Ecmweb 19726 Nec Practically Speaking June 2018 2
Ecmweb 19726 Nec Practically Speaking June 2018 2
Ecmweb 19726 Nec Practically Speaking June 2018 2
Ecmweb 19726 Nec Practically Speaking June 2018 2
Ecmweb 19726 Nec Practically Speaking June 2018 2

Food for Thought

June 18, 2018
NEC - Practically Speaking

All references are based on the 2017 edition of the NEC, unless otherwise noted.

Here’s a question to chew on: If the gas range in the photo is plugged into a 125V receptacle outlet located in the wall space directly behind the range — and the receptacle is on a 15A, 120V branch circuit as permitted by Exception No. 2 in Sec. 210.52(B)(1) — does the Code still require a receptacle outlet on a 20A branch circuit to be installed in this same wall space? The short answer is yes. A receptacle on a 20A circuit is also required. Now, this interpretation is based strictly on the literal wording in the Code.

Here’s another question: Is a receptacle outlet required for the wall space behind the range? Yes, the wall space is required to have a receptacle outlet because nothing in Sec. 210.52(A)(2) allows us to exclude the wall space behind this appliance. Section 210.52(A)(2)(1) specifically includes any space 2 ft or more in width, unbroken along the floor line by doorways, and similar openings, fireplaces and fixed cabinets without countertops or other work surfaces, but does not exclude wall spaces occupied by appliances. Therefore, a 125V receptacle outlet is absolutely required for this wall space.

The literal wording requires it even if this were an electric range plugged into a 50A receptacle. Unfortunately, Sec. 210.52(A)(4) does not permit the countertop receptacles required by 210.52(C) to be considered as the wall receptacles required by 210.52(A). If it did, then most likely a countertop receptacle could be considered the wall receptacle for this space. So the wall space behind the range still requires a receptacle outlet.

Does it need to be on a 20A circuit? Yes. The wording in Sec. 210.52(B)(1) requires 20A circuits to supply all wall receptacle outlets required by Sec. 210.52(A). A quick look at Exception No. 2 in Sec. 210.52(B)(1) would seem to indicate a 15A circuit instead of a 20A circuit would be allowed to supply the receptacle installed for range. However, a closer look at the wording of the exception will reveal the reason why we still need to install a 20A circuit too.

The literal wording states: “In addition to the required receptacles” rather than saying “in lieu of the required receptacles.” Since the wall space occupied by the range is not excluded from receptacle requirements, a receptacle outlet on a 20A circuit is literally required.

Personally, I don’t think the intent of the Code is to require two receptacle outlets behind this range.   

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Don't Let Burn-Through Threaten Another Data Center or Utility Project

Get the No Burn-Through Elbow eGuide to learn many reasons why Champion Fiberglass elbows will enhance your data center and utility projects today.

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.