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A bathroom receptacle must be within how far of the outside edge of each basin?

Within 3 feet of the outside edge of each basin.

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  1. 6 feet
  2. 3 feet ✔
  3. 10 feet

Why: Section 210.52(D) requires at least one receptacle within 3 feet of the outside edge of each bathroom basin. It keeps cords from reaching across the room.

Huh, didn't know that: A 20A bathroom circuit that serves only one bathroom may also feed that bathroom's lighting or fan.

The dad joke
Why does every basin get a receptacle within 3 feet? Hair dryers hate long-distance relationships.
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References

Answer: 3 feet. Section 210.52(D) requires at least one receptacle within 3 feet of the outside edge of each bathroom basin. It keeps cords from reaching across the room.

  1. EC&M: Branch Circuits Part Two www.ecmweb.com/national-electrical-code/code-basics/article/20889225/branch-circuits-part-two
    At least one receptacle must be within 3 feet of the outside edge of each basin.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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