Counter top sidewall receptacle requirement

[BHoward]

in 210.52(C)(1) it describes receptacle placement over counters that are 12" or wider and placement so that no space is more than 24" measured horizontally from an outlet in that space. How does the code exclude the sidewall space that is already 24" wide, in most cases?

 

[kwired]

IMO it isn't clear if that "wall space" is intended to be counted or not.

The images they have following only show the "back wall" being measured.

Strict interpretation of the rule would mean you must have a receptacle on the back wall for it to count, though many inspectors may let you count one on the side wall as part of the requirement.

 

[infinity]

No receptacle is required in that side space.

 

[kwired]

No receptacle is required in that side space.

But say back wall is only maximum of 24" wide, can you put one receptacle on this side wall and consider it meeting 210.52(C) requirements for that counter top?

I don't think it is all that clear that it must be on the back wall.

 

[infinity]

But say back wall is only maximum of 24" wide, can you put one receptacle on this side wall and consider it meeting 210.52(C) requirements for that counter top?

I don't think it is all that clear that it must be on the back wall.

The wording is poor but if there is no return wall on the side it's not required so if there is a return wall on the side why would it suddenly be required? The concept of measuring the wall space is along the back edge of the counter top.

 

[kwired]

The wording is poor but if there is no return wall on the side it's not required so if there is a return wall on the side why would it suddenly be required? The concept of measuring the wall space is along the back edge of the counter top.

I know. If you were an inspector would you accept a receptacle near corner but on side if it were a stud wall with drywall and easier to get it in there then say the back wall were solid concrete? Or any other situation where it may be easier to get receptacle in the side wall?

If counter actually turns the corner and continues on adjacent wall (not just a "return" to the front edge) you do have to measure that wall line on both sides of the corner when selecting receptacle locations.

 

[infinity]

If I'm inspecting this the countertop space in the graphic requires one receptacle whether there is a side wall or not, just like in this old graphic:

 

[kwired]

If I'm inspecting this the countertop space in the graphic requires one receptacle whether there is a side wall or not, just like in this old graphic:

Unfortunately the space to the right of the sink in that image is exactly what is being questioned here, and it has nothing about what is required there. Presuming that "end wall" to the right of the sink is within 24 inches of the sink, would you allow a receptacle on the end wall but none on the "back wall"? I generally will put one on back wall in such situations but sometimes with existing construction I may put it on the end wall if it is easier. Most recent one I recall where this could have been done - the back wall was brick exterior wall of an old house. I put it on back wall anyway because I was running Wiremold from counter on other side, of a refrigerator instead of a sink in my case, and continuing on to other receptacles on same brick wall.

 

[midamericairon]

I am an inspector, and I would allow the countertop receptacle on the side wall as long as there is another receptacle within 4’ of countertop space. If you put a receptacle in the side wall, then I would consider that “wall” space and apply the 4’ rule.


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[kwired]

I am an inspector, and I would allow the countertop receptacle on the side wall as long as there is another receptacle within 4’ of countertop space. If you put a receptacle in the side wall, then I would consider that “wall” space and apply the 4’ rule.


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An inspector that uses common sense?