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cristina_becerra98

Electrical Outlet Code on Kitchen Island Requirement

4 years ago

I am in the process of getting my home built in Florida. I requested a waterfall on the island, and I have just been told that they will need to add outlets on either side of the island (shown in green in the picture below). I requested they be placed under the overhang (instead of shown in orange). Is there any way we can do that instead of having to cut into the beautiful stone? Can you please provide the code, requirements, and if there are any other options?

Thank you so much!


Comments (17)

  • 4 years ago

    Code is- not more than 4 ft apart and GFI near water and not under more than 6" overhang- in counter putlets do not meet the code requirements. There are cool pop out outlets- thats what I bought for my island - but sadly you will need to install them on the non-overhang ends as your seating area's overhang is too long to be at code.

  • 4 years ago

    It might depend on code in your area.  But the NEC 2017 requirements seem very minimal:


    In the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), only one receptacle outlet is required to be installed for each uninterrupted, basic island countertop space that has a long dimension of 24 inches or greater, and a short dimension of 12 inches or greater. That's it, a minimum of one receptacle outlet

  • 4 years ago

    It’s now based on square footage of island.

    NEC 2020:

    210.52(C)(2) Island and Peninsular Countertops and Work Surfaces.

    Receptacle outlets shall be installed in accordance with 210.52(C)(2)(a) and (C)(2)(b).

    (a) At least one receptacle outlet shall be provided for the first 0.84 m2 (9 ft2), or fraction thereof, of the countertop or work surface. A receptacle outlet shall be provided for every additional 1.7 m2 (18 ft2), or fraction thereof, of the countertop or work surface.

    (b) At least one receptacle outlet shall be located within 600 mm (2 ft) of the outer end of a peninsular countertop or work surface. Additional required receptacle outlets shall be permitted to be located as determined by the installer, designer, or building owner. The location of the receptacle outlets shall be in accordance with 210.52(C)(3).

    A peninsular countertop shall be measured from the connected perpendicular wall.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    In the spirit of making comments that have nothing to do with original question.....

    That is the craziest visual excess of kitchen spouts I have ever seen.

    Now - does FL use 2017 or 2020? I am pretty sure that your builder knows that better than someone who is not in FL building houses.

    Also - you need an outlet on that island. I have a similar island (without the double kitchen faucet) and use the outlets all the time. I don't leave appliances there at all but sometimes you need to blend things (and many other things that require electricity).

    We have single outlets on either end that are circular and live covered with a cute cap. Multiple pics in this thread of various options including mine. None of which are in stone but you can use your imagination.

    https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5860853/outlets-on-side-of-kitchen-islands-are-there-any-other-options#n=36

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    The code is what the electrical inspector says it is on the day he says it. I would seek an appointment with him and ask what he'll approve, then send a follow-up email documenting what you agreed to and copy your builder.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Christina:


    How is the cantilever on your island supported please? I'm assuming it's engineered stone with a mitered edge? 2 or 3cm?

  • 4 years ago

    Why not reduce the overhang at the seats to 6"?

  • 4 years ago

    If, in the end, there must be outlets on the sides, consider bocci 22system outlets. I had posted an image last year or so of a house for sale in Vancouver, amazongly beautiful and Scandinavian contemporary, with oulets like this in the kitchen, and you almost couldn’t see them. I think I saw them only because I wondered, ”where are the outlets?”

    Anyway, Bocci system22 outlet I think they are called ”plateless outlet”. Just one on a surface is almost invisible.

  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    If you know you do not want want outlets in the end panel or waterfall, you can design the island with columns that will accommodate an outlet, like here:

    If you do not want to take up the storage or seating space these columns require, then you have to put them in the waterfall like here:

    Some inspectors will let it slide if they see an outlet under the overhang, but it's a big risk to assume yours will. Also, it is not safe nor functional to have a cord that wraps around an overhang, especially when there is seating. If your island will be used for prep, position the outlets where they will be most useful.

  • 4 years ago

    On that last picture, I would much prefer a single circle outlet with a cap. I can understand why OP does not want that. It isn't horrible but given the design aesthetic in that particular kitchen, I am not a fan.

  • 4 years ago

    Could put one in a drawer. But I like the idea of a popup outlet in the top of the island. Most useful and most concealed!


  • PRO
    4 years ago

    An outlet in a drawer would not pass code in my area. You can have an outlet in a drawer as a secondary device, but the primary device needs to be placed as shown in the documents @User shared.

  • 4 years ago

    The popup on the end of my penisula is hardwired. I believe on counter popups have even stricter requirements than end of island popup outlets such as they must be GFI, among other things. last i heard- in drawer and on counter outlets cannot be used to satisfy code.

  • last year

    2023 National Electrical Code does not allow electrical outlets to be placed below countertops.

  • PRO
    last year

    2023 Island Outlets is in discussion for repeal and reverting to previous code cycles. Because it’s stupid, and many locations refused to adopt it. Because it creates the very problem it purported to solve. Stupid.