Face-Up Receptacle Under Kitchen Sink

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jim k

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Here we have a receptacle outlet mounted face up on the bottom of a kitchen cabinet, directly under the sink.

This isn't a countertop or work surface, so 404.6(E) doesn't really apply.

This isn't a floor, so 314.27(C) doesn't really apply either -- or does it?

Is there a section that I'm misssing that would prohibit this installation?

- Jim Katen
 
Sadly, I think it's compliant.
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Yes, it's compliant. But you have a bigger problem, believe it or not the cable tie on the cord is a violation.;)
 
I agree. It's not a floor. But I don't know why anyone would do this. It's just as easy to put the recep on the side. After all, the switch is there, so how difficult could it have been?
 
Twoskinsoneman said:
Sorry about my ignorance but could you please explain why the chord/plug connected to the receptacle could be a violation.
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It is not the cord or plug connection, it is the tie wrap used to hold the cord up next to the plumbing pipe. It is not listed for this use. 110.3(B)

That's my guess.
 
Twoskinsoneman said:
Sorry about my ignorance but could you please explain why the chord/plug connected to the receptacle could be a violation.
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He didn't say it was, but you're not permitted to support anything off plumbing pipes.
 
480sparky said:
I agree. It's not a floor. But I don't know why anyone would do this. It's just as easy to put the recep on the side. After all, the switch is there, so how difficult could it have been?
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It also takes up a lot of the storage room under the sink for cleaning liquids, etc. OP, why did you install it this way? Some reason we are not aware of?
 
mdshunk said:
He didn't say it was, but you're not permitted to support anything off plumbing pipes.
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Marc, that makes sense.

But I looked all through Article 400 and I did not find any reference to supporting flexible cords anywhere. Any suggestions where I could look to provide a code reference for the non-support of flexible cords off plumbing pipes?

thanks -
 
Energize said:
It also takes up a lot of the storage room under the sink for cleaning liquids, etc. OP, why did you install it this way? Some reason we are not aware of?
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I can't really see what's behind the swtich, but I don't know of any reason you couldn't have installed a 4-square box where the switch is with
Decoraduplex.jpg
for a cover. Would have made for a lot less work & material.
 
Energize said:
It also takes up a lot of the storage room under the sink for cleaning liquids, etc. OP, why did you install it this way? Some reason we are not aware of?
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I didn't install it and I'm aware of a half dozen better ways to do it. It's simply a lousy location for a receptacle and I'm wondering if there's an NEC section I've missed that would prohibit it.

- Jim Katen
 
The installer used a mud ring and handy box receptacle cover on that 4-square. Yuck! A proper RS cover would have been more appropriate. The switch looks like it's in a welded corner 2-1/8" deep handy box. I like those.

I wonder if the feed for this mess got stubbed up out of the middle of the cabinet floor, and this is why it ended up this way? I thought the flex at the 1 o'clock position on the 4 square might be the feed, but maybe that goes over to the dishwasher and the feed is through the floor? Just a guess, just for fun.
 
okay I am in.. My guess is it is feed from the side.. I see no dishwasher hook ups so I assume no dishwasher.. I like the decora switch as well.. someone put some effort into it.. That is one ugly set up, must not of had an exposed work cover.. I especially like the wall switch cover on the handy box that 1/4 in over hang is good for scraping your arm up. must not of had any handy box covers on the truck.. lol all that work and expense for us to pick it apart, must thank that man / woman for all the fun we are going to have..
 
Yucky. Hey is there proper working space about that disconnect /controller:grin: ,... never mind wrong thread.
 
infinity said:
Yes, it's compliant. But you have a bigger problem, believe it or not the cable tie on the cord is a violation.;)
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I'm not sure that is a cable tie ,..looks more like a piece of the scarp neutral conductor , not sure it is a bigger problem either:)
 
M. D. said:
I'm not sure that is a cable tie ,..looks more like a piece of the scarp neutral conductor , not sure it is a bigger problem either:)
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You may be right. I was just citing 400.8(4) which doesn't allow flexible cords to be attached in any way to the building structure. This is a particular rule that I don't like and violated frequently.:rolleyes:
 
infinity said:
You may be right. I was just citing 400.8(4) which doesn't allow flexible cords to be attached in any way to the building structure. This is a particular rule that I don't like and violated frequently.:rolleyes:
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Come on guys. The installation is not up to snuff and possibly a problem with protection from damage but give me a break with the rubber cord citation. If anything the guy is getting the cord out of the way and protecting it from damage. Sometimes a little common sense can prevail.

Yes the 4" square with a mud ring and cover may not be beautiful but it is not a yuck. It's legit-- the guy may not have had a 4" square cover on the truck so what's the big deal. At least he used a metal cover to assure protection in that installation.
 
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