210.52(E)(3) Outdoor Outlets. Balconies, Decks, and Porches.
Code Change Summary: Revised code language provides relief for outdoor receptacles located on balconies, decks, and porches.
The 2011 code required a 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle to be located in the perimeter of a balcony, deck or porch. Finding a place to locate a receptacle within the perimeter of a balcony can be difficult (see image).
Now, balcony, deck or porch receptacles must be accessible “from the balcony, deck, or porch”. This only applies if the balcony, deck or porch is attached to and accessible from inside the dwelling unit. The phrase “attached to” was added to rule out freestanding decks that are not connected to the dwelling unit.
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)(3) Balconies, Decks, and Porches. Balconies, decks, and porches that are accessible from inside the dwelling unit shall have at least one receptacle outlet installed within the perimeter of the balcony, deck, or porch. The receptacle shall not be located more than 2.0 m (6 ½ ft) above the balcony, deck, or porch surface.
2014 Code Language:
210.52(E)(1) Balconies, Decks, and Porches. Balconies, decks, and porches that are attached to the dwelling unit and are accessible from inside the dwelling unit shall have at least one receptacle outlet accessible from the balcony, deck, or porch. The receptacle outlet shall not be located more than 2.0 m (6 ½ ft) above the balcony, deck, or porch walking surface.