Place receptacles in dwelling living rooms, bedrooms and similar rooms so every point along qualifying wall space is within 6 feet of one. That allows up to 12 feet between receptacles. The rule is in 2020 NEC 210.52(A). Kitchen wall countertops use a different rule: 2 feet to a receptacle, allowing up to 4 feet between them.
Watch JCR explain the 12-foot rule
Follow the spacing example with your 2020 NEC open to 210.52. Focus on the distance from each point on the wall to the nearest receptacle.
Watch JCR explain the 12-foot ruleWatch the existing JCR lesson on YouTubeWhy 6 feet becomes 12 feet
Each receptacle can serve wall space for 6 feet in either direction. Put two receptacles 12 feet apart and the midpoint is 6 feet from both. Put them 14 feet apart and the midpoint is 7 feet away: the layout fails.
Example: a 24-foot unbroken living-room wall can meet the spacing rule with receptacles 6 feet and 18 feet from one end. The ends and midpoint are each within 6 feet of a receptacle. Openings and adjacent walls can change a room’s layout, so measure the actual wall space.
Which wall spaces count?
Under 210.52(A)(2), include wall spaces at least 2 feet wide, measured along the floor line and around corners. Doorways and similar openings, fireplaces, and fixed cabinets without countertops or similar work surfaces break the wall space. A corner by itself does not.
Do not apply the living-room rule to every location. Bathrooms, hallways, garages and outdoor areas have separate requirements. The 2020 NEC dwelling checklist summarizes several of these distinctions.
Practice NEC receptacle questions with JCR
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See CE courses and class datesKitchen countertops: 2 feet, not 6
For wall countertops and work surfaces covered by 210.52(C)(1), each point along the wall line must be within 2 feet of a receptacle. A qualifying space 12 inches or wider needs a receptacle. Islands and peninsulas have their own 2020 rules.
| Location | Maximum distance to a receptacle | Possible spacing between receptacles |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying dwelling-room wall | 6 feet | 12 feet |
| Qualifying kitchen wall countertop | 2 feet | 4 feet |
Practice question
Two living-room receptacles are 13 feet apart on an unbroken wall. Does that meet 210.52(A)(1)?
No. The midpoint is 6½ feet from either receptacle. Move or add a receptacle so every point is within 6 feet.
Common questions
Does a 2-foot wall section need a receptacle?
Yes, if it qualifies as wall space under 210.52(A). Exactly 2 feet counts. A nearby receptacle around an unbroken corner may satisfy the spacing requirement. Measure along the floor line.
Does outlet spacing tell me how many outlets can go on a circuit?
No. Spacing and circuit loading are separate questions. For loading practice, work through our dwelling load-calculation example.
Do these receptacles also need GFCI or AFCI protection?
Check the location and circuit rules separately. Read our 2020 GFCI guide and 2020 AFCI guide.
Keep practicing
Try our most-missed NEC mock exam questions and 2020 NEC practice questions. For each missed answer, find the section in your code book, read the rule and work the question again.
Reviewed October 25, 2026, for the 2020 NEC. Use the edition required by your licensing exam. Follow the adopted code and local amendments on the job.
