What is the maximum distance between receptacles in a residential hallway?

In residential hallways, the National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies requirements to ensure both safety and accessibility. The maximum distance between receptacles in a residential hallway is set to be 6 feet. This requirement helps prevent the inconvenience of not having a power source within reach, particularly in places like hallways where the potential for a long stretch without a receptacle could lead to safety hazards when using electrical devices.

The reasoning behind allowing a maximum spacing of 6 feet is to provide adequate access to electrical outlets for various needs, such as for vacuum cleaners or other appliances used in hallways. By ensuring that receptacles are spaced this way, it minimizes the risk of using extension cords, which can pose tripping hazards or electrical safety issues.

This code ensures that homes are equipped with sufficient outlets in common areas, making them more user-friendly and safer for electrical device connections.