Face up receptacle

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crtemp

crtemp

Senior Member
Location
Wa state
I recently received a correction for installing a receptacle under a sink for an air switch for the garbage disposal. This is the only inspector to write this up. I've done it many times with no issues. Is it really an issue if it's under the sink?

[FONT=&quot]2014 NEC 406 .5 -(F)
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]In seating areas or similar surfaces, receptacles shall not be installed in a face up position unless the receptacle is any of the following. (1) Part of an assembly listed as a furniture power distribution unit, if plug and cord connected (2) Part of an assembly listed either as household furnishings or as commercial furnishings (3) Listed either as a receptacle assembly for countertop applications or as a GFCI receptacle assembly for countertop applications (4) Installed in a listed floor box. RECEPTACLE UNDER SINK IS INSTALLED FACE UP





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Receptacles are permitted to be face up unless in one of the areas specified in the NEC where they are not. Under the sink is not one of those prohibited areas.
 
On the other hand, even though it is code permitted, why would you choose to mount such a receptacle face up (on the bottom surface of the cupboard?) rather than mounting it facing horizontally, even if it meant adding a box?
 
GoldDigger said:
On the other hand, even though it is code permitted, why would you choose to mount such a receptacle face up (on the bottom surface of the cupboard?) rather than mounting it facing horizontally, even if it meant adding a box?
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I just never thought it was that big of a deal. Everything is on a gfi so it's safe in my opinion.
 
It is not a big deal. Just ask the inspector for a code reference that you have violated. I have done this and I don't see any issue with your installation.

Yeah some will argue "what if water leaks into the receptacle". Well, water leak should be your first concern not the electrical that is facing up, second, what is the issue with water int the receptacle? And they usually stay quiet because they don't have an answer.
 
edward said:
It is not a big deal. Just ask the inspector for a code reference that you have violated. I have done this and I don't see any issue with your installation.

Yeah some will argue "what if water leaks into the receptacle". Well, water leak should be your first concern not the electrical that is facing up, second, what is the issue with water int the receptacle? And they usually stay quiet because they don't have an answer.
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The code he referenced was in my original post. When I talked to him he just kept saying that it wasn't listed to be installed that way. I disagreed but not much I could do.
 
crtemp said:
The code he referenced was in my original post. When I talked to him he just kept saying that it wasn't listed to be installed that way. I disagreed but not much I could do.
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The code section cited was for floor boxes, the bottom of the cabinet is not a floor.
 
iwire said:
The code section cited was for floor boxes, the bottom of the cabinet is not a floor.
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Exactly, either he's just trying to save face after quoting a section that does not apply or he needs a code refresher. :roll:
 
And now there's an ugly hole in the cabinet and a disappointed GC & homeowner.
 
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