Yes, just what is a "Laundry receptacle outlet?"
Since they say 'receptacle," I'd say that other types of outlets - like lighting outlets - are not allowed. An 'exception' would be a switch-controlled lighting receptacle outlet.
So, what's a 'laundry receptacle?' Please note that it does NOT say laundry 'area.' So, I'd say it's any receptacle positioned so that it can, in any way, be used for laundry-related activities. IMO, 'permitted' receptacles would be:
- Receptacles providing for ignition of the dryer;
- I'd stretch that to allow the receptacle serving the water heater igniter and vent fan, assuming the water heater is placed in the same area as the laundry;
-Receptacles providing power to the washer;
- "Convenience receptacles" placed in the laundry area;
-Receptacles providing power to irons, steam presses, and drying closets; and,
-Receptacles providing power to work counters in the area.
What receptacles would not be allowed to be on the laundry circuit? Well, I see these as being prohibited:
- Receptacle providing the furnace with power;
- Receptacles placed to meet 'convenience receptacle' requirements;
- Receptacles powering CATV and alarm systems;
- Any outdoor receptacles that you might be tempted to feed from a receptacle in the laundry area; and,
- Receptacles powering holiday lights, doorbell transformers, battery chargers, etc.
Please note I say "laundry area," and not "laundry room." This will require some discretion on the part of everyone. A full basement with a washer in one corner is not all "laundry room!" A closet with nothing in it but the machines, and no room for a counter or table, with the closet opening into a hallway might need only one receptacle to supply the washer. I do not see any requirement to try to guess where the 'iron' might be used elsewhere in the dwelling.
Let me use my own household remodel as an example:
Imagine a long, skinny room (7' x 14'). At one of the 'skinny' ends is the washer, dryer, and water heater. On the long walls, at the other extreme of the room, are doors providing passage from the house, through the room, and to the outside.
For the two long walls and the wall next to the laundry equipment, as I see it, every receptacle is allowed to be on the laundry circuit.
For the other short wall, we are required to place a receptacle from a 'convenience circuit.' IMO, since this area is open to the laundry room, it does not qualify as a hallway - yet, you're sure not going to place a table there! So, I see the code as prohibiting us from placing this receptacle on the laundry circuit.