# Outlets above baseboard heater ends (not above element)

**URL:** <https://forum.nachi.org/t/outlets-above-baseboard-heater-ends-not-above-element/101966>\
**Category:** Electrical Inspections\
**Created:** [November 27, 2015, 11:47pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/outlets-above-baseboard-heater-ends-not-above-element/101966 "2015-11-27T23:47:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![John\_Smith987](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8797f3/32.png) [@John\_Smith987](https://forum.nachi.org/u/John_Smith987)\
**Post date:** [November 27, 2015, 11:47pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/outlets-above-baseboard-heater-ends-not-above-element/101966/1 "2015-11-27T23:47:37Z")

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I’ve got a baseboard heater that’s 9 ft long and electrical receptacles directly above each end of the heater. It appears safe since they’re above the end caps of the heater (where thermostats would usually mount) and away from the element by about 6’’. Would this result in code violation, or should I cap one of the boxes and move the heater a few inches?

Thank you.

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**Author:** ![mlarson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mlarson/32/89225_2.png) [@mlarson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mlarson)\
**Post date:** [November 28, 2015, 1:27am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/outlets-above-baseboard-heater-ends-not-above-element/101966/2 "2015-11-28T01:27:59Z")

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> [@John\_Smith987](#):
>
> I’ve got a baseboard heater that’s 9 ft long and electrical receptacles directly above each end of the heater. It appears safe since they’re above the end caps of the heater (where thermostats would usually mount) and away from the element by about 6’'. Would this result in code violation, or should I cap one of the boxes and move the heater a few inches?
> 
> Thank you.

You did not mention if it was baseboard electric or hydronic.

Yes it makes a difference.

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**Author:** ![asleezer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/asleezer/32/57038_2.png) [@asleezer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/asleezer)\
**Post date:** [November 28, 2015, 3:07pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/outlets-above-baseboard-heater-ends-not-above-element/101966/3 "2015-11-28T15:07:34Z")

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Electric ones I have had installed did not allow per manufacturer instructions.

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**Author:** ![mlarson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mlarson/32/89225_2.png) [@mlarson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mlarson)\
**Post date:** [November 28, 2015, 3:18pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/outlets-above-baseboard-heater-ends-not-above-element/101966/4 "2015-11-28T15:18:09Z")

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> [@asleezer](#):
>
> Electric ones I have had installed did not allow per manufacturer instructions.

Exactly!

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**Author:** ![rmeier2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rmeier2/32/59909_2.png) [@rmeier2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rmeier2)\
**Post date:** [November 28, 2015, 3:39pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/outlets-above-baseboard-heater-ends-not-above-element/101966/5 "2015-11-28T15:39:27Z")

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As other have stated the NEC doesn’t directly prohibit the receptacles above electric baseboard heat but references the manufacturers listing of the heating product.

> [@](#):
>
> 424.9 General. All fixed electric space-heating equipment  
> shall be installed in an approved manner.  
> Permanently installed electric baseboard heaters equipped  
> with factory-installed receptacle outlets, or outlets provided as  
> a separate listed assembly, shall be permitted in lieu of a receptacle outlet(s) that is required by 210.50(B). Such receptacle outlets shall not be connected to the heater circuits.  
> **Informational Note: Listed baseboard heaters include instructions that may not permit their installation below receptacle outlets.**

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**Author:** ![abuck](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/abuck/32/1492_2.png) [@abuck](https://forum.nachi.org/u/abuck)\
**Post date:** [November 29, 2015, 2:28pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/outlets-above-baseboard-heater-ends-not-above-element/101966/6 "2015-11-29T14:28:13Z")

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> [@John\_Smith987](#):
>
> I’ve got a baseboard heater that’s 9 ft long and electrical receptacles directly above each end of the heater. It appears safe since they’re above the end caps of the heater (where thermostats would usually mount) and away from the element by about 6’'. Would this result in code violation, or should I cap one of the boxes and move the heater a few inches?
> 
> Thank you.

Sometimes you may create a violation in trying to fix another.

From here: [Stumped by the Code? | EC&M](http://ecmweb.com/content/stumped-code-0)

**Q.** What are the rules on spacing receptacles in a dwelling unit?  
**A.** A receptacle outlet must be installed in every kitchen, family room, dining room, living room, sunroom, parlor, library, den, bedroom, recreation room, and similar room or area so that no point along the wall space is more than 6 feet, measured horizontally along the floor line, from a receptacle outlet [210.52(A)] ( **Figure** ).