- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Here is an article from EC&M by Brian J. McPartland, NEC Consultant
This rough-in inspection creates the starting point for an interesting discussion. The concern for receptacles at countertops in residential occupancies is based on the fact that a modern kitchen now has a variety of cord- and plug-connected appliances. The Code mandates receptacle outlets be installed so that "no point along the wall is more than 600 mm (24 in.) measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet." But as you can clearly see in the photo, there are no outlet boxes installed on the wall directly behind the full length of this large kitchen window. So one might assume this is clearly a violation of NEC requirements. But does this really constitute a Code violation? I would rule it does not.
This rough-in inspection creates the starting point for an interesting discussion. The concern for receptacles at countertops in residential occupancies is based on the fact that a modern kitchen now has a variety of cord- and plug-connected appliances. The Code mandates receptacle outlets be installed so that "no point along the wall is more than 600 mm (24 in.) measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet." But as you can clearly see in the photo, there are no outlet boxes installed on the wall directly behind the full length of this large kitchen window. So one might assume this is clearly a violation of NEC requirements. But does this really constitute a Code violation? I would rule it does not.