Electrical outlets should be installed where you actually use electricity, spaced so you rarely need extension cords and protected where water or moisture is nearby. Room use, furniture layout, accessibility and electrical code requirements all shape where outlets go.
A little planning before installation can make a room much more convenient and safer to use.
Start With How the Room Is Used
Think about what happens in each room. A living room may need outlets near the TV, lamps and seating areas. A bedroom may need outlets on both sides of the bed. A home office needs power near the desk for computers, chargers and printers.
Kitchens usually need many outlets along countertops for small appliances. Garages and workshops may need outlets for tools, chargers and freezers.
Planning for how you will use the space helps reduce the need for extension cords and power strips, which can overheat or create tripping hazards when used as permanent wiring.
General Spacing and Code Considerations
The National Electrical Code, which Denver enforces in its 2023 edition, includes rules for how outlets are spaced along walls in living areas, kitchen countertops and other spaces. The goal is that most points along a wall are within reach of an outlet without a long cord.
Exact requirements depend on the room and the type of work being done. New construction and major remodels usually must meet current rules, while older homes may have been built under earlier codes. An electrician can explain what applies to your project.
Areas That Need Extra Protection
Outlets near water need special attention. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, garages, basements and outdoor locations commonly require GFCI protection, which helps reduce shock risk.
Outdoor outlets should have weather-resistant covers and be rated for wet locations. Outlets in homes with young children are often tamper-resistant, with shutters that help keep objects out.
Many circuits in living areas may also need AFCI protection, which is designed to detect dangerous arcing.
Height, Accessibility and Future Needs
Most outlets are mounted low on the wall, but some locations benefit from a different height. Outlets above countertops, behind wall-mounted TVs or in workshops are often placed higher.
For people with limited mobility, slightly higher outlets can be easier to reach. Think about future needs too, such as EV charging in a garage or outlets for outdoor lighting.
Floor outlets can help in large rooms where furniture sits away from walls, but they require careful planning.
If you are planning new outlets, our professional outlet installation page explains how placement and wiring are handled. For areas near water, our GFCI outlet installation page covers protected outlets. Contact us to talk through your plans.