?
Friday, March 27, 2020
Question:
Dear CQD, Is a receptacle outlet required on the outside of a home? My home was built in the 1950s. There are no receptacle outlets on the exterior of this house. I'm not an electrician, but I want to know what the Code requires. I appreciate your help.
Mr. Clark
A
Answer:
Hi Mr. Clark, thanks for the question. The latest edition of the Code (2020 NEC) requires a receptacle outlet installed on the front and back of each one family dwelling. The required receptacle outlet must be readily accessible and not more than 6.5 feet from grade level. Based on the information in the question, it appears that the NEC did not require the receptacles outlet on the outside of your home when it was originally constructed. A little research revealed that the first requirement for a receptacle on the outside of a dwelling unit seems to have appeared in the 1975 edition. Free Access to all editions of the NEC (for viewing only) is available at www.nfpa.org/70