In homes the NEC drives the receptacle count (the 6 ft / 12 ft rule) and requires switched lighting in nearly every room; lighting placement itself is design.
Space | Power | Switching | Lighting |
Living rooms and bedrooms | No point on a wall's floor line more than 6 ft from a receptacle; 12–18 in to center | Switch at each entry; 3-way for two entries | Downlights 4–6 ft apart; sconces or switched receptacles for lamps |
Kitchens | Counter receptacles so no point is more than 24 in from one; at least two 20 A circuits; GFCI; no more than 20 in above the counter | Separate switches for ceiling, under-cabinet and pendants | Downlights over counter fronts; under-cabinet strips; island pendants 30–36 in above the counter |
Bathrooms | Receptacle within 3 ft of each basin, 20 A, GFCI; none within 3 ft of the tub or shower edge up to 8 ft | No switches in the tub or shower space | Sconces 60–66 in to center each side of the mirror; damp or wet listed fixtures in the shower zone; no pendants or fans there |
Hallways and stairs | Receptacle in halls 10 ft or longer | 3-way at each end of halls; switch at each level for stairs with six or more risers | Fixture about every 8–10 ft; light each landing |
Garages | GFCI; one per vehicle bay, no higher than 5½ ft; EV circuit | Switch at each door | Surface LED fixtures over parking spaces and benches |
Outdoors | Front and back receptacles no higher than 6½ ft above grade; GFCI, WR, in-use covers | Switch inside each entry; photocell or timer | Entry lanterns about 66 in to center; path lights 6–8 ft apart |
Closets | None required | Switch outside the door or a jamb switch | Enclosed LED or fluorescent fixtures with NEC 410.16 clearances |
Other residential requirements:
- Laundry: at least one receptacle on a 20 A circuit, GFCI protected.
- Foyers over 60 sq ft: a receptacle on each wall 3 ft or wider.
- Basements and accessory buildings: at least one receptacle in each unfinished area, GFCI protected; switched lighting at the point of entry where used for storage or containing equipment.
- HVAC equipment: a receptacle within 25 ft of the equipment.
- Dining rooms: chandelier or pendant bottom 30–36 in above the table; any wall space 2 ft or wider counts toward the receptacle rule.
- 2026 NEC changes: switched receptacles no longer count toward required receptacles; built-in desks may need receptacles; receptacles below kitchen counters must be at least 24 in below the surface.