Re: KITCHEN COUNTER SPACE RECEPTACLES
Years ago this industry for the average electrician was a less complicated industry. Technology and litigation have changed and the NEC is evolving to it/with it.
The NEC would require a library if it was written to keep all types happy, so instead it is technical and in 'legalese' language. This is how the book can actually remain as short as it is, remember that lawyers, insurance and other types read this document as much if not more than electricians.
This does not mean that there are not mistakes, there are. But just look at this thread and tell me how you would fix it to make all who are responding here agree - not too easy - now take this example and broaden it to the whole country. In my estimation it is a huge feat. The CMPs welcome all the help that anyone is willing to present.
To help one understand some of what is not actually written in the NEC (intent), There are the ROPs and ROCs. Take a look in some of these and you will not only have a better idea of the intent, but some of the history of the NEC which also helps in one's understanding.
I think Charlie has a good grasp on the 'intent'.
Pierre