210.52(I) Foyers.

Wall space is measured from the door side window for the receptacle on the left. Wall space for the receptacle on the right is measured from the door.
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Wall space is measured from the door side window for the receptacle on the left. Wall space for the receptacle on the right is measured from the door.

Code Change Summary: Additional code language now clarifies how wall space is measured in a foyer when door side windows are present.

Wall spaces in a foyer over 60 ft.² that are 3 ft. or more in width require a receptacle. Until now, there has been confusion on how to measure a wall space when door side windows or sidelights are present.

Now, if the door side windows extend all the way to the floor, they are NOT counted as wall space when determining receptacle placement in a foyer. They are basically considered part of the door.

If the door side windows start above the floor, then the wall area under them is considered wall space when determining receptacle placement in a foyer. See image.

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(I) Foyers. Foyers that are not part of a hallway in accordance with 210.52(H) and that have an area that is greater than 5.6 m² (60 ft²) shall have a receptacle(s) located in each wall space 900 mm (3 ft) or more in width and unbroken by doorways, floor-to-ceiling windows, and similar openings.

2014 Code Language:

210.52(I) Foyers. Foyers that are not part of a hallway in accordance with 210.52(H) and that have an area that is greater than 5.6 m² (60 ft²) shall have a receptacle(s) located in each wall space 900 mm (3 ft) or more in width. Doorways, door-side windows that extend to the floor, and similar openings shall not be considered wall space.

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210.52(I) Foyers.

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

Which of the following is true when measuring wall space for receptacle placement in a foyer?

A: If the door side windows extend all the way to the floor, they are part of the wall space.
B: If the door side windows extend all the way to the floor, they are NOT counted as wall space.
C: A 2 ft. wall space in a 80 ft.² foyer requires a receptacle.
D: A 3 ft. wall space in a 40 ft.² foyer requires a receptacle.
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