NEC 210.52 (E) Outdoor outlets

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cc2846

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2017 NEC 210.52(E)(1) One-family and two-family dwellings requires at least one receptacle outlet readily accessible from grade and not more than 6.5 feet above grade level shall be installed at the front and back of the dwelling.

2017 NEC 210.52(E)(3) Balconies, Decks, and Porches requires that balconies, decks, and porches that are attached to the dwelling unit and are accessible from inside the dwelling unit shall have at least one receptacle outlet accessible from the balcony, deck, or porch. The receptacle outlet shall not be located more than 6.5 feet above the balcony, deck, or porch walking surface.

If there is a screened-in lanai (aluminum structure with insect screening) installed, or planned to be installed, on the rear of a single-family dwelling new construction, does the receptacle need to be installed:
1) Inside the screened-in lanai,
2) Outside the screened-in lanai, or
3) Inside AND Outside the screened-in lanai (two receptacles required)

What is your interpretation? Which code section specifically requires your answer?

My take: NEC 210.52(E) states that one receptacle must be located on the front and rear of the residence, not that either must be outside of a screened enclosure specifically.

There are some that feel that if there is a screened porch or lanai, in order to run a flexible cord from a receptacle installed inside a screened backyard lanai to service the area outside the lanai, a flexible cord COULD be run through a doorway of the lanai. They quote NEC 400.12, that flexible cables shall not be run through holes in walls, doorways, windows, or similar openings. However, during a rough or final inspection for a new single-family dwelling, there is not a flexible cord currently installed through a doorway for the inspector to reference as a violation. I have read that NEC 210.52 (E) was added some time ago to prevent someone from potentially running a flexible cord through a heavy sliding glass door opening between the living space and the screened in lanai area (e.g. for an electric grill or a radio). There is also an outlet within 25' of an HVAC condensing unit to supply electricity outside a screened enclosure (and this outlet could also double as the required back of the dwelling receptacle if it satisfied both code sections).
 
If the receptacle is located inside the screened-in porch it isn't considered outside and won't satisfy the requirement. However, the receptacle for the HVAC should.

-Hal
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Is there an exterior access from grade to the porch and is the porch higher than 6.5' off the ground?
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This would be a typical CBS (concrete block w/stucco) home with an at-grade (usually 0' above grade, but certainly not more than 6.5' above grade) screened-in concrete deck extending from the rear sliding glass door of the home. Many of these screened-in lanais (concrete decks) have pools inside them as well, but not all of them.
 
Is there a door to the exterior so that one could run a cord into the porch from outside? If so then I believe you are good but you may have to fight that one
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Is there a door to the exterior so that one could run a cord into the porch from outside? If so then I believe you are good but you may have to fight that one
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There is a side-hinged aluminum-frame screen door on each side of the screened-in lanai, each fitted with a single pneumatic closer with sliding clasp (to hold the door open if desired).
 
Imo, that may meet the intent.... but an inspector may say that a porch is not outside. If it were a deck with grade access it wouldn't be an issue. I would call the authority having jurisdiction.
 
cc2846 said:
2017 NEC 210.52(E)(1) One-family and two-family dwellings requires at least one receptacle outlet readily accessible from grade and not more than 6.5 feet above grade level shall be installed at the front and back of the dwelling.


My take: NEC 210.52(E) states that one receptacle must be located on the front and rear of the residence, not that either must be outside of a screened enclosure specifically.
Click to expand...
Just a comment, the wording of 210.52(E)(1) states the requirement is for receptacles at the front and back not on the front or back. It is possible that a receptacle that is on the side but near the back can satisfy the requirement.
 
I looked all over for the part where I said the receptacle on the porch was okay if there was a door that could be opened from the outside. It isn't there-- what I was remembering was the NC interpretation of the required outlets. In NC the receptacle on the porch would be accepted but IMO not accepted by the nec as Hal stated.
 
It is my opinion that if you cannot access the receptacle while standing on grade (outside of any part of the structure), that receptacle does not meet the requirement of 210.52(E)(1).
 
If you have to open a window or door to get a cord from the receptacle to a device to be plugged in, then I don't believe it any longer meets 210.52(E)(1) requirements after it was covered by a screen enclosure.
Think what the intent was to mandate the receptacle in the outside placement. People were wanting to plug things in while sitting out on their porch or for power equipment (trimmer) or seasonal lighting and would put a cord out a window or door and shutting it on the cord, damaging the cord.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
It is my opinion that if you cannot access the receptacle while standing on grade (outside of any part of the structure), that receptacle does not meet the requirement of 210.52(E)(1).
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I agree with this. I see the intent as having to be able to touch the receptacle from standing on the ground.

But then I think of the 6'6" rule, and little people like my wife who is 5 feet tall. I know a midget, too

🤔🤔
 
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