Laundry Dedicated circuit

[WA_Sparky]

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,

 

[retirede]

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?

 

[infinity]

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.

 

[WA_Sparky]

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.

 

[WA_Sparky]

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?

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."

 

[infinity]

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

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.

 

[WA_Sparky]

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.

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!

 

[curt swartz]

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.

How did they value engineer out an NEC required circuit?

 

[jusme123]

Another manufacture bonus outlet, another non sense requirement. Install it on the ceiling see what inspector says

 

[infinity]

How did they value engineer out an NEC required circuit?

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.

 

[Fred B]

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?

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

 

[retirede]

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?

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!

 

[LarryFine]

You should install a 120v receptacle for another reason: replacements. Some stacked/stackable appliances have separate cords.

 

[sw_ross]

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..

 

[LarryFine]

A remodel I worked on last summer had a fancy Bosch washer that was 240 volt.

What plug did it come with, or fitted with?

 

[sw_ross]

It had the 6-15P

 

[LarryFine]

It had the 6-15P

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.

 

[sw_ross]

Luckily I caught it early enough to have that receptacle dedicated and not on with the 120v laundry area receps.

 

[jusme123]

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?

Why not, they require a bedroom wall outlet to be GFI protected if it is within 6’ of bathroom sink?

 

[LarryFine]

Why not, they require a bedroom wall outlet to be GFI protected if it is within 6’ of bathroom sink?

You can't stop a user from running a cord through a doorway, but you can't supply a stationary appliance that way.