2005 NEC Section 210.52(C)(5)

[construct]

This requires receptacle outlets to be located above, but not more than 20" above the countertop. Exception to (5): To comply with conditions in (1) or (2), you shall be permitted mount them no more than 12" below the countertop unless the top extends more than 6" beyond it's base. So this means if I can't put them below because of the countertop extension, then I must put them in the backsplash for an island and in the wall or bottom of upper cabinet, no more than 20" above for wall counter spaces. Then, further in Exception to (5), (2)says: On island and peninsular countertops where the countertop is flat across it's entire surfaceand there are no means to mount one within 20" above, then I am not required to have a receptacle(s) on this type of island or peninsula.

This is my take on the requirement.

(Sorry for the lengthy text)

It has been a topic of debate among electricians and inspectors in our area for a while.

I would appreciate hearing different opinions.:roll:

 

[Hendrix]

I think that you would be required to have the recept in the top of the counter. One that is made for the purpose, like a "toomstone" or something of that nature. However, I would not ask anyone to cut a granite countertop.
so......I would say not needed in the senerio that you present.

 

[charlie b]

. . . On island and peninsular countertops where the countertop is flat across it's entire surfaceand there are no means to mount one within 20" above, then I am not required to have a receptacle(s) on this type of island or peninsula.

This is my take on the requirement.

You never get to not have a receptacle on an island or a peninsula. You always need one. The exception you are discussing tell us that if there is no backsplash and no cabinet within 20 inches above, then you are allowed to mount a receptacle below. That, however, is contingent on the overhang not exceeding 6 inches.

Thus, if the overhand is more than 6 inches, and if there is no backsplash, and if there is no cabinet within 20 inches above, then you are going to have a hard time meeting the requirement. The requirement still exists, no matter how hard it is to meet it. The solution I have heard most often proposed for this situation is a receptacle built into the horizontal surface of the island (or peninsula) countertop.

 

[charlie b]

so......I would say not needed in the senerio that you present.

And I would say it is needed. Perhaps your best hope is that the AHJ will grant a variance to the requirement.

 

[construct]

And I would say it is needed. Perhaps your best hope is that the AHJ will grant a variance to the requirement.

So you are saying that the exception only applies to the location of the receptacle, not the fact that (C)(2) and (3) still require one reguardless of conditions.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

So you are saying that the exception only applies to the location of the receptacle, not the fact that (C)(2) and (3) still require one reguardless of conditions.

The receptacle is required on the island. 210.52 just helps locate where you can put it to meet code. There are counter top units that may satisfy this requirement such as the one below from Mockett

 

[480sparky]

The receptacle is required on the island. 210.52 just helps locate where you can put it to meet code. There are counter top units that may satisfy this requirement such as the one below from Mockett.....

Has anyone ever installed one of those and had it pass inspection? It's my understanding that since they are cord-and-plug connected, they will not fit the requirement.

 

[charlie b]

So you are saying that the exception only applies to the location of the receptacle, not the fact that (C)(2) and (3) still require one reguardless of conditions.

That is correct. An exception will only apply to the statement that immediately precedes it, unless it explicitly says otherwise. In this case, for example, the exception begins by saying, "Exception to (5)." Thus, we are given alternatives related to location only, not to the requirement to install at least one receptacle.

 

[construct]

Charlie and Dennis, I think I see your position that the requirement still exists no matter how difficult it is to comply with.

Thanks to all for your responses.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Has anyone ever installed one of those and had it pass inspection? It's my understanding that since they are cord-and-plug connected, they will not fit the requirement.

No I have never used it but I suspect it will pass in many areas. That being said there are devices similar to this that are direct wired.

BTW, when I posted this I stated "it may satisfy the requirement"

 

[LarryFine]

Would anyone have an objection to a receptacle affixed to the underside of the countertop, within 6" of the edge, and facing the floor?

One could come out of the top of the underneath cabinet into a shallow surface-mount box using Wiremold, fed from a GFCI elsewhere.

 

[480sparky]

Would anyone have an objection to a receptacle affixed to the underside of the countertop, within 6" of the edge, and facing the floor?

One could come out of the top of the underneath cabinet into a shallow surface-mount box using Wiremold, fed from a GFCI elsewhere.

I guess I wouldn't, but considering it's not my countertop in question, I'd say that's a question to be hashed out between the inspector and owner.




I'm thinking of possibly installing a massive microwave or RF transmitter under the c'top, with enough output to operate any kitchen appliance as it just sets on the counter.........:grin:

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

The receptacle is required on the island. 210.52 just helps locate where you can put it to meet code. There are counter top units that may satisfy this requirement such as the one below from Mockett

The above unit is listed as a "Relocateable Power Tap". It is not permitted to be used as permanent wiring and is not to be used as the receptacle suppying the countertop.

There are other products available that are similar to the Mockett device.



In regards to the counter top receptacles for an island or peninsular location. I discuss with the contractor, that as soon as he signs a contract for a kitchen that he should contact the designer of the "furniture" and let him know the code requirements. This can make the situation a lot better than if it occurs after installation of said countertops.

 

[physis]

Would anyone have an objection to a receptacle affixed to the underside of the countertop, within 6" of the edge, and facing the floor?

I wouldn't, but 210.52(C)(5) Exeption does.

"...Receptacles mounted below a countertop in accordance with this exception shall not be located where the countertop extends more than 150 mm (6 in.) beyond it's support base."

The way I read it is you can't have a receptacle below the counter surface if the counter's edge extends more than six inches.

 

[charlie b]

The way I read it is you can't have a receptacle below the counter surface if the counter's edge extends more than six inches.

I agree. A literal interpretation of the code wording would not allow it. The code does not talk about the receptacle being within 6 inches, but rather the overhang being less than 6 inches. However, I would say that a good case can be made for requesting a variance from the AHJ.

 

[physis]

I would say that a good case can be made for requesting a variance from the AHJ.

I'd agree with that. I'v encountered a few inspectors who have not only been willing to side step some of the 210 stuff but actually just tell me, without even being asked, what they would be perfectly happy with. Don't misunderstand, it was always something logical. Sometimes CMP 2 seems to have a problem in that department and some inspectors think so as well.