What is the minimum number of receptacles required in a basement with three separate unfinished areas, each with a perimeter of 30 feet?

What is the minimum number of receptacles required in a basement with three separate unfinished areas, each with a perimeter of 30 feet?

• A. 1
• B. 6
• C. 3
• D. 9

Answer: (C)

The key point is that in a dwelling, unfinished basement areas must have a receptacle outlet in each separate unfinished area. The number of receptacles is driven by how many distinct unfinished spaces you have, not by how large each space is. Since there are three separate unfinished areas, you need at least one receptacle in each area, for a total minimum of three. The given perimeters don’t change the minimum count because the rule for minimum receptacles for unfinished basement areas is based on the number of separate areas, not their size. The other options would imply more outlets than the minimum required by the rule for these three areas.

The key point is that in a dwelling, unfinished basement areas must have a receptacle outlet in each separate unfinished area. The number of receptacles is driven by how many distinct unfinished spaces you have, not by how large each space is. Since there are three separate unfinished areas, you need at least one receptacle in each area, for a total minimum of three. The given perimeters don’t change the minimum count because the rule for minimum receptacles for unfinished basement areas is based on the number of separate areas, not their size. The other options would imply more outlets than the minimum required by the rule for these three areas.