Garage, basement and accessory building receptacles

What the code requires

Section 210.52(G) applies to one-family, two-family and multifamily dwellings. The receptacles it requires are in addition to any receptacles installed for specific equipment.

Garages: every attached garage, and every detached garage that has electric power, needs at least one receptacle outlet in each vehicle bay, no more than 5½ ft above the floor.

Accessory buildings and basements: each accessory building with electric power needs at least one receptacle outlet, and so does each separate unfinished portion of a basement.

On the job

• A detached garage or accessory building with no electric power does not need a receptacle.
• Under 210.11(C)(4), at least one 120-V, 20-A branch circuit must supply the garage receptacles. That circuit may also feed outdoor receptacles, and other garage receptacles may be on additional circuits of 15 A or more.
• A receptacle put in for a specific piece of equipment does not take the place of the required receptacle in each bay.

Exceptions that matter

• In multifamily buildings, garage spaces that are not attached to an individual dwelling unit do not need a receptacle in each vehicle bay.

What changed in 2023

The 2023 NEC added that a receptacle supplying only a permanently installed premises security system does not count toward these required receptacles.

In California

For new construction, the 2025 CEC (625.1.1) also requires electric vehicle charging to comply with CALGreen, the California Green Building Standards Code.

Related sections

• NEC 210.11(C)(4)
• NEC 210.8(A): GFCI protection in homes
• NEC 210.70: Required lighting outlets and switches in homes
• NEC 625.1.1: California EV-ready rules for new construction
• NEC 210.52(E): Outdoor receptacles at homes, decks and balconies

Where this comes from

• Leviton Captain Code 2023: 210.52(G)
• Electrical License Renewal: 210.52(G), 2020 changes
• Electrical License Renewal: 210.11(C)(4), 2023 changes
• Read the official NEC free at NFPA