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EZSMART Corporation, ESA/ECRA #7012690 , North York , Ontario
Mon-Fri 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
EZSMART Corporation, ESA/ECRA #7012690 , North York , Ontario
Mon-Fri 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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10 Jul, 2026
Posted by Amir Azimipour
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How Many Outlets Should Each Room Have in a Renovation?

Electrical Q&A
How Many Outlets Should Each Room Have in a Renovation?

Ontario code sets a minimum for outlet spacing, but renovation is the ideal time to go beyond the minimum, since adding outlets later is significantly more disruptive. Here is how to think about outlet count room by room, from the licensed electricians at EZSMART, serving Toronto and the GTA.

Code Minimums

Ontario code generally requires outlets spaced so that no point along a wall is more than a certain distance from an outlet. In practical terms, this means at least one outlet on most walls, with additional outlets on longer walls. Specific room types have their own requirements.

Room-by-Room Guidelines

  • Bedroom: Outlets on each usable wall, plus one near the intended bed location for lamps and device charging
  • Living room: Multiple outlets to support entertainment center, side lamps, and floor lamps without extension cords
  • Kitchen: Countertop outlets at code-required intervals, plus dedicated outlets for major appliances
  • Bathroom: GFCI-protected outlets at the vanity
  • Home office: More outlets than a typical bedroom, since desks with computers, monitors, and peripherals draw significantly
  • Basement: Outlets sized to intended use, more for entertainment, fewer for storage
  • Garage: Multiple GFCI-protected outlets plus circuits for major tools
  • Outdoor: Weatherproof outlets at least on the front and back of the house

Why Going Beyond the Minimum Pays Off

The extra cost of adding outlets during rough-in is significantly less than the cost of extension cords, poorly placed device charging stations, and the eventual retrofit if you decide to add more outlets later. This is one of the highest-value decisions to overspend on slightly during renovation.

Special Outlet Types to Consider

  • USB outlets in bedrooms, kitchens, and near desk areas
  • Countertop outlets in living rooms for coffee bars or wet bars
  • Ceiling outlets for smart cameras or projectors
  • Floor outlets in large rooms to reduce extension cord use

Quality outlets from manufacturers like Leviton or Legrand are standard choices.

The Permit and Inspection Process

New outlet installation during a renovation falls under the ESA permit and inspection process, in accordance with Electrical Safety Authority standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a maximum number of outlets allowed?
Not on a per-room basis, though total outlets per circuit is limited by code. A licensed electrician plans circuits to accommodate your desired outlet count.

Are USB outlets worth the extra cost?
For frequently used device charging areas like bedrooms and kitchens, they can reduce clutter significantly.

Should I plan outlets for specific furniture layouts?
Yes, if you know where the bed, sofa, or desk will go, outlets can be placed to support them directly.

Planning a renovation and want to design outlet placement properly? EZSMART provides licensed electrical planning and installation across Toronto and the GTA. Call 416-838-9006, and see what our customers say on our Google reviews page.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp

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