ICC Residential Electrical Inspectors Practice Exam

Floor receptacle outlets may be counted as required receptacles measured along the wall line when ____________________.

1. located within 12 inches of the wall

2. located within 18 inches of the wall

3. located within 24 inches of the wall

4. located within 36 inches of the wall

The correct answer is: located within 18 inches of the wall

Floor receptacle outlets can be counted as required receptacles when they are located within 18 inches of the wall. This guideline is important for ensuring that there are enough accessible receptacles in a room to meet electrical code requirements and provide convenience for users. The rationale behind this specific distance is that receptacles should provide sufficient access for plugging in appliances and devices while maintaining a practical approach to wiring and outlet placement. If floor outlets are further than 18 inches from the wall, they may not be as readily usable for everyday needs, and this could lead to increased usage of extension cords or other potentially unsafe practices. In practice, this rule ensures that floor receptacles serve their intended purpose effectively while complying with the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, which aim to promote safety and functionality in residential electrical installations.