Code Change Summary: Revised code language clears up receptacle placement questions for garage car spaces.

With the 2014 NEC^® came a requirement to have a receptacle in each “car space” of a dwelling unit garage. The words “car space” left some gray areas and “what-ifs”.

What if the homeowner only keeps motorcycles in the garage? How about golf carts?

In the 2017 NEC^®, the confusion about what is considered a “car space” has been somewhat clarified. Now, in each attached or detached garage with electric power, at least one receptacle outlet is required in each “vehicle bay”. The receptacles cannot be higher than 5 ½ ft. above the floor.

The previous language also stated that the branch circuit supplying this receptacle shall not supply outlets outside of the garage. That language still applies but has been relocated to 210.11(C)(4).

Currently the NEC^® does not have a definition of a garage or a carport. In R309.2 of the International Residential Code (IRC), a carport is open on at least two sides. Carports not open on two or more sides are considered to be a garage even if there is no roll door.

Below is a preview of Article 210. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.