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CSLB #354550 · C-10 Electrical · Licensed since 1978 · $25,000 contractor's bond

NEC 210.63 · Homes and commercial

Service receptacle for HVAC and electrical equipment

HVAC and refrigeration equipment needs a 125-V, 15- or 20-A receptacle within 25 ft, on the same level and not on the load side of the equipment's disconnect. In buildings other than one- and two-family homes, rooms with indoor service equipment need one too.

What the code requires

Section 210.63 requires a 125-V, single-phase, 15- or 20-A receptacle outlet at an accessible location within 25 ft of certain equipment that needs servicing.

Heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment: the receptacle must be on the same level as the equipment, and it may not be connected to the load side of the equipment's disconnecting means.

Buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings: where service equipment is indoors, a receptacle is required in the same room or area. Other indoor electrical equipment that needs dedicated space under 110.26(E) also needs a receptacle in the same room or area, and it may not be on the load side of that equipment's disconnect.

There is no 210.64 in the 2023 NEC. The old electrical-service-area receptacle rule was merged into 210.63(B)(1) in the 2020 edition.

On the job

  • On a rooftop, the receptacle must be on the same roof level as the equipment.
  • These receptacles need GFCI protection under 210.8(E), a requirement that dates from the 2020 NEC.
  • In multifamily buildings with a panel in each unit, a 2022 code column flags an apparent conflict between this rule and 210.25. Ask your inspector how it is handled.

Exceptions that matter

  • A receptacle is not required for evaporative coolers at one- and two-family dwellings.

In California

California does not amend 210.63. Separately, in new one- and two-family homes the 2025 CEC (440.3) requires heat-pump space-heater readiness, including designated receptacles and branch circuits, as specified in Energy Code 150.0(t).

Related sections

Where this comes from

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CSLB #354550 · C-10 Electrical · Licensed since 1978 · $25,000 contractor's bond