I have an island with a sink, and a granite back splash. All I am required to install is one receptacle if the distance from back of sink and edge is more than 12 inches, right? Furthermore, I am wondering if I need to install recepts on the back splash. This may only be applicable with wall space countertop right?
Receptacle for Island with Sink
- Thread starter euclid43
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Is this just a sink or an island cut in half by a sink. A sink in the middle of an island generally needs a receptacle on both side of the sink. If there were a wall with a backsplash I would have installed the receptacles there however there are other options/
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I use these alot. Drill a 1 3/4" hole and pop it in
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
That is not exactly correct. If there is a sink or appliance - such as a range- that divides the counter top then each part needs an outlet unless the overhang behind the sink is 12" or more
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
On the ends within 12" of the top is fine
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I forgot about that-- I thought it said island and countertops--period but if there is a backsplash then the receptacles are required to be there not on the sides. Many inspectors allow them on the sides even on standard areas- no island or peninsula but it is non compliant.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
If these are existing cabinets then I would not cut the granite.
hurk27
Senior Member
- Location
- Portage, Indiana NEC: 2008
Above in red: Correct if there is at least 12" between the back of the sink and the opposite counter edge then you are back to one receptacle required, if you don't have the 12" and each space on each side of the sink is wider then 12" then one receptacle is required for each of these sections, see 210.52(C) and (C)(4)
Again see 210.52(C)(4)
No need if you have the 12" behind the sink as you said in your first post?
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
If the counter top beside the sink is small, I mean you can put the receptacle on the side if you comply with the 24" rule.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
You can 'if' you can satisfy 210.52(C)(1).
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I would ask the inspector --- most will let it go but technically the code requires it in the backsplash.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Hospital Master Electrician
I don't think there are many AHJs that would agree that (C)(1) applies to an island. There is no wall to contend with if you have an island, regardless of the island's construction.
My two cents.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
Disagree
(1) Wall Countertop Spaces. A receptacle outlet shall be
installed at each wall countertop space that is 300 mm
(12 in.) or wider. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so
that no point along the wall line is more than 600 mm
(24 in.) measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in
that space.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
I may be wrong
(1) Wall Countertop Spaces. A receptacle outlet shall be
installed at each wall countertop space that is 300 mm
(12 in.) or wider. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so
that no point along the wall line is more than 600 mm
(24 in.) measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in
that space.
But this is an island so I do not think that a backsplash is a 'wall' or it would not be an island!
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Hospital Master Electrician
I agree wholeheartedly. 210.52(C)(5) and exception 2 make it clear that the code requires us to install the receptacle above the counter unless we have nothing to mount it to, but in my experience most inspectors would allow the receptacle below the counter if there is a difficulty in mounting in a backsplash.
- Status