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Interpretations Request Input

Original Request

  • Request ID: 8548
  • Requested By: Stephen Poposki
  • Requester E-Mail: spoposki@capecoral.net
  • Code Version: 2021
  • Code: NEC
  • Code Description:
  • Chapter:
  • Section: 210.52(E)
  • Topic: Required outdoor receptacles in relation to screened enclosures
  • Question: Is it the intent of section 210.52(E) of the 2017 NEC to require two outdoor receptacle outlets (one on the outside of a screened porch or lanai and one on the inside of a screened porch or lanai) at the rear of a single family dwelling where the lanai is enclosed by a screened enclosure? [This question is posed due to concern that flexible cords may be used through a door of the screened enclosure in the future.]
  • Comment: None

Existing Interpretations and/or Declaratory Statements Related to this request

Input Received:

No. The NEC handbook allows an outlet on a porch or deck to also be used for the required outlet at the back of the house. However, if it is a screened porch or lanai, in order to use that outlet for the required backyard receptacle, the cord would have to be run through a wall or a doorway. Running a cord through a doorway is prohibited by NEC 400.12. You are not allowed to violate one code article to satisfier another one.
Jonathan Peer on 08/05/2021 at 12:47 PM
Per the 2014 NEC Handbook, this outlet in the porch, balcony or deck may serve as the outlet required by 210.52(E)(1) and (E)(2)
David Young on 08/05/2021 at 12:49 PM
I agree with Jonathon. The required outlet on the rear of the dwelling must be readily accessible from grade.
Robert Reading on 08/05/2021 at 2:13 PM
Answer NO, I agree, the code clearly allows this.
Andrew Bruhn on 08/05/2021 at 6:47 PM
No for all the reasons stated by the other responses.
Joseph Belcher on 08/05/2021 at 11:44 PM

Answer:

No.
On 08/11/2021 at 1:19 PM

Commentary:

The NEC handbook shows a nice description of this. It shows an outlet on a porch or deck that may also be used for the required outlet at the back of the house. However, if it is a screened porch or lanai, in order to use that outlet for the required backyard receptacle, the cord would have to be run through a wall or a doorway. Running a cord through a doorway is prohibited by NEC 400.12. You are not allowed to violate one code article to satisfier another one.

Comments on Draft:

Concur with response
Larry Schneider on 08/11/2021 at 1:25 PM
Looks good to me.
Jonathan Peer on 08/11/2021 at 2:26 PM
I agree it is allowed by the NEC, I do not agree with other language that they may run the cord through the door, this is an assumption no matter how likely.
Andrew Bruhn on 08/11/2021 at 2:43 PM
Agree.
Joseph Belcher on 08/13/2021 at 5:20 PM
Publish Draft Interpretation