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Friday, March 10, 2023
Question:
Hello CQD, First of all, I really enjoy reading the Code Question of the Day, you are providing a great free resource and I very much appreciate it. There was a question and answer back on February 17th, regarding Hotel Guest Room receptacle spacing, as with all things, 2 people can read the same section of the code and have different interpretations on it. Such is the case with your previous answer on hotel receptacles in which you stated, "The receptacle spacing of a Hotel Guest Room is the same as a Dwelling Unit for those spaces". I respectfully disagree with this answer.
Section 210.60(B) Receptacle Placement states: "The TOTAL NUMBER of receptacle outlets shall not be less than required in 210.52(A). These receptacle outlets shall be permitted to be located conveniently for permanent furniture layout. At least two receptacle outlets shall be readily accessible. Where receptacles are installed behind the bed, the receptacle shall be located to prevent the bed from contacting any attachment plug that may be installed or the receptacle shall be provided with a suitable guard."
Therefore, it is my understanding that the TOTAL NUMBER of receptacles must be no less than as per 210.52(A), however because of furniture placement, the typical Minimum spacing requirements of the receptacle outlets can be adjusted to accommodate the placement of the furniture so that we have at least 2 receptacle outlets that are Readily Accessible.
In summary, it is my interpretation that you must have at least the TOTAL number of receptacles as calculated by 210.52(A), however where the receptacle outlets are placed will be dependent by the furniture placement as to provide at least 2 receptacles that are readily accessible which means that the exact minimum spacing of the normal 6/12-foot rule can be adjusted to accommodate the requirements of 210.52(A). Thanks Steve Kavallaris
A
Answer:
Steve, thank you for the kind words about the CQD, as well as your comments on the previous answer. This is what makes a forum like this so great, the professionals that take the time to express their ideas/thoughts on a Code topic. Your comments are not the only ones received on this question, so it seems best to address it again.
The NFPA Link
® version of the 2023
NEC® Section 210.60(A) & (B) provides valuable guidance on this in the expanded commentary. The receptacle locations should be determined as if there is no furniture in the room. From there if adding permanently installed furniture creates a situation where there will not be at least two (2) readily accessible receptacles, then the spacing can be modified to achieve compliance. However, in no way can the total number of required receptacles, as determined by the spacing without furniture, be reduced.