Downward Facing Toekick Receptacles?

N

NYCNeal

New User
Location
Chicago, IL
Occupation
Installer
Greetings!

I'm a longtime follower of the forum, but this is my first post.

I have a crazy, but hopefully quick, question. I've seen threads about receptacles in baseboard, but I haven't seen this.

I have a highrise customer who wants receptacles in the toekicks under her new window seat boxes. The wiring is already in place.

However, the designer wants the receptacles to be located above the toekick, facing down, so that cord plugs would have to go up into the receptacle.

I looked in 201.52, but the Chicago NEC doesn't say anything about this.

Does anyone know anything about this?

Does this make sense? Is this even remotely code compliant?

Thank you!

Neal
 
As long as the there is enough space to install the receptacle and access the conductors in the box there isn't a problem. This is a design choice not a code issue.
 
I don't believe you will find any code that prohibits this. Downward facing receptacles are common in other applications.

At the same time I think you should work with the designer to come up with a better solution for hiding the receptacles. Plugging cords into receptacles that you can't see is a nightmare, and the customer will hate using the receptacles.

Maybe something like this: https://hideelectricsupply.com/product/hide-recessed-outlet/
Maybe the designer can do similar, but in matching wood.

-Jonathan
 
If the toe kick space is only the typical ~4 inches, then maybe the designer needs to help install them and then maybe see how impractical this is. If they can come up with some way to allow whatever it is attached to to be easily removed to work on, maybe it can be ok.
 
Why is this even being suggested? Is it to meet requirements of 210.52(A)(1)?
I would suggest such space as OP is asking about would fit into 210.52(A)(2)(1) and would be exempt from the wall space requirement as the fixed bench/cabinet being there. The fixed bench/cabinet breaks to floor line.

210.52(A)(2)(1)Any space 600 mm (2 ft) or more in width (including space measured around corners) and unbroken along the floor line by doorways and similar openings, fireplaces, stationary appliances, and fixed cabinets that do not have countertops or similar work surfaces
 
As Fred stated they might not be required in this location but even if they're not nothing wrong with installing them as designed. I would up charge the installation since it will be more time consuming than a standard in the wall receptacle.

For some reason people get all crazy about receptacles especially above a kitchen countertop. I saw a TV show the other day where many of the walls were marble and they hired an artist to come in and hand paint every receptacle and plate to match the color and grain of the marble. :oops:
 
Fred B said:
Why is this even being suggested? Is it to meet requirements of 210.52(A)(1)?
I would suggest such space as OP is asking about would fit into 210.52(A)(2)(1) and would be exempt from the wall space requirement as the fixed bench/cabinet being there. The fixed bench/cabinet breaks to floor line.

210.52(A)(2)(1)Any space 600 mm (2 ft) or more in width (including space measured around corners) and unbroken along the floor line by doorways and similar openings, fireplaces, stationary appliances, and fixed cabinets that do not have countertops or similar work surfaces
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Even if no receptacle is required within the width of the window seat box, a designer is involved. They likely rather have a receptacle hidden there over having a more visible receptacle on either/both sides of the window seat box, because ... they are designers. Even if you could come up with a receptacle and cover that end up blending into the surroundings, god forbid someone plugs in some cord that contrasts with the surroundings and stands out in any way or has a wall wart type power conversion box as part of the plug unit.
 
I would likely cite the parent text of 110.26 for this installation.
110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment.
Working space, and access to and egress from working space, shall be provided and maintained about all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. Open equipment doors shall not impede access to and egress from the working space. Access or egress is impeded if one or more simultaneously opened equipment doors restrict working space access to be less than 610 mm (24 in.) wide and 2.0 m (61⁄2 ft) high.
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Note this is not 110.26(A) work space, just the space required for the installation and use of the equipment.

Of course this is very subjective language and only YOUR AHJ can tell you if this installation is acceptable or not.
 
If the inspector went to look at the receptacles on a final and they were all installed it's safe to say that it's code compliant. I would guess that about 4" is the minimum amount of space needed to install them in the toe kick.
 
infinity said:
If the inspector went to look at the receptacles on a final and they were all installed it's safe to say that it's code compliant. I would guess that about 4" is the minimum amount of space needed to install them in the toe kick.
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Time to get out the stubby screwdrivers, or small ratchet set. I would add at least $100 labor per receptacle for this!
 
I installed LED strip lighting in 45⁰ aluminum channel, on the tie kick of a kitchen.

Had to lay down, use one eye, short impact driver to predrill holes for the mounting screws.....it wasn't easy, but I got it done.

Receptacle strips might be a little trickier because the makeup areas, but I'd imagine it would be similar
 
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