Code Change Summary: Language was removed that classified fixed cabinets without countertops or similar work surfaces as “wall space” for receptacle placement in dwelling units.

SME commentary: In the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC), Section 210.52(A)(2)(1) has been revised to eliminate language that required fixed cabinets with countertops or similar work surfaces to be considered “wall space” when determining the placement of 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacle outlets in dwelling units.

Under the previous 2023 NEC^® language, only fixed cabinets with countertops or similar work surfaces were counted as “wall space”, while fixed cabinets without a countertop or work surface were NOT considered “wall space” when determining receptacle placement requirements.

Now, fixed cabinets of any type (with or without a countertop or work surface) break up the area and are NOT included in the measurement for the receptacle layout.

This language on fixed cabinets without countertops or similar work surfaces first appeared in the 2017 NEC^® and worked well for living rooms, family rooms, or home offices, but had the potential to create unintended consequences for other room types. For example, in kitchens, pantries, breakfast rooms, dining rooms, and similar areas, this rule could result in receptacle outlets being required in a wall below a countertop where fixed cabinets were present that already had receptacles serving the countertop or work surface as required by 210.52(C). Since 210.52(C)(4) specifies that receptacles serving the countertop or similar work surfaces do not count toward the receptacles needed for the wall space, inspectors and installers could face situations where extra, non-essential receptacles would be required solely to meet the “wall space” mandate, even though the area already had sufficient receptacles meeting the minimum functional needs.

This change restores the intent seen in the 2011 NEC^®, where fixed cabinets, regardless of whether they had countertops or work surfaces, were not counted as wall space for this calculation. By removing the phrase “that do not have countertops or similar work surfaces,” the NEC^® now makes it clear that fixed cabinets are simply not considered wall space for the purposes of determining receptacle placement in dwelling units.

The only problem with this change is that now the original predicament is back that often resulted in wall-to-wall fixed cabinets in a dwelling and no requirement for receptacles anywhere along the cabinets or work surfaces.

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 2026 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.

2023 Code Language:

210.52(A)(2) Wall Space. As used in this section, a wall space shall include the following:

(1) Any space 2 feet or more in width (including space measured around corners) and unbroken along the floor line by doorways and similar openings, fireplaces, stationary appliances, and fixed cabinets that do not have countertops or similar work surfaces

(2) The space occupied by fixed panels in walls, excluding sliding panels

(3) The space afforded by fixed room dividers, such as freestanding bar-type counters or railings

2026 Code Language:

210.52(A)(2) Wall Space. As used in this section, a wall space shall include the following:

(1) Any space 2 feet or more in width (including space measured around corners) and unbroken along the floor line by doorways and similar openings, fireplaces, stationary appliances, and fixed cabinets

(2) The space occupied by fixed panels in walls, excluding sliding panels

(3) The space afforded by fixed room dividers, such as freestanding bar-type counters or railings