# Receptacle Outlet: Building Code Definition

> How the IRC 2009 define receptacle outlet, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/receptacle-outlet/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IRC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IRC 2009 Electrical Definitions (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 6 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Receptacle outlet is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009), Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements (IRC 2009), General Regulations (IMC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.

*Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Receptacle Outlet** — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:

> An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Receptacle Outlet: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/receptacle-outlet/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IRC 2009 define receptacle outlet, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

**Receptacle Outlet** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Electrical Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/electrical-definitions.md) chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:

> An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.

## Where receptacle outlet is used in the code

The term appears in 6 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Power and Lighting Distribution](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/power-and-lighting-distribution.md) | IRC 2009 | 61 |
| [Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/branch-circuit-and-feeder-requirements.md) | IRC 2009 | 8 |
| [General Regulations](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/general-regulations.md) | IMC 2009 | 6 |
| [General Mechanical System Requirements](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/general-mechanical-system-requirements.md) | IRC 2009 | 6 |
| [Swimming Pools](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/swimming-pools.md) | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| [Electrical Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/electrical-definitions.md) | IRC 2009 | 2 |

### The term in use

How the code actually writes about receptacle outlet, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

> Receptacles shall be installed so that no point measured horizontally along the floor line in any wall space is more than 6 feet 1829 mm, from a receptacle outlet.

— [IRC 2009 §E3901.2.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/power-and-lighting-distribution.md)

> A mInImum of one 20-ampere branch circuit shall be provided to supply bathroom receptacle outlet(s).

— [IRC 2009 §E3703.4](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/branch-circuit-and-feeder-requirements.md)

> A luminaire controlled by a switch located at the required passageway opening and a receptacle outlet shall be provided at or near the appliance location in accordance with NFPA 70.

— [IMC 2009 §306.3.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/general-regulations.md)

> A luminaire controlled by a switch located at the required passageway opening and a receptacle outlet shall be installed at or near the appliance location in accordance with Chapter 39.

— [IRC 2009 §MI305.1.3.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/general-mechanical-system-requirements.md)


## The terms receptacle outlet is built out of

The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what receptacle outlet covers:

- **[Outlet](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/outlet.md)** — IRC 2009: A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.

## Receptacle Outlet: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Electrical Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Regulations (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Mechanical System Requirements (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Outlet | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list | |

**A research aid, not a code determination.** The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.

## Where can you explore related guidance?

- [Explore all glossary guidance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Outlet: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/outlet.md)
- [Appliance: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/appliance.md)
- [Plenum: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/plenum.md)
- [Bathroom: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/bathroom.md)

## Sources and method

Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of receptacle outlet?

The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.

### Which parts of the code depend on receptacle outlet?

In this corpus the term is used across 6 chapters, led by Power and Lighting Distribution in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.

### What is the purpose of a receptacle outlet?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “An outlet where one or more receptacles are installed.” It is defined in IRC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.

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