Kitchen Island / Penisula Outlets

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bphgravity

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Lets say I have a 10' by kitchen island. Per the NEC, I need only one receptacle outlet to serve the island counter space. They decide to add a sink in the middle. Now I am required to have at least one receptacle on each side. Correct?

What is the logic of this? I also don't understand why an island or penisula is treated different than any other counter space along a wall. Any thoughts?
 
Re: Kitchen Island / Penisula Outlets

It's different because there is no wall behind the island on which to place receptacles at 24 inch intervals. It's also different in that islands tend to have a lot of cabinet and drawer space, so there is limited room for receptacle outlets. But the owner is likely to put some type of appliance on the surface. We need at least one receptacle, so that the power cord need not go across the open air. If there is a sink (or a cooking surface), then you don't want the owner to have to run a power cord across the sink (or the cooking surface), in order to reach an outlet.
 
Re: Kitchen Island / Penisula Outlets

Originally posted by bphgravity:
Lets say I have a 10' by kitchen island. Per the NEC, I need only one receptacle outlet to serve the island counter space. They decide to add a sink in the middle. Now I am required to have at least one receptacle on each side. Correct?

Maybe. You wouldn't have to have one receptacle on each side if it's a really big sink, as that would leave less than 12" countertop space and thus be exempt from the receptacle requirement. I think Home Depot sells 8' wide sinks. :D

What is the logic of this?

I'd say that requiring a second receptacle in the case of a sink that is less than 8' wide has to do with making it less likely that someone would string a cord-n-plug across the sink to reach the receptacle on the other side.

I also don't understand why an island or penisula is treated different than any other counter space along a wall. Any thoughts?

My guess is that islands and peninsulas often don't have walls/backsplashes and are thus considered less likely to need receptacles.
Click to expand...
 
Re: Kitchen Island / Penisula Outlets

Bryan, an island is an island. Could not enforce beyond 210.52(C)(2)05' NEC unless this is the only kitchen countertop surface then maybe????
 
Re: Kitchen Island / Penisula Outlets

I kind of agree with your questioning of this (from CMP 2) code logic. I'm sure I've just surprised some people. :D

If you ask me we're lucky their not demanding quadplexes everywhere.
 
Re: Kitchen Island / Penisula Outlets

2005 spells it out well, how much space behind and to the side of the sink has a lot to do with if you need a second outlet or not (code is minimum, no limit on good design)
 
Re: Kitchen Island / Penisula Outlets

Bryan,
What is this referring to?
c(5)Ex(2) On island and peninsular countertops where the countertop
is flat across its entire surface (no backsplashes,
dividers, etc.) and there are no means to mount a receptacle
within 500 mm (20 in.) above the countertop,
such as an overhead cabinet
Click to expand...
 
Re: Kitchen Island / Penisula Outlets

2002 NEC says you have two seperate counter spaces if you put a sink in the island.
2005 NEC stipulates the distance behind the sink before declaring it seperate counter spaces.
> 12" behind the sink, you are OK, no seperate counter space. Make certain your town has adopted the 2005 code, else you need the additional island recept. once a sink is installed.
 
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