How Far From a Door Should an Electrical Outlet Be Installed?

Written By
Gerry Poulos
Gerry Poulos
Published: Aug 12, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Code Requirements

Safe Distance

If an electrical cord is plugged into an outlet close to a door, it could cause damage by striking it. Additionally, it could become entangled in the door and be yanked from the outlet. It is also possible for an electrical cord to get pinched between the door and the jam.

Bottom Line

Installing an electrical outlet is as much about convenience as it is need. If there is no practical location other than behind a door, then you have little choice. Weigh your willingness to bear the consequences and risks against the convenience of the outlet’s location.

Gerry Poulos

Living in Ohio, Gerry Poulos began writing professionally in 1999. He has been a columnist for the Nation News Bureau, a contributing editor for “Protoculture Addicts Magazine,” an accomplished freelance journalist and photographer, a Web…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.