Is there a definite answer, receptacle in a closet?

16 years ago

I tried searching on here and around the web and couldn't really get a good answer. Question is could I add an outlet in a closet. There is an outlet on the wall that the closet shares so I could easily wire it, just don't know the codes. I need the receptacle there for a structured media box. Live in L.A. area (even though I'm sure code enforcement goes down to the city level). There is some clothes stored there but seeing how it is dead space due to it's shape, I may utilize it. There already is the alarm panel running here and it is in a central location in the house. It's about 3x8 with a clothing rod if it matters. Haven't posted here in a while but I remember bus driver and ron would answer a lot of my questions when we were wiring up my brothers place. Thanks in advance. -RN

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Comments (15)

buzzsaw
16 years ago
Watch your terminology. All receptacles are outlets, but not all outlets are receptacles...

I do not know of any code restrictions for any receptacles in a closet, just lighting outlets. Most likely any receptacle restrictions will have to do with following the manufacturer's stated proper use/placement of the device being plugged in.
manchild
16 years ago
Receptacles are neither required or not allowed in a closet by code.
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buzzsaw
16 years ago
Can you cite an NEC reference for us to learn from? Every home I've owned has had receptacles in at least one closet. Sure nice to have a place to plug in that iron inside a walk-in-closet...
bus_driver
16 years ago
To put it another way, the NEC does not mention receptacles in closets. How does one cite a reference that does not exist? If you want a receptacle in a closet, have it installed.
manchild
16 years ago
Like I said they are neither required or not allowed. I believe it's not even mentioned in the code.
DavidR
16 years ago
Some years ago, I installed a receptacle in a closet of my house, intending to use it for an Ethernet switch. I later thought better of the usage. I wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea of having electrical equipment that was out of sight and close to a large quantity of flammable material. YMMV.
rene44
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for your replies. I think I could handle installing this myself. So if it's not mentioned in the NEC does that mean it's fair game? I would think it would mention something.

As far as electrical in the closet, it's pretty low voltage. All that will be plugged in are DTV multiswitch, 12 volt dsl modem, router, camera sequencer, 12v cameras, phone 110 block, alarm.
greg_h
16 years ago
neither required or not allowed

I think it was the double negative that tripped up bus_driver. I had to read it a couple of times to realize that you meant it was neither required nor forbidden, as opposed to neither required nor allowed.
texasredhead
16 years ago
We have receptacles behind upholstered furniture and beds, etc., all of which are combustable products. Also, what you plug into a receptacle does not render it less potent. The real issue is not to have anything hanging into or laying against a receptacle.
bus_driver
16 years ago
I was not tripped up at all. How could you reach that conclusion?
However, reading the original question by rene44 and the subsequent essential repeat of the question in the face of several assurances, I doubt that the assurances will ever be adequate.
radioguy4ever
16 years ago
we have one in our closet and the inspector went in and checked it and that was it.
greg_h
16 years ago
Sorry bus_driver, I actually meant buzzsaw, who was asking for a NEC reference from manchild. My bad.
rene44
Original Author
16 years ago
I wouldn't necessarily call them several assurances. Even some of you guys challenged their sources. I didn't think it would be an issue anyway, it's just sometimes on these boards you get direct quotes from the book you know, or the other extreme of everyone reaching a consensus that you definetly cannot do something because it would be unsafe.
buzzsaw
16 years ago
Just getting back to this. Yes, the improper double negative threw me. My interpretation was that manchild stated it was not allowed so I asked him to cite the (obviously non-existant) reference that said as much to prove my point. Since manchild's intent was the opposite, looks like we all agree - it is not an NEC violation to put one in a closet.
bus_driver
16 years ago
I stand by my statement. Manchild stated the correct facts. Arguments over the exact grammatical composition do not change that fact. I stated the correct facts. In the NEC, any number over 1 is often called "several". Several assurances, as I said. Believe what you will.

Is there a definite answer, receptacle in a closet?

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Is there a definite answer, receptacle in a closet?

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