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Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Question:
Thank you for keeping up Charlie's tradition.
In 210.52(A)(2)(1) a wall space that requires a receptacles is: "Any space 2 feet or more in width and unbroken along the floor line by doorways, fireplaces, or similar openings." What is meant by "similar openings?" I had once a shower inside a kitchen wall space. OK, that breaks up the wall. But are there other examples that meet the "similar openings" credentials?
Jeff Glanstein
A
Answer:
Hey Jeff thanks for your question and you are welcome. The NEC does not give us a specific meaning to "openings similar to doorways" so it is essentially up to the AHJ. Notice that the wording in 210.52(A)(2)(1) is " unbroken along the floor line by doorways and similar openings". An archway, passage way, or something that can be walked through are other examples but a "hole" at a counter level used to pass things through would not result in separate wall spaces.
The wall spaces are described based on where someone would likely place utilization equipment. Providing receptacle outlets in these spaces reduces the need to use an extension cord to reach a receptacle.
A shower in a kitchen wall space seems strange but maybe could be used to do the dishes while taking a shower as a water conservation effort. Sorry but I can't make the dinner invitation.