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Thursday, December 8, 2016
Question:
Good morning, A question came up today about whether or not a receptacle is required at all egress doors of a single-family dwelling. It looks like the wording was changed, at least in the handbook, so that “regardless of area, a porch, balcony, or deck must have a receptacle within its perimeter”. My question is whether or not we need a receptacle by an egress door that only has a 36” x 36” concrete stoop without a roof? Per Mr. Webster’s definitions, this is not a porch, balcony, or deck. Also, is a service door from a garage considered to be “accessible from inside the dwelling unit”?
Thank you, Kenny Bartholomew
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Answer:
Hey Kenny thanks for your question. Receptacle outlets are required in various locations at dwellings to minimize the need to use extension cords. Balconies decks and porches that are attached to and accessible from inside a dwelling unit must an accessible receptacle outlet regardless of the size. An exception that allowed omitting the receptacle outlet, if the balcony, deck, or porch was less than 20 sq ft was removed in 2014. Notice that the wording does not specifically state that access must be through a door. I am not sure what you mean about a garage service door being accessible from inside a dwelling unit.
A receptacle outlet, that is readily accessible from grade level, is required at the front and back of a single family dwelling as stated in 210.52(E) but it does not need to be within a specific distance from a door. I do not consider a concrete stoop or steps to be a balcony, deck or porch.