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There are multiple questions on this page. Be sure to scroll
down to find the one you're looking for!
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I am having a problem with the electrical outlets in my
bedroom. The top portion of the outlet is always live, the bottom only works with the switch on. Had an air conditioner plugged
into the top half, but worked fine for about 6 hours then stopped. Now none of the other outlets in the room work, although
a tester shows they are still hot.
You most likely have a loose neutral connection, either at that receptacle or at
one 'upstream' from the bad one.
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When turning off my computer, it caused the outlet it was connected
to and a nearby outlet to go out. I reset the circuit breaker, but no luck. By the time an electrician looked at it, they
were operational again by themselves. What would cause this?
You most likely have a loose connection in one of the devices on the circuit. Your
electrician should check the connections in all the receptacles and at the neutral bar in the breaker
panel.
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How high can receptacles be installed off the floor?
Within a dwelling unit, there are restrictions for required outlets. Generally,
receptacles installed more than 5 ½ feet above the floor may not be considered as required outlets under section 210.52(4)
of the Code. When installing receptacles in new construction, we recommend reviewing the requirements of 210.52 in its entirety.
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Does the spacing requirement for receptacles apply in commercial
installations?
Receptacle outlets installed in dwelling units are spaced
and located differently that those in commercial facilities. Therefore, receptacles can be installed in the needed areas or
as the owner requires. Or in some instances, where dictated by the Code. In residential applications it’s a little bit more involved. Basically, plan
on following the 6-foot rule, which in essence says that for any wall greater than two feet long, you should encounter an
outlet within six feet of travel in either direction. Section 210.52 covers this topic in greater detail, and it should be
referenced before starting any residential job.
While
we’re at it, I should also mention that load calculations for commercial receptacles are figured differently than residential
applications. Basically, plan on a load of 180VA per duplex receptacle for commercial installations. In dwelling units, the
load can be calculated using Table 220.12 in the NEC. This allows a load calculation based on the square footage of the room.
With this concept, there’s no limit on the number of outlets permitted on a circuit. However, keep in mind that the
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) may not agree and might put a limit on this number.
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