In most cases, homeowners do not give much thought to an outlet’s standard voltage and amps unless they are worried about blowing a fuse. This means that most of us don’t give much thought to the importance of our electricity supply until it suddenly stops working. So, we must always opt for professional and certified outlet installation to prevent potentially hazardous failures that could lead to fires and fatalities.
In the United States, a typical residential outlet uses alternating currents and offers 120 volts at 15 amps. Homeowners may opt for this level for lighting fixtures, small appliances, phone chargers, and other electronics that consume only a little energy. On the other hand, larger appliances like refrigerators, freezers, HVAC systems, and laundry machines will need about 240 volts or more wattage to work efficiently. Overall, one would need separate and specialized circuits at home.
It would be quite helpful for homeowners and commercial establishments to know the standard voltage and amps for their properties in case they consider adding more load to their circuit or an overall rewiring. But how can you ensure that your home’s electrical outlets and wiring are safe? La Habra Electrical Service can elaborate on this below.
What Are The Minimum and Maximum Number of Outlets in Every Wall Space?
According to the U.S. National Electrical Code, you must install electrical outlets in all bedrooms, common areas, kitchens, recreation rooms, dining halls, and dens. The standard for electrical outlet placement is a horizontal distance from the floor along the wall. When taking measurements, ensure to go all the way around every corner and stop only when you reach a dead-end, like a door or a chimney corner.
The maximum distance between power outlets is 12 feet along the walls within those areas. This ensures that no part of the floor is farther than 6 feet from a wall socket. You must have access to an electrical socket within six feet of any exterior doors. A wall portion must be at least two feet broad to be classified as wall space. However, the 12-foot standard radius does not cover outlets specifically designed for appliance use, like a cooktop or laundry machine.
Kitchens and bathrooms have different outlet placement considerations from one another and the standard requirements mentioned above. Read on to know more:
1. Kitchen
The outlets above the kitchen countertop should be no more than 48″.
- If you have a counter that is 12 inches or more, you can have at least one outlet installed.
- For counters longer than 4 feet, you must have a minimum of two outlets that do not extend above the 48-inch limit.
- When the countertop is divided by a cooktop, sink, or any other appliance or fixture, you must measure each part separately to meet the code.
2. Bathroom
Although the 12-foot rule does not apply to bathrooms, all outlets must be GFCI.
- You must have a minimum of one outlet within 3 feet from your sink basin and add outlets exceeding the required 3-feet distance.
- The outlet must be right above, on the same wall, or in a nearby wall space from the sink, not on the opposite side of where the basin is attached to.
- For a bathroom with two different sinks, you must also install two GFCI-protected outlets for every sink that must be installed no more than three feet away.
What Is The Required Electrical Outlet Height?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) does not stipulate a minimum or maximum height for a wall receptacle outlet. Typically, wall outlets are installed at 1 foot to 18 inches above the floor; however, this varies on the appliances used on the outlet itself. You may adjust the height when the outlet serves an appliance requiring more power.
Many American homes usually go for a standard outlet height of 14″ to 16″ for common spaces. It all depends on the outlet’s intended use. In the case of a utility outlet, for instance, the code requirements would vary depending on the device being used.
Is It Safe to Piggyback Outlets?
One way to wire from one location to another is called “piggybacking,” which involves bypassing junction boxes. This method is risk-free as far as you do not load the circuit past its maximum amperage rate. Each outlet has four wire terminals, making piggybacking a common practice when wiring a house.
Is Adding An Outlet in the Middle of a Circuit Safe?
The only downside in direct wiring is if a problem develops in the receptacle located in the circuit’s midsection. Downstream circuit receptacles may also stop functioning if an issue arises with the receptacle or if a wire loosens beneath a screw terminal.
Pigtail wiring is your best bet To avoid those problems. Even if one outlet has a loose connection or malfunctions, it won’t affect the others. Another benefit is that removing a receptacle from the middle section of your circuit is safe without triggering any other malfunctions.
However, pigtailing may not be the best option if the wall box is too small to accommodate the additional wire nuts and auxiliary wires. A larger wall box may be necessary to accommodate the connectors and piggyback.
What is Difference Between 120v or 240v Outlets?
In a 240V outlet, you will find a black and red live wire. On the other hand, a 120V supply has a single hot terminal with a consistent black live wire. In most American homes, 120V is the standard voltage for electrical appliances. This means that 120V outlets are the standard in most homes.
Here is how you can accurately determine if an outlet is 120v or 240v:
- Step #1
A multimeter is an electrical device you may use to evaluate electrical parameters like voltage, resistance, and current. You can use one to test your outlet and set it to AC, VAC, or V.
- Step #2
Carefully insert both tester prongs into the outlet slots, handling the testers solely by their plastic handles and avoiding contact with the metal prongs themselves.
- Step #3
Observe the multimeter’s display to learn the voltage level. It indicates the voltage level of the outlet in concern. A 120V outlet rates at 120 volts, while a 240V outlet rates at 240 volts.
Before making sudden or big changes to your home, especially if it involves electricity, try not to make rash decisions without consulting an electrician to ensure your safety and safeguard your property.
If you have more queries about using your outlets more safely, you can directly contact us via our hotline numbers or take some time to skim over our other electrical-related blog articles.