L-shaped peninsula

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Re: L-shaped peninsula

Considering all the restrictions, it's been a challenge to find a spot that will work. We looked at the sides, but the drawers are too close to the side walls for anything but a shallow box, and that won't be big enough for a GFCI receptacle. Sure, we could put in a GFCI breaker, except that the panel is already more than full (several tandem breakers), so I'm going to be putting this new receptacle on whatever circuit the kitchen countertop receptacles are on, assuming the existing receptacles aren't split-wired. The house was built in 1965, and I know split-wired kitchen receptacles were common then.

But the good news is that I managed to track down the state inspector, and he told me he recommended more than one receptacle for the peninsula due to its length and shape, but he wouldn't require it. All we have to do now is make sure the counter overhang isn't where I'm planning on putting the receptacle.
 
Re: L-shaped peninsula

Originally posted by electricmanscott: Charlie, where do you come up with the wall space behind the peninsula? :confused:
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I guess I wasn't clear in my explanation. I was contemplating the nomenclature, "L-shaped peninsula." I was not certain what the "L-shaped" means. I had been thinking that the "L" part was along the wall. Upon further thought, I suppose now that it probably means the cabinets go away from the wall, and the peninsula takes a 90 degree turn in the middle of the room. That was probably obvious to the rest of you.

Moving on, however, the fact that we are talking about an peninsula, and not an island, tells me that part of this thing is sitting next to a wall. So the question becomes, "Looking at the 'wall space' that the peninsula sits next to, is that wall space to be treated like the wall space of the rest of the kitchen counters, or is that wall space to be treated as being associated with the peninsula?" If it is to be the later, then you can put one receptacle on that wall space, and it will count as the one required receptacle for the peninsula. That is the notion for which that I was asking for comments.

Did that make more sense?
 
Re: L-shaped peninsula

I believe the wall space under such a scenario is not considered as being associated with the peninsula. If you look at Exhibit 210.26 in the NECH, the diagram seems to indicate that the two spaces are considered separately.

Fortunately, I don't have to worry about the wall space part of the equation, as the new cabinets were installed before I was called in, and the original walls were left intact. So the only receptacle I need to install is on the peninsula itself.

I probably should have been clearer about my description of the peninsula. Yes, it starts like a regular peninsula, but then makes a 90 degree turn after a few feet, hence my "L-shaped" description.

[ February 09, 2006, 10:51 AM: Message edited by: jeff43222 ]
 
Re: L-shaped peninsula

So the entire counter top is U shaped, with one leg against a wall?

The way I read 210.52(C) is: if the counter top touches the wall it is covered by 210.52(C)(1), if the counter top touches (connects to) a "wall counter top" it is a peninsula and is subject to 210.52(C)(3), if the counter top does not touch a wall and is not connected to a counter top that touches a wall it is an island.

You need to have at least one receptacle somewhere that feeds your L shaped peninsula and that receptacle is subject to 210.52(C)(5).

My previous posts had to do with the location of receptacles in additon to the "at least one" required.
 
Re: L-shaped peninsula

Originally posted by jim dungar:
So the entire counter top is U shaped, with one leg against a wall?

Almost. The 90-degree turn goes in the other direction. It's shaped like this:

Code: 
========== wall =============
              *****|sink|*****
              *
              *  <= L-shaped peninsula
              *
      *********
Next time I'm bringing my camera along... :D


The way I read 210.52(C) is: if the counter top touches the wall it is covered by 210.52(C)(1), if the counter top touches (connects to) a "wall counter top" it is a peninsula and is subject to 210.52(C)(3), if the counter top does not touch a wall and is not connected to a counter top that touches a wall it is an island.

You need to have at least one receptacle somewhere that feeds your L shaped peninsula and that receptacle is subject to 210.52(C)(5).


Good -- we're all in complete agreement. :D
Click to expand...
 
Re: L-shaped peninsula

Jeff, the point I was trying to make, and by the way I do not feel strongly about it, is that the wall space occupied by the first letter "l" in the word "wall" in your sketch could be called part of the peninsula. I say that because the code does recognize the possibility that a receptacle could be installed above the countertop of a peninsula. Therefore, if you put one receptacle at the location I mentioned, it should suffice for the one required by the peninsula.

I guess the basic idea is this: nothing says the "one required receptacle" has to be out in the middle or at the end of the peninsula, or that it has to go below the countertop.
 
Re: L-shaped peninsula

I see your point, and I see why you don't feel strongly about it, as the code is frustatingly vague about what defines the "connecting edge" of the peninsular counter space.

I know Exhibit 210.26 (2005 NECH) isn't enforceable code, but the diagram seems to illustrate where the connecting edge is, so I went with that interpretation.

[ February 09, 2006, 04:40 PM: Message edited by: jeff43222 ]
 
Re: L-shaped peninsula

Since a peninsular countertop is measured from it's connecting edge, that would mean the a receptacle along the connecting edge could serve the peninsula. :eek:

It's cold in here, my fingers are almost numb, and I dislike creating typos. I think I will move to Florida and save on the fuel bill. :D

[ February 09, 2006, 06:36 PM: Message edited by: throttlebody ]
 
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