How Far From a Door Should an Electrical Outlet Be Installed?
The National Electrical Code requires the placement of an electrical outlet no further than 6 feet from a door. However, there is no code stating how close to a door an outlet can be installed. Therefore, you can install an electrical outlet as close to a door as you desire.
Code Requirements
Safe Distance
If an electrical cord is plugged into an outlet close to a door, it could cause damage by striking it. Additionally, it could become entangled in the door and be yanked from the outlet. It is also possible for an electrical cord to get pinched between the door and the jam.
Bottom Line
Installing an electrical outlet is as much about convenience as it is need. If there is no practical location other than behind a door, then you have little choice. Weigh your willingness to bear the consequences and risks against the convenience of the outlet’s location.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Living in Ohio, Gerry Poulos began writing professionally in 1999. He has been a columnist for the Nation News Bureau, a contributing editor for “Protoculture Addicts Magazine,” an accomplished freelance journalist and photographer, a Web author and is the author of several books. Poulos attended Syracuse University and holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical and mechanical engineering.
More Articles
