Building Code Glossary
Receptacle: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define receptacle, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · 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.
Direct answer
Receptacle is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.” 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 29 chapters of this corpus, most often in Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009), Devices and Luminaires (IRC 2009), Swimming Pools (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Receptacle — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Receptacle is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.
Where receptacle is used in the code
The term appears in 29 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 | IRC 2009 | 132 |
| Devices and Luminaires | IRC 2009 | 56 |
| Swimming Pools | IRC 2009 | 34 |
| Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements | IRC 2009 | 21 |
| Electrical Definitions | IRC 2009 | 11 |
| General Requirements | IRC 2009 | 11 |
| Duct Systems | IRC 2009 | 8 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| General Requirements | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| General Regulations | IMC 2009 | 6 |
| Definitions | IPC 2009 | 6 |
| General Mechanical System Requirements | IRC 2009 | 6 |
17 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about receptacle, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
In every kitchen, family room, dining room, living room, parlor, library, den, sun room, bedroom, recreation room, or similar room or area of dwelling units, receptacle outlets shall be installed in accordance with the general provisions specified in Sections E3901.2.1 through E3901.2.3 (see Figure E3901.2).
A single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit shall have an ampere rating not less than that of the branch circuit.
Distances shall be measured as the shortest path that an appliance supply cord connected to the receptacle would follow without penetrating a floor, wall, ceiling, doorway with hinged or sliding door, window opening, or other effective permanent barrier.
The terms receptacle is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what receptacle covers:
- Outlet — IRC 2009: A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Receptacle: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC 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 | Devices and Luminaires (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Swimming Pools (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Outlet | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Device | |
| 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?
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 publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of receptacle?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.” 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?
In this corpus the term is used across 29 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 considered a receptacle?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.” 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.
What is not considered an outlet by the NEC?
Outlet is a separate defined term. The IRC 2009 defines it as: “A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.” That is not the same as receptacle, which the IRC 2009 defines as “A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
Is a receptacle considered an outlet?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.” It is defined in IRC 2009. It is not the same as Outlet, which the IRC 2009 defines separately as “A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.” 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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