210.52(E)(1) Outdoor Outlets. One-Family and Two-Family Dwellings.

The deck receptacle is readily accessible "from grade" and can serve the deck and the back of the dwelling.
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The deck receptacle is readily accessible "from grade" and can serve the deck and the back of the dwelling.

Code Change Summary: Revised code language provides relief for outdoor receptacles located at the front and rear of a dwelling unit.

Every dwelling unit (one and two-family) must have a 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle located at the front and rear of the dwelling. Previous code language required the receptacle to be accessible while standing at grade level. The revised code language now allows the receptacles to be readily accessible from grade as long as the receptacle is not more than 6.5 ft. above grade level.

This means that a receptacle located up a few steps on the front porch can serve as both the porch receptacle required in 210.52(E)(3), as well as the receptacle required to serve the front of the dwelling.

The new code change eliminates the need to install an additional receptacle at the front or rear of the dwelling as long as the porch or deck receptacle is not more than 6.5 ft. above grade level.

A similar change occurred 210.52(E)(2) for multi-family dwellings located at grade level and provided with individual exterior entrance/egress.

Below is a preview of the NEC®.  See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).

2011 Code Language:

210.52(E)(1) One-Family and Two-Family Dwellings. For a one family dwelling and each unit of a two-family dwelling that is at grade level, at least one receptacle outlet accessible while standing at grade level and located not more than 2.0 m (6 ½ ft) above grade shall be installed at the front and back of the dwelling.

2014 Code Language:

210.52(E)(1) One-Family and Two-Family Dwellings. For a one family dwelling and each unit of a two-family dwelling that is at grade level, at least one receptacle outlet readily accessible from grade and not more than 2.0 m (6 ½ ft) above grade level shall be installed at the front and back of the dwelling.

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210.52(E)(1) Outdoor Outlets. One-Family and Two-Family Dwellings.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is true of a receptacle on the rear deck of a single family dwelling, located 4 steps above grade level?

A: It cannot be used to serve the deck if it is also used to serve the rear of the home.
B: It can serve both the deck, and the rear of the home if it is no higher than 6.5 ft. above grade level.
C: It is not required unless the deck is at less than 20 square feet.
D: It is only required if the deck has a usable area of at least 20 square feet.
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