(A) Convenience outlets are connected to the general lighting branch circuits with the exception of the receptacles in the kitchen. These outlets are connected to the 20-ampere small appliance circuit. (See NEC Section 210-52.)
(B) The National Electric Code does state general requirements for the location of these outlets. (See NEC § 210-52.)
(1) Receptacles. NEC § 210-58(a) requires that, in dwellings, receptacles must be installed as follows:
(a) In all rooms of general occupancy, no space along a wall is to be more than six feet from a receptacle outlet, measured horizontally;
(b) In any wall space two feet or more in width;
(c) In a kitchen where each counter space is wider than 12 inches;
(d) Insofar as practicable, spaced an equal distance apart;
(e) With at least one wall outlet in the bathroom near the basin (on a GFCI circuit). See NEC §§ 210-25(b) and 210-8(a);
(f) With at least one outlet outdoors (on a GFCI circuit);
(g) With at least one outlet in the basement in addition to the laundry outlet;
(h) With at least one outlet in each attached garage. See NEC § 210-8;
(i) Within six feet of an intended location of an appliance; and
(j) In addition to any receptacles located, or five and one-half feet above, the floor.
(2) Lighting outlets. NEC § 210-26(a), dwelling units, is applicable as follows.
(a) At least one wall switch controlled- lighting outlet must be installed in every habitable room, bathroom, hallway, stairway, attached garage and outdoor entrance.
(b) At least one lighting outlet shall be installed in an attic, underfloor space, utility room and basement area used for storage, or space containing an equipment-requiring service.
(3) Bathrooms. NEC § 210-52 requires at least one receptacle outlet near the basin. Section 210-8(a) states that “all 120 volt, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles installed in the bathroom shall have ground-fault circuit interrupter protection. Underwriters Laboratories require that all GFCI’s be tested monthly”.
(4) Garages. NEC § 210-8 states that “all 120-volt 15-20 ampere receptacles installed in the garage shall have ground-fault circuit interrupter protection”. (See NEC § 210-8(A) exceptions 1 and 2.)
(5) Outside receptacles. An outside receptacle is required to be on ground-fault GFCI and to have a weather-proof cover.
(6) Basement. The basement requires a ceiling light in each storage area. If the basement is finished as a family room, the same requirements shall apply as to a living room area upstairs and receptacle outlets shall be provided for. In accordance with NEC § 210-7, “all receptacles installed on 15 and 20 amp branch circuits must be grounding type receptacles”.
(Prior Code, § 152.33)