National Electrical Code

Code Q&A: Receptacle Requirements for Dwelling Unit Garages and Accessory Buildings

Aug. 3, 2017

Receptacle Requirements for Dwelling Unit Garages and Accessory Buildings

Q. What are the Code rules for the installation of receptacles to serve dwelling unit garages and accessory buildings?

Scroll Down to See the Answer

Underlined text indicates a change in the rules for the 2017 NEC.

A. For one‑ and two‑family dwellings, at least one receptacle must be installed in accordance with Sec. 210.52(G)(1) through (3).

(1) Garages. At least one 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle outlet must be installed no higher than 5 ft - 6 in. above the floor in each vehicle bay in each attached garage and in each detached garage with electric power.

(2) Accessory buildings. A 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle is required in each accessory building with electric power.

(3) Basements. Each unfinished portion of a basement must have a 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle outlet installed. Note: One 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle outlet is required in a dwelling unit basement even if no portion has been finished into a habitable room. The purpose of this requirement is to prevent an extension cord from a non‑GFCI‑protected receptacle from being used to supply power to loads in the unfinished portion of the basement.

GFCI protection is required for all 15A or 20A, 125V receptacles installed in unfinished basements [210.8(A)(5)], detached garages, and accessory buildings with electric power [210.8(A)(2)] of dwelling units.

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.