Island receptacle with >6”overhang

[Nsimpson]

Hey everyone, hoping you can help settle an argument amongst our shop.

As the code reads and how I understand it, if an island has an overhang of greater than 6 inches, you cannot have one of the required receptacles placed under that overhang.

Nearly everyone at my shop is saying that as long as you are within 6 inches of the edge of the overhang on front edge of the cabinets it’s legal.

Who is correct here?

Thanks in advance.

 

[LarryFine]

Welcome to the forum.

The latter is acceptable. An overhang can exceed 6" as long as the receptacle is within 6" of the edge.

A Wiremold box, for example, glued to the underside can bring the receptacle out far enough.

I'm looking for a pic.

Found one (this one looks farther than 6" away, but you get the idea):

 

[Canton]

Has to be no more than 12” below the counter top. The counter top cannot extend more than 6” beyond its support base.

 

[LarryFine]

The 6" limit applies to the receptacle, not the cabinet.

 

[JohnE]

I think what OP is asking is that if the receptacle is under an overhang that is say 12" on one side, but is within 6" of the edge of the countertop that does not overhang more than 6" (think on the back corner of an island with a 12" overhang on just the back side) is it legal. I can see the argument for either case, legal or not. I take the side that it is legal. And that is how I apply it as an an electrician, and how I enforce as inspector, fwiw.

 

[Canton]

The 6" limit applies to the receptacle, not the cabinet.

Exception to (5): To comply with the following conditions (1) and (2), receptacle outlets shall be permitted to be mounted not more than 300 mm (12 in.) below the countertop . Receptacles mounted below a countertop in accordance with this exception shall not be located where the countertop or work surface extends more than 150 mm (6 in.) beyond its support base.

 

[Canton]

I think what OP is asking is that if the receptacle is under an overhang that is say 12" on one side, but is within 6" of the edge of the countertop that does not overhang more than 6" (think on the back corner of an island with a 12" overhang on just the back side) is it legal. I can see the argument for either case, legal or not. I take the side that it is legal. And that is how I apply it as an an electrician, and how I enforce as inspector, fwiw.

I agree, I have seen it approved exactly like that.

I also heard that the required receptacle at the island/peninsula was removed in the NEC 2023. Can anyone confirm if that’s true?

 

[JohnE]

Yes, in 2023 NEC the required outlet has been removed as long as provisions exist to the island for a future receptacle. I forget exactly how that is worded, but from what I remember and from what I take from it, power has to be supplied to the island (jbox inside island). so a receptacle may be added in the future. Someone will clear up the exact wording.

In MA, that provision has been amended and returns to the pre-2020 requirement for one receptacle in each island work space for 2023. (whatever the specific wording was in the NEC in 2017 and previously). This is based on the unofficial amendments from MA DFS website. The official amendments must be purchased from the Statehouse Bookstore, and will probably be available early 2023.

 

[texie]

I agree, I have seen it approved exactly like that.

I also heard that the required receptacle at the island/peninsula was removed in the NEC 2023. Can anyone confirm if that’s true?

Yes, true.

 

[LarryFine]

Receptacles mounted below a countertop in accordance with this exception shall not be located where the countertop or work surface extends more than 150 mm (6 in.) beyond its support base.

Right. I'm suggesting that you shouldn't locate the receptacle there; you should instead locate it closer to the edge of the countertop.

In other words, the receptacle does not have to be installed in/on the support base, but if it is, the base must be within the 6" limit.