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  1. #1
    Robert Marek's Avatar
    Robert Marek Guest

    Exclamation Receptacle Spacing (Electrical)

    I understand that receptacle spacing must be within 6' of an opening and every 12' thereafter, including on any wall greater than 24".

    However, if an opening, from one room to another, provides access to a stairwell leading to the basement, and the wall space from the opening to the stairwell is 3 feet, is an electrical outlet required if it poses a safety hazard?

    Note that this wall will NEVER have a fixed object, such as a table with a lamp etc.. since it will most certainly block access to the stairwell. Any other reason for plugging into an electrical outlet located on that 3' section of wall will present a trip hazard -- directly down the stairwell, (e.g., mother vacuuming while children are playing, mother gives a tug on the vacuum cleaner, cord becomes taught and the child goes tumbling down the stairs). What consideration does the "code" provide that addresses safety concerns such as this?

    Thanks
    HD Bob

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Columbus GA
    Posts
    3,747

    Default Re: Receptacle Spacing (Electrical)

    So whats your question?

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  3. #3
    Robert Marek's Avatar
    Robert Marek Guest

    Default Re: Receptacle Spacing (Electrical)

    Hi Rick thanks for responding.. The question is:

    ..if an opening, from one room to another, provides access to a stairwell leading to the basement, and the wall space from the opening to the stairwell is 3 feet, is an electrical outlet required if it poses a safety hazard?


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Columbus GA
    Posts
    3,747

    Default Re: Receptacle Spacing (Electrical)

    The way I understand it and what you describe, I will say, using todays standards, yes.
    What standards were in effect when and where this House is may be different.
    Also the AHJ can and often make and allow exceptions.

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  5. #5
    Robert Marek's Avatar
    Robert Marek Guest

    Default Re: Receptacle Spacing (Electrical)

    Thanks for your input Rick,

    There are instances where following the letter of the law (code), which is in place to protect, will in effect do just the opposite; I believe this to be one of those cases.

    Making the right call requires a good deal of judicial intelligence on the part of the city inspector. However, from what I have experienced and heard tell, city employees (government workers) generally do not meet that criteria - they stick hard and fast to their strict and sometimes misguided interpretation of the code.

    If I check with the city inspector beforehand, they may disallow it. If however, I never bring it up, they may never notice it. It's like being between a rock and a hard-place.

    If anyone else has dealt with this issue before (location of a receptacle in front of a stairwell) please comment.


  6. #6
    chris mcintyre's Avatar
    chris mcintyre Guest

    Default Re: Receptacle Spacing (Electrical)

    IMO I would consider the landing of a stairwell more of a hallway than a room, a hallway less than 10' long does not require a receptacle.


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