National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast

06 - Receptacles, Switches, Lights and Appliances: Types, Locations, Requirements

• Season 1 - Electrical Systems ⚡ • Season 1 • Episode 6

Share episode

Send us a text

Episode 06 provides comprehensive coverage of outlets—receptacles, switches, lights, and appliance disconnects. Understanding proper installation, location requirements, and common defects is essential for identifying safety hazards during home inspections.

Kitchen Countertop Receptacles:

  • Spacing: No point >2 feet from receptacle (≈4 feet between receptacles)
  • Must be GFCI protected
  • Not required behind sinks/appliances (unless countertop >12" deep behind)
  • Maximum 20" above countertop (or won't count as required)
  • Must not be face-up on countertop
  • Peninsulas >2 feet long x 1 foot wide require receptacle
  • Islands >2 feet long x 1 foot wide require receptacle
  • Island/peninsula receptacles may mount on cabinet if <12" below countertop

Bathroom Receptacles:

  • At least ONE GFCI receptacle within 3 feet of each sink
  • May mount on cabinet if <12" below countertop
  • NOT allowed in/above tubs and showers
  • Must not be face-up on countertop

Other Required Receptacle Locations:

  • Laundry: At least one GFCI receptacle
  • Hallways: At least one if ≥10 feet long (measured along centerline)
  • Foyers: Required if >60 sq ft (one per wall ≥3 feet wide, uninterrupted by doors/windows)
  • Unfinished Basements: At least one GFCI receptacle (plus HVAC service receptacles)
  • Garages: At least one GFCI receptacle per vehicle bay (plus HVAC service receptacles)
  • Accessory Buildings: At least one GFCI receptacle if electricity provided
  • HVAC Equipment: At least one receptacle within 25 feet and on same level

Switch Installation Standards:

  • Maximum height: 79" to handle in UP position
  • No minimum height (convention ≈48" above floor)
  • ON position should be UP (except 3-way/4-way switches)
  • Must not move when operated
  • Boxes must be securely supported
  • Metal boxes and face plates must connect to EGC

Required Lighting:

  • Every habitable room and bathroom: Wall switch-controlled light
  • Kitchens/bathrooms: Must be permanent ceiling or wall fixture
  • Other rooms: May use switched receptacle instead of fixture
  • Hallways: Permanent fixture, wall switch-controlled
  • Interior stairways: Light must illuminate all treads/landings (including top/bottom)
  • Stairways ≥6 risers: 3-way/4-way switches at top and bottom
  • Exterior stairways: Light near top landing (switch inside house)
  • Exterior doors: Light fixture, wall switch-controlled (inside house)
  • Garages (attached): Permanent fixture, wall switch-controlled
  • Garages (detached with electricity): Permanent fixture, wall switch-controlled
  • Basements/attics/crawlspaces: One light if used for storage or contains equipment
  • Switch near entrance; light may be pull-chain if near entrance

IRC Code References

IRC 2018: E3901 (receptacle locations/spacing), E4002 (receptacle types/installation), E3905, E3906 (box installation), E4001 (switch installation), Table E4101.5 (appliance disconnects), R303.7, R303.8 (stairway lighting), N1102.4.5 (recessed light leakage), E3903 (required lights), E3905.8 (ceiling fan boxes), E4003 (lights in tubs/showers/closets), E4004 (light fixture installation), E4005 (track lighting)


For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com

© 2025 National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast. All rights reserved.

Contributor

Season 1 - Electrical Systems ⚡

Host