At least one receptacle: bathroom within 36 in of sink; hallway ≥ 10 ft; foyer > 60 sqft (each wall ≥ 3 ft)
2025 RCNYS §E3901.6 / E3901.10 / E3901.11 — bathroom / hallway / foyer receptaclesDescription
Specific receptacle requirements beyond general spacing: • BATHROOM (E3901.6): at least one receptacle within 36 in of the outside edge of EACH sink, on a wall/partition adjacent to the sink, no more than 12 in below the counter top. • HALLWAYS (E3901.10): halls 10 ft or longer (measured along the centerline without passing through a doorway) need at least one receptacle. • FOYERS (E3901.11): foyers not part of a hallway and > 60 sqft need a receptacle on each wall space ≥ 3 ft wide. • OUTDOOR (E3901.7): at least one readily-accessible-from-grade receptacle at front and back of each dwelling, ≤ 6 ft 6 in above grade. • BASEMENT/GARAGE/LAUNDRY: at least one each, plus dedicated outlets for fixed equipment.
Why this exists
These specific requirements are easy to miss on the electrical plan. The 36-in-from-sink rule means a powder bath with a corner sink needs the receptacle on the side wall. Foyer receptacles ensure holiday lights and plug-ins have somewhere to go. Architects should walk every receptacle requirement against the plan during electrical layout.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
bathToSink | max | 36 | in from sink edge | Bathroom receptacle distance from sink |
hallTrigger | min | 10 | ft | Hallway length triggering receptacle requirement |
foyerTrigger | min | 60 | sqft | Foyer area triggering receptacle-per-wall requirement |
outdoorMax | max | 6.5 | ft above grade | Max height of outdoor receptacle |
Categories
Applies to
- Jurisdiction: New York State
Source
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Stair riser, tread, and headroom · IRC R311.7
- Bathroom ventilation · IRC R303.3
- Stairway illumination · IRC R303.6
- Stairway and ramp area lighting · IRC R303.7
- Toilet centerline + front clearance · IRC R307.1
Last reviewed 2026-05-15.