Final answer:
The National Electrical Code (NEC) states that in habitable rooms, no place along the walls should be more than 6 feet from a receptacle, which ensures easy access to electrical outlets and enhances safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets forth safety standards for electrical wiring and installation in the United States. One of the provisions of the NEC is regarding the placement of receptacles in residential dwellings. This rule is intended to ensure that individuals have convenient access to an outlet for plugging in electrical devices and to eliminate the need for excessive use of extension cords, which can be a safety hazard. The NEC states that, typically, no place along the walls of habitable rooms should be more than 6 feet, measured horizontally along the floor line, from an outlet. This effectively means there needs to be a receptacle every 12 feet at a minimum, since 6 feet from an outlet in one direction and 6 feet from another outlet in the opposite direction cover the requirements.