Outdoor receptacles at homes, decks and balconies
One- and two-family homes need an outdoor receptacle at both the front and the back, reachable from grade and no more than 6½ ft above it. Balconies, decks and porches within 4 in. of the house need one too.
What the code requires
For a one-family home, and for each grade-level unit of a two-family home, at least one receptacle outlet is required at the front and at the back of the dwelling. Each must be readily accessible from grade and no more than 6½ ft above grade.
Balconies, decks and porches that are within 4 in., measured horizontally, of the dwelling unit need at least one receptacle outlet that can be reached from that surface. It may be no more than 6½ ft above the walking surface.
This page covers one- and two-family dwellings and balconies, decks and porches. The outdoor receptacle rule for multifamily buildings is not covered here.
On the job
- A receptacle on a porch a few steps up can count as the front or back receptacle if it is readily accessible from grade.
- A freestanding deck built within 4 in. of the house still needs its own receptacle. The 4-in. figure was chosen to match the building code.
- Outdoor receptacles at homes need GFCI protection under 210.8(A)(3), and other outdoor outlets under 210.8(F). A temporary 210.8(F) exception for listed HVAC equipment, added by TIA 23-3, expired Sept 1, 2026. Confirm with your building department how this applies to your project.
Related sections
- NEC 210.8(A)(3)
- NEC 210.8(F): GFCI for outdoor outlets at homes, including A/C units
- NEC 406.9: Receptacles outdoors and near tubs and showers
- NEC 210.63: Service receptacle for HVAC and electrical equipment
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