Kitchen Counter Receptacle

[shortcircuit2]

I have a Kitchen Countertop and Work Surface according to 210.52(C) that is 24-inches wide but has a cabinet that comes right down onto the countertop thereby leaving only 9-inches of wall space. The countertop work-surface is 26-inches deep and the cabinet is 18-inches deep leaving a countertop work-surface in front of the cabinet that is 8-inches deep.

Do I need to put a receptacle outlet for the countertop work surface that is 24-inches wide but with only 9-inches of wall space?

 

[infinity]

Good question. The width measurement is for the actual work surface so since the part of the work surface that is in front of the cabinet is more than 12" IMO the receptacle is required. It doesn't say that a work surface of 26" wide needs to be the full depth of the countertop so you would assume that someone could use the 26" X 8" work surface with something that may need to be plugged in.

210.52(C) Countertops and Work Surfaces.
In kitchens, pantries, breakfast rooms, dining rooms, and similar areas of dwelling units, receptacle outlets for countertop and work surfaces that are 300 mm (12 in.) or wider shall be installed in accordance with 210.52(C)(1) through (C)(3) and shall not be considered as the receptacle outlets required by 210.52(A).

 

[fishin' electrician]

Just did a kitchen where all upper cabinets extended down to the countertop.

The section of countertop in front of the cabinet doesn't count, no matter how wide it is.

210.52 (C) (1) Wall Spaces. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no
point along the wall line is more than 600 mm ( 24 in . ) meas-
ured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space .

 

[infinity]

Just did a kitchen where all upper cabinets extended down to the countertop.

The section of countertop in front of the cabinet doesn't count, no matter how wide it is.

210.52 (C) (1) Wall Spaces. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no
point along the wall line is more than 600 mm ( 24 in . ) meas-
ured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space .

Isn't the work surface still wider than 12"?

 

[fishin' electrician]

If there is no wall line, there's nothing to be within 24 inches of.

They will consider the uppers appliance garages, as I did, and each will need an outlet inside.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Although the rule is not clear, imo, if the space isn't 12" deep then no receptacle is required. That just follows all the other rules for countertops where spaces are less than 12" deep.

 

[infinity]

Although the rule is not clear, imo, if the space isn't 12" deep then no receptacle is required. That just follows all the other rules for countertops where spaces are less than 12" deep.

On second thought amd after some coffee I agree. I would still put a receptacle in the 9" space.

 

[shortcircuit2]

infinity - I agree with your 1st interpretation... the receptacle outlet is needed.

The Code does not talk about depth for this application, depth is considered in FIGURE 210.52(C)(1) for behind a sink, range or counter-mounted cooking unit.


Below is an example.

 

[infinity]

infinity - I agree with your 1st interpretation... the receptacle outlet is needed.

The Code does not talk about depth for this application, depth is considered in FIGURE 210.52(C)(1) for behind a sink, range or counter-mounted cooking unit.


Below is an example.

I've been kicking this around in my head so thanks for the photo. There is clearly a work surface on both sides of the range. If there is no receptacle required in the 9" space then that entire visible work surface has zero places to plug something in. Not sure if that is the intent of the code.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I don't see how or what appliance you could use in that space.

 

[shortcircuit2]

My Hamilton Beach coffee maker is 7-inches wide. Coffee in the morning on the left...

My Oster blender is 6-inches wide. Mudslides in the evening on the right

 

[shortcircuit2]

210.52 (C) (1) Wall Spaces. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no
point along the wall line is more than 600 mm ( 24 in . ) meas-
ured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space .

The 210.52(C)(1) wall line is still there...behind the cabinet.

 

[infinity]

My Hamilton Beach coffee maker is 7-inches wide. Coffee in the morning on the left...

My Oster blender is 6-inches wide. Mudslides in the evening on the right

I use one of these quite often on the stove top. I guess you would have to use an extension cord or throw it away and buy a cordless version.

 

[shortcircuit2]

On second thought amd after some coffee I agree. I would still put a receptacle in the 9" space.

OK next question.

Lets say infinity puts the receptacle in the center of the 9-inch wall space. This leaves approximately 4-inchs to the side-wall of the cabinet that is 16-inches long...and then continue along the front countertop work-surface that is approximately 15-inches to the outer end of the countertop.

4+16+15= 35-inches

Need 2 receptacle outlets?

 

[retirede]

OK next question.

Lets say infinity puts the receptacle in the center of the 9-inch wall space. This leaves approximately 4-inchs to the side-wall of the cabinet that is 16-inches long...and then continue along the front countertop work-surface that is approximately 15-inches to the outer end of the countertop.

4+16+15= 35-inches

Need 2 receptacle outlets?

I’m not sure if it’s required, but if it was my kitchen, I’d want a receptacle on that 15” wall space.