Overview

Sometimes code changes occur because of reported disagreements between installers and inspectors. One such is example of this is 210.52(G). This section requires at least one receptacle to be installed in every vehicle bay of a garage, in each accessory building with electric power, and in each unfinished basement section. It has been argued that if a premise security system receptacle is installed in these areas, it should be counted as the required outlet in 210.52(G). This argument has been resolved in the 2023 NEC, as language has been specifically added to make it clear that it does not meet the requirements of 210.52(G).

Applying the 2023 Code

210.52(G) requires at least one receptacle for every vehicle bay in a garage, one receptacle for every accessory building with power, and one receptacle for each unfished section of a basement. Frequently, security systems are installed in unfinished basements, or sometimes garages, and are furnished with non-GFCI receptacles. Many installers have argued that the security system receptacle should cover the required need for a receptacle to be installed in the aforementioned locations. The issue lies within the need for receptacles in garages/accessory buildings/unfinished basements to be GFCI protected. The receptacle for premise security systems is not required to be GFCI protected. The 2023 NEC has added language clarifying that a receptacle installed for premise security systems does not meet the requirements of 210.52(G). In other words, non-GFCI receptacles are allowed to be installed in these locations to serve premise security systems, but an additional GFCI protected receptacle has to be provided to satisfy the requirements of 210.52(G).

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

In the 2020 NEC Section 210.52(G) read

(G) Basements, Garages, and Accessory Buildings.
For one- and two-family dwellings, and multifamily dwellings, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in the areas specified in 210.52(G)(1) through (G)(3). These receptacles shall be in addition to receptacles required for specific equipment.

2023 NEC

In the 2023 NEC 210.52(G) now reads as follows

(G) Basements, Garages, and Accessory Buildings.
For one- and two-family dwellings, and multifamily dwellings, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in the areas specified in 210.52(G)(1) through (G)(3). These receptacles shall be in addition to receptacles required for specific equipment. Receptacles supplying only a permanently installed premises security system shall not be considered as meeting these requirements.