No, the receptacle within an adjacent cabinet does not satisfy the code requirement. 210.52(D) – Bathrooms. In dwelling units, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in bathrooms within (3 ft) of the outside edge of each basin.

How close can an outlet be to a sink?

Every bathroom must have at least one electrical outlet. It must be a GFCI, and it must be within 3 feet of the edge of the sink. Either behind or beside the sink is acceptable — across from the sink on an opposite wall is not.

Where should outlets be placed in a bathroom vanity?





The National Electrical Code doesn’t have any specific requirement regarding the height of a receptacle above a vanity. The only thing the NEC requires is that there must be one outlet within 36 inches of the outside edge of the sink, and it must be in the wall adjacent to the basin or countertop.

Can you put an outlet in bathroom vanity?

Sure. You can recess retrofit, or “old-work” style boxes right into the side or front of the vanity. Just make sure it’s powered from the one existing GFCI-protected receptacle (which should be an actual GFCI receptacle or it could also be a normal receptacle powered from a GFCI breaker in the panel).

Can you put an outlet under a sink cabinet?

Can You Put an Electrical Outlet Under A Sink? The National Electrical Code, a minimum standard for electricians in the United States, allows for electrical outlets to be placed under the sink. However, all electrical outlets within a distance of 6 feet from the sink must have GFCI protection.

How far does GFCI need to be from sink?

6 ft.





Generally, all 15 or 20-amp, single phase, 125-volt receptacles “within 6 ft.” of a sink, tub or shower must be GFCI protected. For a sink, the measurement starts “from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink”. For a bathtub or shower, the measurement starts at “the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall”.

How close can a light switch be to a bathroom sink?

National Electrical Code says that the receptacle must be within 3′ of the outside edge of the basin, but not more than 12″ below the top of the basin (210.52(D)). It also states that the receptacle can be installed in the countertop, but must not be in the face-up position (406.5(E)).

How far should outlet be from bathroom sink?

Outlet Receptacles



When considering bathroom receptacles, keep correct placement in mind. You should keep the receptacle at least 6 feet away from the edge of a bathtub or shower and at least 1 foot away from sinks.

How do you decide where to put plug sockets?

Socket outlets are to be conveniently positioned in close proximity to the TV aerial and telephone outlets, thus allowing for electrical equipment including TVs and DVD players.

Where should electrical outlets be placed?



Ensure that there are electrical outlets in the following areas to ensure that your house is well-wired for convenience.

  1. Your Kitchen. The kitchen holds many small and large electric appliances. …
  2. The Family Room or Bar. …
  3. Your Living Room. …
  4. Bathrooms. …
  5. Install Some Outdoor Outlets. …
  6. Your Home Office. …
  7. All Bedrooms. …
  8. Garage.

Can you put an electrical outlet in a closet?

The 2008 National Electric Code forbids open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant lights in closets, per section 410.16(B). It doesn’t have any restriction on outlets in closets.

Why do electricians install outlets upside down?

Easier to Identify Switched Outlets



Electricians may position the outlet in an upside-down position so that you can quickly identify the switch-controlled receptacle. Since it stands out visually to most people right away – it provides convenience to the occupants to easily remember which outlet is switch controlled.

What is the code for electrical outlets?



The US National Electrical Code, Section 210.52, states that there should be an electrical outlet in every kitchen, bedroom, living room, family room, and any other room that has dedicated living space. They must be positioned at least every twelve feet measured along the floor line.

Can the outlets in a bathroom be on the same circuit as the lights?

The Bathroom Needs at Least Two Dedicated Circuits



This is no more. The bathroom electrical code now stipulates that the bathroom must have dedicated circuits that aren’t shared with outlets or lights in any other room.

What is the standard height of an electrical outlet in a bathroom?

A typical bathroom counter is 32 to 36 inches above the floor. A bathroom counter usually has a 4-inch backsplash, where the counter surface turns up the wall. Backsplashes prevent water from running behind a countertop. An electrical outlet receptacle is usually placed 2 to 3 inches above the top of the backsplash.

How far from a corner should an outlet be?

The National Electrical Code requires that you have an electrical outlet within 6 feet of the corner of the wall and at least 12 feet from the same wall. That’s the minimum requirement for living space.

How high should outlets be above countertop?



between 15 and 20 inches

On countertop outlets, it is standard to install outlet boxes so the tops are between 15 and 20 inches from the countertop surface. Make sure all outlet boxes are set at exactly the same height since these outlets will be highly visible.

How far does a plug have to be from a door?

Since a receptacle is required within 6 feet (1.8 meters) of a door opening, if the lamp is placed next to the opening, a receptacle will be within reach. Unless the wall is less than 2 feet wide, the 6-foot rule is applicable.