Are Railings Considered Wall Space, When Installing Receptacles?

As used in this section [210.52(A)(2)(3)], wall space includes the space afforded by fixed room dividers. Railings and freestanding bar-type counters are considered fixed room dividers and also count as wall space.

For example, a short wall, installed as a room divider, separates the dining room and the living room. The room divider is 42 inches high and extends 7 feet out from the main wall. Since this room divider is counted as wall space, a receptacle must be installed no more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) from the end of the wall. Because the dining room is on one side of the wall and the living room is on the other, a receptacle must be installed on each side.

Railings are considered wall space and must be counted when determining the minimum number of required receptacles. Just because railings are open does not mean that receptacles are not required.

If a railing extends more than 6 feet into the room, a receptacle is required within 6 feet (1.8 meters) of the end of the railing. For example, an iron railing divides the dining room and living room. Like the previous example, this railing extends 7 feet out from the main wall. Because the railing is a fixed room divider, it is considered wall space.

Installing a receptacle in the wall is too far from the end of the railing. A receptacle must be installed within 6 feet (1.8 meters) of the railing’s end. A floor receptacle installed close to the rail will satisfy the general receptacle placement provision. Since the railing is open, the floor receptacle can be counted as the required receptacle for both sides.

Freestanding bar-type counters are also considered wall space and must be counted when determining the minimum number of required receptacles.

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