Code Q&A

Q. Can a 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle on an elevated dwelling unit porch serve as the required outdoor receptacle outlet? A. No. According to 210.52(E), one 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle outlet is required at the front and back of a dwelling unit. Such ...

Mike Holt

Feb. 8, 2005

Q. Can a 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle on an elevated dwelling unit porch serve as the required outdoor receptacle outlet?

A. No. According to 210.52(E), one 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle outlet is required at the front and back of a dwelling unit. Such receptacles must be accessible “at grade level.” Receptacles installed above a porch or deck that’s elevated aren’t considered accessible “at grade level.” They’re accessible “from grade level” and don’t meet the requirements of this section.

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About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.