Single Receptacles

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Ben Trueblood

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What does the code say about when it is required to use a single receptacle vs. a duplex receptacle? I think a lot of times people install single outlets when they don't have to.

Thanks
 
Ben, your theory/question has some merit. I have thought about this too.
Just a guess, but I think it has something to do about not being able to plug two (2) devices in one dedicated circuit, like a refrigerator.
But we have a breaker and hopefully correct wire size. So I also ask this question?
 
In a garage where a refrigerator is place one needs to put a single receptacle if it is not on a GFI circuit. Art. 210.8(A) (2) except. 2

Also a window a/c in which the load of the unit is more than 50% of the circuit.

There are other examples I am sure
 
Recpt

Recpt

Ben Trueblood said:
What does the code say about when it is required to use a single receptacle vs. a duplex receptacle? I think a lot of times people install single outlets when they don't have to.

Thanks
Click to expand...

The only one I can think of off the top of my (which at this time is pretty empty) NEC 210.21 (B)(1):-?
 
single receptacle

single receptacle

Hi: The code refers to single receptacles at 210.21(B)(1); 430.81(B) and at 630.11 by a quick search.
Also see definition of receptacle at Article 100. Here it describes a single and a multiple receptacle.
There is a lot of discussion in my area regarding duplex receptacles being used for areas in garages where two cord-and-plug appliances share a duplex. If these appliances occupy a dedicated space they can be exempt from the requirements of 210.8 GFCI protection. See 210.8(A) Exception #2. If only one cord-and-plug appliance, such as a refrigerator, freezer, table saw, or similar item, were to occupy that dedicated space, then a single receptacle would be required.
 
What would be opinions of others as to the intent or scope of the "dedicated space" contemplated by exception 2 to 2 in 210.8(a)(2)?

I guess what I'm asking is; If a duplex receptacle is installed in the middle of the wall space in a garage and the electrician marks the top half for a freezer and the bottom half for a refridgerator does this meet the intent of the aformentioned exception (dedicated space) if the appliances are not installed at the time of inspection?

Pete
 
I really don't know the answer to your question but I can tell you that those exceptions are likely to be gone in the 2008 NEC.
 
To me it is a bit like the lighting outlet requirement , in that, the intent is to occupy the space with equipment.
 
Here is a panel statement pertaining to a duplex on an individual branch circuit.
wbalsam1, I'm not sure it would have to be a single recepacle if it were considered not readily accessible.

2- 165 - (210-52(b)(1) Exception No. 2): Reject
SUBMITTER: Dan Leaf, Palmdale, CA
RECOMMENDATION: Revise to read as follows:
Exception No. 2: - A single receptacle for refrigeration equipment shall be permitted to be supplied from an individual branch circuit rated 15 amperes or greater.
SUBSTANTIATION: Editorial. An individual branch circuit (per definition) implies a single receptacle. The receptacle outlet (per definition) may contain several receptacles. A duplex receptacle at the edge of and above a countertop supplied by a small appliance circuit is not prohibited from supplying a refrigerator. The exception permits a 15 ampere circuit for such receptacle, with no load calculation required.
PANEL ACTION: Reject.
PANEL STATEMENT: The panel has attempted to be reasonable with the exception and not require a single receptacle be used. The panel notes that the exception permits an additional circuit to supply the refrigerator. It is recognized that frequently the receptacle is indeed located behind the refrigerator making the single receptacle requirement overly burdensome. Should the outlet be close to or above the countertop, it would not count as the required countertop outlet by 210-52(c) and another outlet would be required to be installed and connected to the small appliance branch circuit.
NUMBER OF PANEL MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 12
VOTE ON PANEL ACTION:
AFFIRMATIVE: 12
 
M.D. that proposal was unneeded as an individual branch circuit can already have more than a single receptacle on it.

I can find another CMP statement backing that up. :)
 
M.d.

M.d.

Hi: I've seen lots of duplex receptacles being used for garage door openers. Some places, the inspectors require single receptacles, other places they allow duplex.

I live so far back in the woods my zip code is e-i-e-i-o, so I'm apt to see a lack of uniformity in interpretation as well as enforcement.

There also is a lack of concensus around here on the difference between an individual circuit and a dedicated space. For example: a single receptacle on an individual circuit must have an ampere rating as per Table 210.21(B)(3). But would you agree that a general purpose receptacle circuit could have fractional horsepower loads (such as my earlier example of two cord-and-plug connected appliances within a residential auto garage) on it in which the receptacles are located within dedicated spaces? Some of these local critters don't.In other words, dedicated space not individual circuit...2 different animals entirely.
 
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wbalsam1 said:
See 210.8(A) Exception #2. If only one cord-and-plug appliance, such as a refrigerator, freezer, table saw, or similar item, were to occupy that dedicated space, then a single receptacle would be required.
Click to expand...
I guess I'm saying ,.. no , it does not have to be a single receptacle, whether it is on an individual branch circuit or not..:grin:
 
wbalsam1 said:
For example: a single receptacle on an individual circuit must have an ampere rating as per Table 210.21(B)(3).
Click to expand...

Table 210.21(B)(3) does not apply to single receptacles circuits.
 
M.d.

M.d.

Hi: I think what I'm trying to get at is this: Take a circuit that extends into a res. auto garage and at some point along the circuit, there is a duplex receptacle and only 1 cord-and-plug connected appliance is plugged in and the receptacle is readily accessible. In this scenario, I would require GFCI protection for this receptacle from a safety standpoint, since 1/2 of the duplex (the remaining receptacle) would be accessible for portable tools, etc. So the "dedicated space" is really only for 1/2 of the duplex. In this example I would require a single receptacle for the appliance, or leave the duplex and GFCI protect it.
 
pete m. said:
I guess what I'm asking is; If a duplex receptacle is installed in the middle of the wall space in a garage and the electrician marks the top half for a freezer and the bottom half for a refridgerator does this meet the intent of the aformentioned exception (dedicated space) if the appliances are not installed at the time of inspection?

Pete
Click to expand...

Pete, if I were the inspector of wires and you had an additonal receptacle outlet that meets the requirement of 210 .52 (G) ,I would trust, that as a professional , you would not want the liability of someone getting wacked ,and that this duplex receptacle you tell me falls under the exception(s) of 210.8(A)(2) will in fact meet the requirement of the exception(s). You pass inspection.

But like Bob says ,.. it ain't gonna matter much longer,... 2008 most likely no exceptions
 
wbalsam1 said:
Hi: ... So the "dedicated space" is really only for 1/2 of the duplex. In this example I would require a single receptacle for the appliance, or leave the duplex and GFCI protect it.
Click to expand...

In my opinion this duplex receptacle is not within a dedicated space ocupied by an appliance as described by the exception.
 
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