![]() ![]() In a wall framed with either 2x4 or 2圆 studs, the electrician might simply fasten the indoor and outdoor electrical boxes on opposing sides of the same stud, one box facing the building interior, the other facing the building exterior.spaced 2圆 wall framing we'd have even more separation. ![]() Of separation (15 1/2 - 8") if we simply fastened the indoor electrical box and outdoor electrical box to opposite stud faces. Using 4" boxes or smaller (in box width) we'd have about 7" ![]() we have 15 1/2" between the facing sides of a pair of studs in the same stud bay. In new construction when the wall is still opened and not yet insulated there are two easy solutions to receptacle box separation. If the wall were framed with 2圆 studs then you'd want a minimum of 5 1/2" horizontal separation between the indoor and outdoor receptacle boxes in the same stud bay. Typically in an insulated wall we want to see the electrical receptacle boxes offset from one another by a distance equal to no less than the depth of the wall cavity.Įxample: in a 2x4 framed stud wall the boxes would be offset from one another horizontally (assuming they're along the same horizontal line) by no less than 3 1/2" (that's the actual depth of a 2x4). The concern is that if the boxes were mounted back-to-back the fire-rating of the wall would be compromised. You ask an important fire safety question that I would phrase as "What is the required offset or separation between an inside electrical receptacle box and an outdoor receptacle box mounted in the same wall cavity". In new construction, can there be an indoor (into kitchen) and outdoor outlet (on back porch) in the same bay? Reply: 3 1/2" or 5 1/2" separation requirements for indoor & outdoor receptacles in the same stud bay Question: can there be an indoor (into kitchen) and outdoor outlet in the same bay? Often, for convenience the outdoor electrical receptacle will simply be extended off of an existing circuit of indoor receptacles, but even if the two receptacles and their boxes are on different circuits, they still should not go back-to-back in the same wall cavity. Instead, as you will read below, the boxes need to be offset from one another.Ī typical receptacle box offset amount is equal to the thickness of the stud bay, such as 3 1/2" or 5 1/2", but greater offsets are required in fire-rated walls, ceilings, and floors. The result of such an installation can violate the fire resistance of the wall. Watch out: do not install a pair of interior and exterior electrical receptacle boxes in the same stud bay back-to back. Electrical Outlet Box Fire Separation Between Inside Wall & Exterior Wall ReceptaclesĪn electrical outlet must be properly located on the wall, according to local electrical codes and the National Electrical Code.Įxamples of proper electrical outlet locations are shown in our page top sketch courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection, eductation, and report writing tool firm.īut what happens when the electrician wants to install an electrical receptacle on both the interior wall (facing the occupied space) and on the exterior wall (facing outside) from within the same stud bay? We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need. Electrical receptacles (also called electrical outlets or "plugs" or "sockets") are simple devices that are easy to install, but there are details to get right if you want to be safe. This article series describes how to choose, locate, and wire an electrical receptacle in a home. What offset spacing is required between two such electrical boxes in the same framing cavity, and why? Is it permissible to install an indoor-facing and outdoor facing pair of receptacle boxes in the same wall stud bay? We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. ![]() InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. ![]()
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