Since receptacles must be installed in accordance with the general receptacle provisions, they must be installed so that no point along the floor line in any wall space is more than six feet (1.8m) from a receptacle outlet. In dwelling units the maximum distance to a receptacle cannot be increased because of furniture layout. Receptacle outlets can be located conveniently for permanent furniture layout. Although the distance between receptacles can be increased, the number of receptacles for that space must not be less than the minimum number required. In applying the provisions of 210.52(A), the total number of receptacle outlets must not be less than the minimum number that would comply with the provisions of that section. For example, without considering furniture, the minimum number of required receptacles in a 13 1/2-foot-by-17 1/2 foot guest room is five. (See Figure 1.)
In the last example no consideration was given to furniture layout. In the next example, the furniture plan is shown. If the receptacles were laid out as shown in Figure 1, one receptacle would be located behind a bed. Because of a provision in 210.60(B) for permanent furniture, that receptacle can be relocated from behind the bed. While the distance to one receptacle will be less than required, the distance to the other will be more. This is permissible as long as the total number of receptacles is not less than the minimum number that would normally be required by 210.52(A). (See Figure 2.)
Though it is permissible to relocate a receptacle that would end up behind a bed, it is not mandatory. Where a receptacle is installed behind a bed, one of two provisions must be met: the receptacle must be positioned so that the bed does not contact any attached plug that may be installed, or the receptacle must be provided with a suitable guard. This eliminates the possibility of breaking the receptacle or attachment plug.†
† Excerpt from "Article 210—Branch Circuits, Required Receptacle Outlets, Part X" by Charles R. Miller. Appearing in the Feb. 2003 issue of Electrical Contractor Magazine. Electrical Contractor Magazine.com
