corner? I figured there is no chance to get a cord-plug iron on that side wall without hitting WD unit.
View attachment 2555765
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I would put it on the wall that is above or below the thing that says 30A. Often in apartment buildings there is a leak detector for the washer and they require 120 volts in the closet. On our last big apartment complex our office value engineered the 120 volt receptacles out. We got up about 8 floors when the plumber asked where the leak detector was getting plugged in. :oops:
 
infinity said:
I would put it on the wall that is above or below the thing that says 30A. Often in apartment buildings there is a leak detector for the washer and they require 120 volts in the closet. On our last big apartment complex our office value engineered the 120 volt receptacles out. We got up about 8 floors when the plumber asked where the leak detector was getting plugged in. :oops:
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Ok good to know, Ill keep that in mind. I haven't been hit with that one yet but I certainly would have on this one. Thanks for the insight, ill proceed with stacking above the unit!
 
infinity said:
I would put it on the wall that is above or below the thing that says 30A. Often in apartment buildings there is a leak detector for the washer and they require 120 volts in the closet. On our last big apartment complex our office value engineered the 120 volt receptacles out. We got up about 8 floors when the plumber asked where the leak detector was getting plugged in. :oops:
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How did they value engineer out an NEC required circuit?
 
Another manufacture bonus outlet, another non sense requirement. Install it on the ceiling see what inspector says
 
curt swartz said:
How did they value engineer out an NEC required circuit?
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Exactly. Someone decided they had a 30 amp circuit for the combo washer/dryer and didn't need the laundry receptacle. These people are money savvy but not code savvy. We had to go back and install them anyway.
 
retirede said:
The required receptacle is for the washing machine. You can’t run the cord through the door.

Where does it state that it must be accessible?
Click to expand...
Agreed, my understanding by the reading and from the code class, that the atleast one receptacle that is stated in 210.52(F) allows for the connection of the washer. And like any other time running perminant cord thru door or wall is prohibited 400.12
 
WA_Sparky said:
I always viewed this requirement as connection for an iron/clothes steamer, or battery powered vacuum. In the case where there is 120V washer, the washer receptacle counts as the dedicated laundry outlet? No additional receptacle required for additional appliances?
Click to expand...

I believe it’s generally accepted that the required laundry circuit is for the washing machine even if it doesn’t specifically say so. With your closet installation, that’s the only thing it could be used for!
 
A remodel I worked on last summer had a fancy Bosch washer that was 240 volt.
Luckily I had asked about what appliances they had chosen. The HO showed me a picture of the appliances on the Lowe’s website. I just coincidentally looked at the washer and saw it was 240.
I had to run an additional 120v circuit to satisfy code.
This was the first I’d seen of 240v washer. And it was smaller than what I consider a “normal size” washer..
 
sw_ross said:
It had the 6-15P
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Interesting. There's a good reason to have a dedicated circuit for a laundry circuit.

I wonder if they depend on that for existing homes; hopefully with a single outlet.

The very first time I saw that plug was on a through-the-wall AC unit, in my home when I was five.
 
retirede said:
The required receptacle is for the washing machine. You can’t run the cord through the door.

Where does it state that it must be accessible?
Click to expand...
Why not, they require a bedroom wall outlet to be GFI protected if it is within 6’ of bathroom sink?
 
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