[giansean]

Hey All,

Trying to figure out how to solve this placement issue. My kitchen was previously split between two rooms and the wall between them is now headered off and sheetrocked. there is an opening that enters into a breezeway which is my starting point for measurement.

When measuring 6', do I need to measure the distance around the header where it sticks out from the wall? it adds about 18" that throws off the centering of the outlet considerably. It is almost a 12' wall exactly and it would be great if I could center it in the wall space. Just don't want to go banging stuff in before I'm sure.

Thx!

 

[throrope]

That sounds like one good for interpretation by the inspector. If its an existing condition, I can't see a problem with adding an outlet as you please. If this is a new project, I suggest adding a second outlet. There're cheap and you'll avoid any questions. I do suggest doing the neatest install possible by the book with absolutely no shortcuts. This is DIY and you don't want questions years later.

 

[brric]

Strange question. Headers are above doors, windows and openings. Can you post a photo?

 

[ront02769]

Description was fine. Kitchen that WAS split between rooms is now one big room made possible by the header. Ron

 

[giansean]

Ron is correct. they are triple 2x8's so the total wall area taken up by all their surfaces is about 18" all told, accounting for drywall.

I wouldn't mind adding more outlets save for the fact that there is really no need for it as there are two large windows on that wall separated by maybe 56" of wall and centered is perfect for any electrical items that we'd be using there. Adding more might look weird but I'll still consider it

On the other hand, I am now having a similar problem in my living room. We made an opening in a wall where there were previously two outlets. The one which is left is 11'8" from the adjacent wall, which has only one on the far left - much too far away. I was planning to add a second to that wall anyway to round it out, however by the 12' rule it will have to be only 4" off the corner, which will look a little silly. Any way around this?

I actually have a pic of this room to show...

Thx again!

 

[brric]

IMO You can not wrap around the opening for your measurement on spacing.

 

[giansean]

If that's the case it solves my problem! I will definitely be within 6 of the opening on both sides.

So in essence, the opening is basically a reset

 

[jbfan]

It can not be farther than 12' from receptacle to receptacle.
they can be closer than that.
The rule is no more than 6' of wall space with out a receptacle.

 

[giansean]

It can not be farther than 12' from receptacle to receptacle.
they can be closer than that.
The rule is no more than 6' of wall space with out a receptacle.

But do I need to count the space taken up by the opening?

 

[joed]

In that picture the measurement starts at the edge of the door. It does not wrap through it. It starts again on the other side of the wall and the the side of the door opening. The open space does not count.

 

[Jim Port]

Openings do not count under the NEC. Railings and fixed panels of sliding glass doors count as wall space. The measurements are for wall spaces at the floor perimeter, not the total ceiling outline. The above is based on the NEC..

 

[giansean]

Thanks guys! So to make sure I have it straight, do the outlets on either side of the opening need to be 12' apart, minus the open space (ie outlet to opening left + opening right to next outlet <= 12?)

 

[Jim Port]

Under the NEC you would need a receptacle within 6' of each side of that opening.

 

[jbfan]

Thanks guys! So to make sure I have it straight, do the outlets on either side of the opening need to be 12' apart, minus the open space (ie outlet to opening left + opening right to next outlet <= 12?)

No. The open space starts a new measurement.

 

[giansean]

Thanks guys. So it looks like I'll be in good shape if I stick to my original plan of putting one more outlet on the adjacent wall (where the exposed block is). Is it correct to say the 6 foot measurement from opening left wraps around the corner? If so, I just need to make sure that it is within 12 feet of the outlet that is already there.

 

[Jim Port]

Yes, you measure around any corners, inside and outside.

 

[jbfan]

No, the count does not wrap around the opening!
The back side as well as the opposite side starts a new count.

 

[giansean]

No, the count does not wrap around the opening!
The back side as well as the opposite side starts a new count.

No I get it. I meant going left from the leftmost edge of the opening (the more narrow side), around the corner along the block wall. I need to put a receptacle at or less than 6

 

[Jim Port]

This should help.

https://www.google.com/search?q=rec...cb5kk7t0M:&usg=__0Gnj56HY2mIZaeYn2vhm1CveW50=

 

[giansean]

This should help.

https://www.google.com/search?q=rec...cb5kk7t0M:&usg=__0Gnj56HY2mIZaeYn2vhm1CveW50=

Just a side note on this graphic. I read somewhere that the space behind the door should be counted but the pic seems to start it right at the corner. What do you guys usually do if it's tight?