2020 NEC, kitchen islands

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Leespark57

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Boston, MA, USA
The 2020 NEC, 210.52(C)(2) requires "at least one receptacle outlet for the first 9sq-ft of countertop or work surface. A receptacle outlet shall be provided for every additional 18sq-ft of the countertop or work surface". This seems to give no direction as to where the additional receptacle outlet(s) are to be located. Would a quad receptacle comply? Are they required to be in separate boxes? Seems like this could use some clarification.
 
Are you suggesting that for a 20 sf countertop, one duplex outlet would satisfy the "one for the 1st 9sf and one more for the next 18 sf?
 
A duplex is two receptacles but one outlet. A quad is 4 receptacles but is it still one outlet?
 
Is there still a restriction on outlets on the side of the island and how much of an overhang is allowed for the countertop?
 
charlie b said:
Per the article 100 definition, a quad in a box is one, and only one, "receptacle outlet."
Click to expand...
I'm not so sure that just because it's under a single faceplate that it is automatically one outlet. I could have two duplex receptacles on two different circuits under one faceplate would that be a single outlet?
 
Leespark57 said:
The 2020 NEC, 210.52(C)(2) requires "at least one receptacle outlet for the first 9sq-ft of countertop or work surface. A receptacle outlet shall be provided for every additional 18sq-ft of the countertop or work surface". This seems to give no direction as to where the additional receptacle outlet(s) are to be located. Would a quad receptacle comply? Are they required to be in separate boxes? Seems like this could use some clarification.
Click to expand...
The 2020 added new language as follows for countertops and work surfaces in 210.52(C)...

For the purposes of this section, where using a multioutlet assemblies, each 300 mm (12 in.) of multioutlet assembly containing two or more receptacles installed in individual or continuous lengths shall be considered to be one receptacle outlet.

Other than that, location may be determined by installer, designer, or building owner, according to 210.52(C)(2)

The existing rules of not more that 12-inches below countertop and not to be located below countertops extending more than 6 inches beyond the support base are still applicable.

The 24-inch / 48-inch receptacle spacing only applies to countertops with wall space per...210.52(C)(1)

So for a 6ft x 3ft (18sq ft) island I would say you could cut the required 2 receptacle outlets on the same end or side of the island without any defined distance apart. Most installers prefer to to put 1 on each end side. The multioutlet rule would apply to a product like wiremold plugmold strip.
 
If the island was 8ft by 4ft you would have 32 sq feet.

So...1st 9 sq feet equals 1 receptacle outlet ... 32-9= 25 sq ft remaining.

Next 18 sq feet equals 1 outlet 25-18= 7 sq ft remaining

7 sq feet remain= 1 more receptacle outlet

TOTAL needed is 3 receptacle outlets for the 8' x 4' island
 
shortcircuit2 said:
The 2020 added new language as follows for countertops and work surfaces in 210.52(C)...

For the purposes of this section, where using a multioutlet assemblies, each 300 mm (12 in.) of multioutlet assembly containing two or more receptacles installed in individual or continuous lengths shall be considered to be one receptacle outlet.

Other than that, location may be determined by installer, designer, or building owner, according to 210.52(C)(2)

The existing rules of not more that 12-inches below countertop and not to be located below countertops extending more than 6 inches beyond the support base are still applicable.

The 24-inch / 48-inch receptacle spacing only applies to countertops with wall space per...210.52(C)(1)

So for a 6ft x 3ft (18sq ft) island I would say you could cut the required 2 receptacle outlets on the same end or side of the island without any defined distance apart. Most installers prefer to to put 1 on each end side. The multioutlet rule would apply to a product like wiremold plugmold strip.
Click to expand...

Yes a multi-outlet assembly is defined in Article 100.

Multioutlet Assembly. A type of surface, flush, or freestanding raceway designed to hold conductors and receptacles, assembled in the field or at the factory.
Click to expand...
 
infinity said:
I'm not so sure that just because it's under a single faceplate that it is automatically one outlet.
Click to expand...
Not the point. Per the definition of "receptacle outlet' (please note that that is a two-word phrase), if it is under one faceplate it is one "receptacle outlet."

A "receptacle" is one thing. An "outlet" is a different thing. A "receptacle outlet" is yet again a different thing. The code article under discussion speaks of "receptacle outlets."
 
BUT...in Massachusetts if the island has a 12-inch overhang provided for seating, you can deduct 30-inches from the perpendicular edge.

So if the 8' x 4' island had the 12-inch overhang on the 8' side deduct 30-inch from that edge and use the remainder for the calculation.

So...8' equals 96inches x 30 inches =2880/144= 20 square feet to deduct...32-20=12sq ft and 2 receptacle outlets instead of 3 in Massachusetts.
 
infinity said:
I'm not so sure that just because it's under a single faceplate that it is automatically one outlet. I could have two duplex receptacles on two different circuits under one faceplate would that be a single outlet?
Click to expand...
Yes, whether supplied by one MWBC or two independent circuits.
 
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