# Washing Machine Outlet **URL:** \ **Category:** Electrical Inspections\ **Created:** [May 23, 2008, 1:49am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507 "2008-05-23T01:49:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![lagudo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e79b87/32.png) [@lagudo](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lagudo)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 2:34am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/21 "2008-05-23T02:34:14Z")
I leave for 15 minutes and look what happens. So does or doesn’t a washing machine have to be plugged into a dedicated outlet. I understand that something else could be plugged into that dedicated laundry circuit somewhere else in the laundry room or is it up to interpretation. ---
**Author:** ![belliott](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/belliott/32/57038_2.png) [@belliott](https://forum.nachi.org/u/belliott)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 2:44am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/22 "2008-05-23T02:44:09Z")
We all said yes Dysfunctional agreement ---
**Author:** ![ccurrins](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ccurrins/32/225758_2.png) [@ccurrins](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ccurrins)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 3:54am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/23 "2008-05-23T03:54:25Z")
Section 210.52(F) refers to _laundry areas_ rather than a _laundry room_. Section 210.11©(2) states that the laundry branch circuit is allowed to **supply outlet(s).** “At least one additional 20-ampere branch circuit shall be provided to supply the laundry receptacle outlet(s) required by 210.52(F)…” This section allows an additional outlet to be installed for laundry equipment in the laundry area (for example, a plug receptacle to be used for an iron or additional laundry equipment located within the laundry area). An inspector’s interpretation that another outlet installed in the laundry area for a convenience outlet would be correct if the use is _not_ for associated laundry equipment. The interpretation by the authority having jurisdiction (inspector) would determine the use of additional outlet(s) from the laundry branch circuit. The laundry area/laundry room can be supplied by additional branch circuits/outlets of either 15- or 20-ampere circuits for general use. However, the laundry receptacle outlet(s) is required by 210.11©(2) to be a 20-ampere branch circuit. — ---
**Author:** ![Greg\_Fretwell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f1d935/32.png) [@Greg\_Fretwell](https://forum.nachi.org/u/Greg_Fretwell)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 4:28am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/24 "2008-05-23T04:28:01Z")
All the code does is recognize that there should be a separate 20a circuit available for laundry equipment. That can be a washing machine, in addition to a dryer motor (on a gas dryer) or ironing equipment. Nobody says you actually have to install the washer there tho. It is just another piece of equipment that could be plugged into a receptacle in the living room if you want, (or out on the front porch if you are a redneck). ---
**Author:** ![sstanczyk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/sstanczyk/32/175851_2.png) [@sstanczyk](https://forum.nachi.org/u/sstanczyk)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 5:27am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/25 "2008-05-23T05:27:19Z")
> [@Greg Fretwell](#): > > It is just another piece of equipment that could be plugged into a receptacle in the living room if you want, (or out on the front porch if you are a redneck). I jus take dem jeans down to the river and beat em on a rock. Don’t need no fancy dan lectrical thing-a-ma-jig. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![jfrederick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jfrederick/32/58314_2.png) [@jfrederick](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jfrederick)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 11:41am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/26 "2008-05-23T11:41:49Z")
Around here, it normally should to be a [single outlet](http://media.mydoitbest.com/imagerequest.aspx?sku=509574&size=2&warehouse=C&newsize=600). ---
**Author:** ![ccurrins](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ccurrins/32/225758_2.png) [@ccurrins](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ccurrins)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 3:10pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/27 "2008-05-23T15:10:33Z")
> [@jfrederick](#): > > Around here, it normally should to be a [single outlet](http://media.mydoitbest.com/imagerequest.aspx?sku=509574&size=2&warehouse=C&newsize=600). _Here_, it should be a GFCI. 🙂 ---
**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:** [May 23, 2008, 3:20pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/28 "2008-05-23T15:20:02Z")
> [@ccurrins](#): > > _Here_, it should be a GFCI. 🙂 The electrical code requires a separate 20-amp circuit for laundry outlets and GFCI protection for outlets within 6 ft. of the sink which probably applies to most laundry areas though I have seen some laudry areas without a sink.😃 ---
**Author:** ![ccurrins](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ccurrins/32/225758_2.png) [@ccurrins](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ccurrins)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 3:44pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/29 "2008-05-23T15:44:08Z")
> [@mlarson](#): > > The electrical code requires a separate 20-amp circuit for laundry outlets and **GFCI protection** for outlets within 6 ft. of the sink which probably applies to most laundry areas though I have seen some laudry areas without a sink.😃 Our local AHJ requires a GFCI at the WM. A friend had it noted recently for an occupancy permit. Even though he got the permit, they still wrote it down and suggested he replace the present one. Oh, and no sink in this room. :neutral: ---
**Author:** ![jbushart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@jbushart](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jbushart)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 3:49pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/30 "2008-05-23T15:49:52Z")
> [@ccurrins](#): > > Our local AHJ requires a GFCI at the WM. A friend had it noted recently for an occupancy permit. Even though he got the permit, they still wrote it down and suggested he replace the present one. Oh, and no sink in this room. :neutral: Is it possible that he was enforcing the rule that requires GFCI in all unfinished parts of the basement? ---
**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:** [May 23, 2008, 4:00pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/31 "2008-05-23T16:00:06Z")
> [@ccurrins](#): > > Our local AHJ requires a GFCI at the WM. A friend had it noted recently for an occupancy permit. Even though he got the permit, they still wrote it down and suggested he replace the present one. Oh, and no sink in this room. :neutral: Making it up as he goes?:roll: It’s not a bad idea but article 210 does not require it as far as I understand. I suppose one could consider a washing machine tub a “sink”. Mine has a switch on it that you can push to turn the water on manually. ---
**Author:** ![Greg\_Fretwell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f1d935/32.png) [@Greg\_Fretwell](https://forum.nachi.org/u/Greg_Fretwell)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 4:44pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/32 "2008-05-23T16:44:55Z")
An ahj who requires a single receptacle for the “laundry” has missed a basic concept. This is for all laundry equipment, not just the washer. ---
**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:** [May 23, 2008, 4:48pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/33 "2008-05-23T16:48:17Z")
> [@Greg Fretwell](#): > > An ahj who requires a single receptacle for the “laundry” has missed a basic concept. This is for all laundry equipment, not just the washer. You mean as in 20 A dedicated “circuit” for laundry facilities , correct? ---
**Author:** ![Speedy\_Petey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@Speedy\_Petey](https://forum.nachi.org/u/Speedy_Petey)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 7:06pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/34 "2008-05-23T19:06:49Z")
> [@Greg Fretwell](#): > > An ahj who requires a single receptacle for the “laundry” has missed a basic concept. This is for all laundry equipment, not just the washer. This is probably the same ill informed AHJ who requires a GFI even without a sink. ---
**Author:** ![belliott](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/belliott/32/57038_2.png) [@belliott](https://forum.nachi.org/u/belliott)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 8:23pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/35 "2008-05-23T20:23:04Z")
GFCI is not required in a hard to access location. I have the info somewhere , but you can trust me as I brought it up once. We throw our Washer Dryers in small closets as combo units around here. My grandpa would have a hernia resetting the thing. ---
**Author:** ![jbushart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@jbushart](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jbushart)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 8:25pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/36 "2008-05-23T20:25:46Z")
> [@relliott](#): > > GFCI is not required in a hard to access location. > > I have the info somewhere , but you can trust me as I brought it up once. 210.8(A)(5) Exception No. 1. ---
**Author:** ![Speedy\_Petey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@Speedy\_Petey](https://forum.nachi.org/u/Speedy_Petey)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 10:10pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/37 "2008-05-23T22:10:15Z")
> [@relliott](#): > > GFCI is not required in a hard to access location. Hard to access location has nothing to do with it, from a national code standpoint. A laundry sink is the key. Within 6’ actually, even if the receptacle is behind the washer. ---
**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:** [May 23, 2008, 10:13pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/38 "2008-05-23T22:13:18Z")
Wrong reference sorry. ---
**Author:** ![belliott](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/belliott/32/57038_2.png) [@belliott](https://forum.nachi.org/u/belliott)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2008, 11:15pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/39 "2008-05-23T23:15:34Z")
Perhaps we should look at the reason behind the code. ---
**Author:** ![ccurrins](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ccurrins/32/225758_2.png) [@ccurrins](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ccurrins)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2008, 12:03am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507/40 "2008-05-24T00:03:07Z")
> [@ccurrins](#): > > Our local AHJ requires a GFCI at the WM. A friend had it noted recently for an occupancy permit. Even though he got the permit, they still wrote it down and suggested he replace the present one. Oh, and no sink in this room. :neutral: Pics are of my friends washer setup. Note the the rec. to the lower right that he didn’t say anything about. Both rec. are on the same dedicated 20 amp circuit. The guy was kind of new at the time, but he does have a state lic. and passed the NHIE.😛 🙂 [Previous page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/washing-machine-outlet/28507.md?page=1)