Q. Can a receptacle that is installed on the exterior side of an attached garage be used as the required outdoor receptacle for a dwelling unit, or must that receptacle be mounted on the house itself?
Q. Can a receptacle that is installed on the exterior side of an attached garage be used as the required outdoor receptacle for a dwelling unit, or must that receptacle be mounted on the house itself?
A. Two GFCI-protected 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle outlets that are accessible while standing at grade level must be installed outdoors for each dwelling unit — one at the front and one at the back (no more than 6½ ft above grade). The Code doesn't specify that the receptacle be installed on the dwelling.
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.
