2023 NEC kitchen islands and peninsulas

[texie]

I understand we have a rather major change coming. Receps will no longer be required at all on an island or peninsula BUT if you want them they must be in the counter or above. Too many claims of children pulling on cords. While I see the hazard here, I'm not sure not requiring receps at all seems to be creating another hazard and a real inconvenience for the owner. Not sure I would want an island without a recep. but not sure I would want one in the counter top either. This is a major change for sure.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The data presented to CMP2 showed a substantial increase in the number of "pull over" type accidents after the adoption of the 1990 code...the first code that required receptacles to be installed in islands and peninsulas.

Note that the language in the 2023 code requires that if a receptacle in not installed at an island or peninsula at the time of original construction, provisions at the island or peninsula shall be provided for the future addition of a receptacle. It is not completely clear what would constitute a provision.

Also note that there is only one manufacturer who has a receptacle that is listed for installation in contertops, however that device is being re-marketed by at least one additional manufacturer.

 

[brantmacga]

From the 2023 second draft....

210.52(C)

(2) Island and Peninsular Countertops and Work Surfaces
Receptacles outlets, if installed to serve an island or peninsular countertop of work surface, shall be installed in accordance with 210.52(C)(3). If a receptacle outlet is not provided to serve an island or peninsular countertop or work surface, provisions shall be provided at the island or peninsula for future addition of a receptacle outlet to serve the island or peninsular countertop or work surface.

(3) Receptacle Outlet Location
Receptacle outlets shall be located in one or more of the following:
(1) On or above, but not more than 500 mm (20 in.) above, a countertop or work surface.
(2) In a countertop using receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in countertops.
(3) In a work surface using receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in work surfaces or listed for use in countertops.

Receptacle outlets rendered not readily accessible by appliances fastened in place, appliance garages, sinks, or range tops as covered in 210.52(C)(1)x, Exception No.1, or appliances occupying assigned spaces shall not be considered as these required outlets.

*sigh*. there should be an IQ test requirement to be a voting CMP member. just when I think they can't possibly be any more stupid, they lower the bar even further. Here's what will happen. Electricians will provide provisions for a future outlet as specified. After the final, they will cut them into the side of the cabinet. End of story.

 

[brantmacga]

The data presented to CMP2 showed a substantial increase in the number of "pull over" type accidents after the adoption of the 1990 code...the first code that required receptacles to be installed in islands and peninsulas.

To me, this is akin to saying the data shows more slip & falls on bathroom tile floors, IBC will now require you to wear slip-resistant shoes at all times within your house.

I'm glad they took away the requirement that you MUST have a receptacle there, but making you cut it into the countertop is ridiculous.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

To me, this is akin to saying the data shows more slip & falls on bathroom tile floors, IBC will now require you to wear slip-resistant shoes at all times within your house.

I'm glad they took away the requirement that you MUST have a receptacle there, but making you cut it into the countertop is ridiculous.

It does not prohibit receptacles installed on top of the countertop.

 

[texie]

Maybe the kitchen designers will have to change their ways and go for the commercial/industrial look like a McDonalds kitchen. No more light pendants over those islands but rather cord drops instead.
Kidding aside, a pop up, while not ideal to me, would be more easily accepted if they were better designed and available from more vendors and not sole source dimensions so an owner does not end up with an orphan product in the middle of a 5-10K piece of granite.

 

[Buck Parrish]

It does not prohibit receptacles installed on top of the countertop.

But since it states "provisions shall be made. Does that mean the counter top provider will cut an additional hole in the granite counter tops?

 

[I-learns]

The whole thing is interesting to me. I think it goes to if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. They’re so anxious to update the code so they in 1990 started requiring these in the name of safety, then started requiring excessive numbers of receptacles on islands for safety, then all the sudden in a snap the next year are requiring no receptacles also for safety. What happens if you’re in a state that’s way behind on adoption and maybe you’re in one that’s on 2017 and getting ready for 2020? You read the 2023 code and convince yourself that next year when your state adopts the 2020 code a lot of additional receptacles are going to be required for safety reasons but also five years down the road when your state adopts the 2023 code you just read, that no receptacles will be required also for safety reasons. Next we’re going to be taught to believe that Kim Jung Un invented the GFCI receptacle to protect you from getting shocked while eating one of the burritos he invented.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

But since it states "provisions shall be made. Does that mean the counter top provider will cut an additional hole in the granite counter tops?

In my opinion, all that is required is a spare cable into the cabinet if there is no access to install a cable in the future without removing finishes. If the cabinet is on the first floor, over an unfinished basement or crawl space, I don't think anything has to be installed for the future.

 

[ActionDave]

I think this is a good change. The NEC should get out of the design business and focus on being a safety standard.

I never put a recpt in my island and I never missed it, never was a problem. I'm glad I didn't.

 

[brantmacga]

But since it states "provisions shall be made. Does that mean the counter top provider will cut an additional hole in the granite counter tops?

no. I mean, there's probably an inspector somewhere that's going to interpret it that way, but I don't believe that was their intent.

 

[macmikeman]

Two words come to mind. One is drain. I will stop there........

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

FWIW: I've always thought the island receptacle on the base cabinet could be a hazard to a child or just some with a cell phone on their hip etc.
So could a hot plate on a popup receptacle under the right circumstances.
But to say "provisions shall be provided at the island or peninsula for future addition of a receptacle outlet to serve the island or peninsular countertop or work surface" is kind of silly. "If you want one hire an electrician to install it"

 

[Fred B]

FWIW: I've always thought the island receptacle on the base cabinet could be a hazard to a child or just some with a cell phone on their hip etc.
So could a hot plate on a popup receptacle under the right circumstances.
But to say "provisions shall be provided at the island or peninsula for future addition of a receptacle outlet to serve the island or peninsular countertop or work surface" is kind of silly. "If you want one hire an electrician to install it"

I think if this becomes the case I will be recommending at least piping it in even if no conductors are pulled in. Then if or when the customer changes mind or wants one later it is easy to pull and install after all ceilings and walls are finished. Cheaper than opening walls a year or 2 later.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

I think if this becomes the case I will be recommending at least piping it in even if no conductors are pulled in. Then if or when the customer changes mind or wants one later it is easy to pull and install after all ceilings and walls are finished. Cheaper than opening walls a year or 2 later.

W all do respect and I mean it.
This is what we as contractors do.
We install and fix things.
We shouldn't be wiring "houses of the future.

 

[brantmacga]

I think if this becomes the case I will be recommending at least piping it in even if no conductors are pulled in. Then if or when the customer changes mind or wants one later it is easy to pull and install after all ceilings and walls are finished. Cheaper than opening walls a year or 2 later.

That’s what the new code language is saying. If it’s a slab, you’ll need to have an accessible conduit to the island. The language only says “provisions for” and some may interpret that as a conduit, while others may interpret that as capped wiring.


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[gjhayes66]

Would a receptacle be required low on the island to cover wall space? (210.52). I have always considered the base of the cabinet as wall space and covered it per the 2'-6'-12' rule. If so, could that be considered "provisions for..."?

 

[kwired]

That’s what the new code language is saying. If it’s a slab, you’ll need to have an accessible conduit to the island. The language only says “provisions for” and some may interpret that as a conduit, while others may interpret that as capped wiring.


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If a cord pendant(s) with the receptacle(s) is allowed then accessible ceiling above is enough provision isn't it?

 

[kwired]

Would a receptacle be required low on the island to cover wall space? (210.52). I have always considered the base of the cabinet as wall space and covered it per the 2'-6'-12' rule. If so, could that be considered "provisions for..."?

Not wall space. Back side facing dining room or similar possibly is in some cases but not in most.

 

[Buck Parrish]

Would a receptacle be required low on the island to cover wall space? (210.52). I have always considered the base of the cabinet as wall space and covered it per the 2'-6'-12' rule. If so, could that be considered "provisions for..."?

I think you missed the point of keeping the outlets up high. Something to do with a toddler pulling on a cord with a hot pot attached. Perhaps I'm missing something.