Receptacle Spacing Planner (6/12 Rule)

Calculate minimum receptacle outlets, maximum spacing, and layout compliance for rooms, kitchen countertops, and hallways per NEC §210.52.

NEC edition

Inputs

ft
doors

Comma-separated, in feet. Each wall space is counted on its own — averaging the total across the doorway count undercounts uneven walls.

basins

§210.52(D) is written per basin, not per foot of vanity

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⚡ Test your knowledge
NEC Article 220 was renumbered in the 2026 code cycle. What is the new article number?
  • A. Art. 100
  • B. Art. 120
  • C. Art. 200
  • D. Art. 230
💡 NEC 2026 renumbered Article 220 (Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Calculations) to Article 120.
Energy Management Systems were moved from Article 750 to which article in NEC 2026?
  • A. Art. 100
  • B. Art. 125
  • C. Art. 130
  • D. Art. 150
💡 NEC 2026 moved Energy Management Systems from Article 750 to Article 130.
Which NEC standard size overcurrent device comes after 90A?
  • A. 95A
  • B. 100A
  • C. 110A
  • D. 105A
💡 Per NEC §240.6(A), the standard sizes are …90, 100, 110, 125… There is no 95A standard size.

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How it works & the NEC rules behind it

The National Electrical Code (NEC §210.52) mandates specific spacing rules for convenience receptacles in dwelling units so that standard 6-foot appliance cords can reach an outlet without dangerous extension cords.

The Core NEC Spacing Rules:

  • 1. General Wall Space — The 6/12 Rule (§210.52(A)): In bedrooms, living rooms, and dens, receptacles must be installed such that no point along the floor line is more than 6 feet horizontally from an outlet. The maximum distance between two adjacent receptacles is 12 feet. Any wall segment 2 feet or wider requires an outlet.
  • 2. Kitchen Countertops — The 2/4 Rule (§210.52(C)): Receptacles must be placed such that no point along the back wall line is more than 24 inches from an outlet (maximum 4 feet between outlets). Any countertop space 12 inches or wider requires an outlet.
  • 3. Kitchen Islands & Peninsulas (§210.52(C)(2)): Must have at least one receptacle outlet, or a provision for a pop-up countertop assembly listed per UL 111 / §406.5(G).
  • 4. Hallways (§210.52(H)): Any hallway measuring 10 feet or more in length must have at least one receptacle outlet.
  • 5. Bathrooms (§210.52(D)): At least one 20A receptacle must be located within 36 inches of the outside edge of each sink basin.

Formulas & equations

General Wall Min Receptacles = Ceil(Continuous Wall Length ÷ 12 ft) (§210.52(A)(1)) Kitchen Countertop Min Receptacles = Ceil(Countertop Length ÷ 4 ft) (§210.52(C)(1)) Max Distance from Any Wall Point to Outlet ≤ 6 ft (General) / ≤ 2 ft (Kitchen Countertop)

NEC reference table

Location / Application Trigger Minimum Width Max Initial Distance Max Spacing Between Outlets
General Living Areas (§210.52(A))2 feet (24")6 feet from doorway/break12 feet
Kitchen Countertops (§210.52(C))1 foot (12")2 feet (24") from end4 feet (48")
Kitchen Island / Peninsula24" × 12" area—At least 1 outlet required
Hallway (§210.52(H))10 feet length—At least 1 outlet required
Bathroom Vanity (§210.52(D))—Within 36" of basin edge1 per basin (or shared)

Worked example, step by step

Example: Sizing Receptacles for a 16 ft Living Room Wall & 10 ft Kitchen Counter

Scenario: 16 ft continuous living room wall without doors; 10 ft straight kitchen countertop.

  • 1. Living Room Wall (16 ft): Initial outlet placed at 4 ft from left corner; second outlet placed 10 ft further (14 ft mark). Total = 2 receptacles minimum (no point > 6 ft from an outlet).
  • 2. Kitchen Countertop (10 ft): First outlet placed at 2 ft from left edge; second placed at 6 ft; third placed at 9 ft. Total = 3 receptacles minimum (no point > 2 ft from an outlet).

Frequently asked questions

YES. Under NEC §210.52(A)(2), any doorway, fireplace, or fixed room divider breaks the continuous wall space. Each newly created wall segment that measures 2 feet or wider is treated as an independent wall requiring its own 6/12 rule compliance.

Under NEC §210.52(C)(2), receptacles are no longer permitted to be mounted below the countertop surface where small children can reach cords. Receptacles must be installed on or above the countertop surface (such as pop-up assemblies listed for countertop use) or provided as a rough-in for future installation.

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