4/5/2019 210.52(A)(2) Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets. Wall Space.

210.52(A)(2) Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets.

Wall Space.
Code Change Summary: Additional code language
clarifies how to measure “wall space” for receptacle
placement when fixed cabinets are installed.

Section 210.52(A)(2) explains what is considered “wall

space”. This is important when applying 210.52(A)(1) and
determining where receptacles are needed in a dwelling.

When the phrase “fixed cabinets” was first introduced to

210.52(A)(2)(1) two code cycles ago, it created
confusion. The idea is to have no point measured
horizontally along the floor line of any “wall space” that is
more than 6 ft. from a receptacle outlet. When measuring
“wall space”, a doorway, fireplace, fixed cabinet or similar
opening can break up the measurement and the space
behind them does not contribute to the measurement. As
well, receptacles are not required in the area occupied by
these items unless required elsewhere in the NEC, such
as kitchen countertops covered in 210.52(C).

The problem with allowing a “fixed cabinet” to break up

the wall space measurement is that it also applies to any
area of a house where fixed cabinets are installed. Click to Enlarge
Sometimes people use kitchen style cabinets with Because these fixed cabinets have a
countertop, they are considered “wall space”
countertops in other areas of a home besides the kitchen. and receptacles are required.
It’s quite common to turn an unused bedroom into a home
office by adding kitchen style or built-in cabinets with
countertops along one or more walls. Technically, in this case, the 2014 NEC would not require a single
receptacle in the wall behind the fixed cabinets.

The 2017 NEC has cleared that up. Now, only a fixed cabinet without a countertop or similar work surface
can break up the wall space measurement.

Below is a preview of Article 210. See the actual NEC text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code
section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC edition of NFPA 70.

2014 Code Language:

210.52(A)(2) Wall Space. As used in this section, a wall

space shall include the following:

(1) Any space 600 mm (2 ft) or more in width (including

space measured around corners) and unbroken along

www.electricallicenserenewal.com/Electrical-Continuing-Education-Courses/NEC-Content.php?sectionID=237.0 1/4
4/5/2019 210.52(A)(2) Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets. Wall Space.

the floor line by doorways and similar openings,

fireplaces, and fixed cabinets

(2) The space occupied by fixed panels in exterior walls,

excluding sliding panels

(3) The space afforded by fixed room dividers, such as

freestanding bar-type counters or railings

2017 Code Language:

210.52(A)(2) Wall Space. As used in this section, a wall

space shall include the following:

(1) Any space 600 mm (2 ft) or more in width (including

space measured around corners) and unbroken along
the floor line by doorways and similar openings,
fireplaces, and fixed cabinets that do not have
countertops or similar work surfaces

(2) The space occupied by fixed panels in walls,

excluding sliding panels

(3) The space afforded by fixed room dividers, such as

freestanding bar-type counters or railings

Did You Like This? Let Us Know With A Like! Thanks!

Like Share

210.52(A)(2) Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets.

Wall Space.
www.electricallicenserenewal.com/Electrical-Continuing-Education-Courses/NEC-Content.php?sectionID=237.0 2/4
4/5/2019 210.52(A)(2) Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets. Wall Space.

Below is a Real Sample Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for
Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is true when measuring wall space for receptacle placement?

A: Wall space is NOT measured around corners.

B: Wall space includes the space occupied by sliding panels.

C: The area behind a fixed cabinet with a countertop is included in the measurement.

D: Wall space includes walls that measure at least 1 ft. in width.

Please register or sign in for electrical continuing education courses.

If you were already signed in, your session probably expired, please sign back in.

Previous Section Qs Answered: None Yet! Next Section

Your Score: None Yet!

ElectricalLicenseRenewal.com Recommends:

www.electricallicenserenewal.com/Electrical-Continuing-Education-Courses/NEC-Content.php?sectionID=237.0 3/4
4/5/2019 210.52(A)(2) Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets. Wall Space.

National NFPA 70 2017 : NFPA 70®, 2017 National 2017 National 2018 NFPA
Electrical... National... National... Electrical... Electrical... 70E®:...
$79.10 $84.90 $69.99 $8.95 $9.86 $28.00

Shop now Shop now Shop now Shop now Shop now Shop now

2018 NFPA 70E:

Handbook for...
$144.00

Shop now

www.electricallicenserenewal.com/Electrical-Continuing-Education-Courses/NEC-Content.php?sectionID=237.0 4/4