Note: This article is based on the 2026 NEC^®.

Dwelling Unit Wall Space Receptacle Outlets
A receptacle outlet must be installed along the walls of every kitchen, family room, dining room, living room, sunroom, parlor, library, den, bedroom, recreation room, and similar areas per the requirements of 210.52(A)(1) through (5).

The wall space receptacle outlet must be installed so that no point along the floor line of any wall is more than 6 ft from a receptacle outlet measured horizontally along the floor line [210.52(A)(1)]. Figure 01
A wall space as used in this rule includes the following [210.52(A)(2)(1) through (3)]:

• A wall space 2 ft or more in width unbroken along the floor line
• The space occupied by fixed panels
• The space occupied by fixed room dividers, freestanding bar-type counters, or railings.

Kitchen Receptacle Outlet
All required receptacles in the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, and dining room area of a dwelling unit must be supplied by two or more 20A, 120V small-appliance branch circuits that do not supply any other outlets [210.52(B)(1)].

Receptacles in kitchen countertop surfaces must be supplied by at least two small-appliance branch circuits [210.52(B)(3)].

The two 20A, 120V small-appliance branch circuits can supply receptacle outlets in the same kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, or dining room area as specified in 210.52(B)(1).

Countertop Receptacle Outlet
In dwelling unit kitchens, pantries, breakfast rooms, and dining rooms, receptacle outlets must be installed for countertops 12 in. or wider and meet the following requirements:

The countertop receptacle outlets cannot be used to meet the wall space receptacle outlets required by 210.52(A) [210.52(C)].

The countertop receptacle outlet must be placed so that no point along the wall space is more than 2 ft from a receptacle outlet, as measured horizontally [210.52(C)(1)].

A receptacle outlet is not required for island or peninsular counter tops. If a receptacle outlet is not installed, electrical provisions for the future addition of a receptacle outlet is required [210.52(C)(2)].

A receptacle outlet at island or peninsular countertops, if installed, must be located above or within the countertop as follows [210.52(C)(3)]:

• Receptacle outlets can be on or not more than 20 in. above the countertop.
• Receptacle outlets on the counter-top surface must be a receptacle outlet assembly listed for use on a counter-top.
  

Receptacle outlets are not permitted to be located within 24 in. below the countertop surface [210.52(C)(4)]. Figure 02

Bathroom Sink Receptacle Outlet
At least one 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle outlet must be within 3 ft of each dwelling unit bathroom sink. The receptacle outlet must be on a wall or partition adjacent to the bathroom sink countertop surface or the side or face of the sink cabinet and cannot be more than 12 in. below the top of the sink countertop [210.52(D)].

Outdoor Receptacle Outlet
For one-and two-family dwellings or multifamily dwellings, one outdoor receptacle outlet must be located at the front and back of each dwelling unit (two receptacles in total) and they must be readily accessible and no more than 61/2 ft above grade [210.52(E)(1)].

At least one receptacle outlet must be located not more than 61/2 ft above any balcony, deck, or porch surface located within 4 in. of the dwelling unit [210.52(E)(3)].

Laundry Receptacle Outlet
Each dwelling unit must have one receptacle outlet in the area where laundry equipment is located [210.52(F)]. A laundry receptacle outlet is not required for a multifamily dwelling building with laundry facilities available to all occupants [210.52(F) Ex 1].

Other Area Receptacle Outlet
For one- and two-family or multifamily dwellings, at least one receptacle outlet must be installed for each vehicle bay of a garage, accessory building, and each unfinished portion of a basement per 210.52(G)(1) through (3).

Hallway Receptacle Outlet
At least one receptacle outlet must be installed in each dwelling unit hallway of 10 ft or more in length (measured along the centerline of the hallway without passing through a doorway) [210.52(H)].

Foyer Receptacle Outlet
Dwelling unit foyers having an area greater than 60 sq ft must have a receptacle outlet installed on any wall space that is 3 ft or more in width, and unbroken by doorways, windows next to doors that extend to the floor, and similar openings [210.52(I)].

Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment
A 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle outlet must be installed within 25 ft and on the same level as the air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. The 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle outlet is not permitted to be connected to the load side of the equipment's disconnecting means [210.63(A)].

Indoor Electrical Equipment
In other than dwelling units, a 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle outlet must be installed within 25 ft and in the same room (or area) as indoor switchboards, panelboards, and service equipment operating at less than 150V to ground (120/240V or 208Y/120V) [210.63(B)].

Dwelling Unit Lighting Outlets
At least one lighting outlet controlled by a wall switch must be installed in every habitable room, kitchen, laundry area, and bathroom. The wall switch must be on a wall near an entrance to the room [210.70(A)(1)]. Figure 03

At least one lighting outlet controlled by a wall switch must be installed in hallways, stairways, garages, and accessory buildings with electric power [210.70(A)(2)].

Other Lighting Outlets
At least one lighting outlet that contains a switch or is controlled by a wall switch must be installed in attics, underfloor spaces, utility rooms, and basements used for storage or containing equipment that requires servicing and must comply with the following [210.70(C)(1) through (3)]:

• The switch must be located at the entry to the space.
• The lighting outlet for servicing of equipment must be located at or near the equipment
• Controlled by automatic means is not permitted unless a manual bypass is provided.