Final answer:
An outdoor receptacle for a rooftop air conditioner must be located within 25 feet of the equipment for easy serviceability; AFCI protection is not specified.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a rooftop air conditioner is installed on a strip shopping center and the receptacle installed outside, the receptacle is required to be located 25 feet or less from the equipment. This is because maintenance and service professionals need to have easy access to power supply when servicing the rooftop unit. AFCI protection is not typically mentioned in this context, which deals more with accessibility and safety in terms of proximity to the equipment.