Nec Installing Receptacle Under A Porch Roof

Finding a place to locate a receptacle within the perimeter of a balcony can be difficult see image.

Nec installing receptacle under a porch roof.

If you decide to install a gfci receptacle and you know the circuit layout replace one of the receptacles upstream from that one that s. Outdoor wiring regulations specify how to protect wires from moisture including where to encase cables in conduit. The 2011 code required a 125 volt 15 or 20 ampere receptacle to be located in the perimeter of a balcony deck or porch. A requirement added to the nec in 2008 states that balconies decks and porches that can be accessed from inside need to have a minimum of one receptacle outlet placed within the perimeter of the outdoor structure.

This addition also states that the receptacle must not be more than 6 1 2 feet above the outdoor structure s surface. However an outlet that is accessible from grade level d may need to be added. A receptacle that previously served grade level but is now beyond reach b or blocked by a guard rail or other built in features c counts as serving the deck. Receptacles that are installed outdoors under roofed open porches canopies marquees and similar areas but not subjected to beating rain or water runoff require enclosures that are weatherproof only when the attachment plug cap isn t inserted and receptacle covers are closed 406 8 a.

Whether beneath a deck or at another exterior location installing outdoor electrical cable exposes electrical cable to moisture. While the irc requires that all kitchens be provided with two 20 amp circuits dedicated to receptacle outlets i have never heard of an inspector requiring this on an outdoor kitchen. This cover provides sealed weather protection even when cords are plugged into. Receptacles in damp locations under protective covers such as a porch roof must be weather resistant and have a weatherproof weathertight cover.

Codes largely base requirements on whether the cable is underground or above grade. Receptacles in wet locations exposed to weather must be weather resistant and have a weatherproof in use cover. Of course if you choose to include receptacles in your design installation would need to follow standard requirements.