210.52(G) Basements, Garages, and Accessory Buildings.

Garage spaces not attached to an individual dwelling unit of a multifamily dwelling shall not require a receptacle outlet in each vehicle bay.
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Garage spaces not attached to an individual dwelling unit of a multifamily dwelling shall not require a receptacle outlet in each vehicle bay.

Code Change Summary: Revised code language on receptacle requirements in basements, garages and accessory buildings.

Section 210.52(G) now applies to multifamily dwellings. Previously the rules were only for basements, garages, and accessory buildings associated with one- and two-family dwellings.

This section now requires at least one receptacle outlet to be installed in each basement, garage, and accessory building for one- and two-family dwellings, and multifamily dwellings.

A new exception makes it clear that garage spaces that are not attached to an individual dwelling unit of a multifamily dwelling are not required to have a receptacle outlet in each vehicle bay.

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 2020 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.

2017 Code Language:

210.52(G) Basements, Garages, and Accessory Buildings. For one and two- family dwellings, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in the areas specified in 210.52(G)(1) through (3).

These receptacles shall be in addition to receptacles required for specific equipment.

(1) Garages. In each attached garage and in each detached garage with electric power, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in each vehicle bay and not more than 1.7 m (5 ½ ft) above the floor.

(2) Accessory Buildings. In each accessory building with electric power.

(3) Basements. In each separate unfinished portion of a basement.

2020 Code Language:

210.52(G) Basements, Garages, and Accessory Buildings. For one- and two-family dwellings, and multifamily dwellings, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in the areas specified in 210.52(G)(1) through (G)(3). These receptacles shall be in addition to receptacles required for specific equipment.

210.52(G)(1) Garages. In each attached garage and in each detached garage with electric power, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in each vehicle bay and not more than 1.7 m (5 ½ ft) above the floor.

Exception: Garage spaces not attached to an individual dwelling unit of a multifamily dwelling shall not require a receptacle outlet in each vehicle bay.

210.52(G)(2) Accessory Buildings. In each accessory building with electric power.

210.52(G)(3) Basements. In each separate unfinished portion of a basement.

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210.52(G) Basements, Garages, and Accessory Buildings.

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

Based on the 2020 NEC, which of the following is true?

A: All accessory buildings require a receptacle.
B: Accessory buildings without electric power require a receptacle.
C: Garage spaces attached to a single-family dwelling shall not require a receptacle outlet in each vehicle bay.
D: Garage spaces not attached to an individual dwelling unit of a multifamily dwelling shall not require a receptacle outlet in each vehicle bay.
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