[Robert-ON]

Hello,
I have an alcove in the basement that as is, would require 3 outlets as each wall is at least 3ft wide.

(see attachement)
back wall, with water valve, is 46" wide (but will be reduced once the right side wall is built).
Right side wall is currently 40" but once the other wall goes up it will be either 44" or 46" (depending if the wall with the vent needs to be 2x4 or 2x6).
Left side wooden wall will have a pocket door and an outlet, which I think should be good enough to cover any potential electrical needs of the alcove.

I was thinking option 1, to extend a wall to enclose the alcove, add an accordion/sliding/bifold/barn door, make it a storage closet with shelves about 2ft above the valve access.
The issue is that the main water valve is in that wall. I'm afraid it will stop counting as accessible as there is nothing preventing a homeowner to store stuff on the ground in front of the valve.

I was thinking option 2, to reduce the wall length somehow and/or make it not count as useable wall. Can I add floor to ceiling shelves on the side wall ? If I make them 11" deep, then the back wall width will go from 46" down to 35". So there will be no outlet on the back wall and side-wall-shelves. Leaving only a single outlet on the laundry room wall which is enough for the alcove.

Finally, and I know it is the wrong section, maybe I should open a new distinctive thread. Well, the wall on the right of picture has a 5" ventilation duct. Do I still need to insulate behind it, or only on both side ? Will I need to make that wall 2x6 instead of 2x4 or can I make it 2x4 and add a soffit around the duct ?

 

[Jim Port]

If this is a habitable room you could follow the 6/12 spacing rules. The rule for any wall over 2 foot is for a section like between 2 doors.

 

[Kevin_Essiambre]

If this is a habitable room you could follow the 6/12 spacing rules. The rule for any wall over 2 foot is for a section like between 2 doors.

He is in Ontario, and our rules are 3' or bigger of usable wall space requires a receptacle. Spacing is still 6/12' though.

Sent from my new phone. Autocorrect may have changed stuff.

 

[Datawise]

Treat it like one continuous wall.

Cheers
John

 

[joed]

Walls are continuous around corners - inside or outside. Only things like a door, fireplace, cabinet or window that goes to the floor breaks the wall.
Space behind an opened door does not count.

 

[Robert-ON]

Treat it like one continuous wall.

Cheers
John

Walls are continuous around corners - inside or outside. Only things like a door, fireplace, cabinet or window that goes to the floor breaks the wall.
Space behind an opened door does not count.

ok thank you. i misunderstood the 3ft clause :biggrin2:
So I'll leave it as is. The outlet within 6ft of the door and the outlet next to the vent are close enough.

 

[joed]

Here is direct from the ESA FAQ page.

Question
What is the maximum distance between receptacles permitted by the Code in areas of the home such as bedrooms, living room, etc?
Answer

The Code requires that sufficient receptacles be installed so that no point of any usable wall space is more than 1.8 m (6') from a receptacle as measured along the floor line of the wall. The usable wall space shall include a wall space 900 mm or more in width but shall not include doorways, areas occupied by a door when fully opened, windows which extend to the floor, fireplaces, or other permanent installations that would limit the use of the wall space.
Rule 26-724.

See the attached information sheet for an example of an installation of receptacles meeting the intent of the Code.

Reference Ontario Electrical Safety Code 27th Edition/2018.
Related Attachments

Rule 26-724 Receptacles in general areas of dwellings

 

[Oldmaster]

NEC requires receptacles shall be installed so that no point measured horizontally along the floor line of any wall space is more than 6 ft from a receptacle. Any wall space 2 ft or better requires a receptacle.