Code Change Summary: The number of receptacles required for a show window is now determined differently.

A show window is the area at the front of a store for displaying merchandise. A code change in 2017 to the definition made it clear that show windows also include the area above the door.

In the 2020 NEC^®, receptacle requirements for a show window were determined based on each 12 linear feet or major fraction thereof of show window area, measured horizontally at its maximum width.

In the 2023 NEC^®, the confusing method to determine receptacle requirements for show windows has been changed and is now significantly easier to comprehend.

Now, at least one 125-volt, single-phase, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle is required within 18 inches of the top of each show window, and there must be no point along the top of the window that is farther than 6 feet from a receptacle outlet.

The NEC^® has specific rules for show windows:

• Section 210.62 requires at least one 125-volt, single-phase, 15- or 20-amp receptacle to be installed within 18 in. of the top of a show window and for no point along the top of the window to be farther than 6 feet from a receptacle outlet.
• Section 220.14(G) requires an allowance of 200 volt-amperes per linear foot of show window to be used when calculating the branch circuit load for the show window.
• Section 220.46 requires an allowance of 200 volt-amperes per linear foot of show window to be used when determining the overall load from the show window circuits on the feeder or service.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.