Outlet requirements for islands?I believe in 2023 code changed to providing means for future outlets,

W

Wayne Check

New User
Location
California bay area
Occupation
Journeyman electrician
What is everyone doing with the new code changes on Island receptacles, I’m not quite clear on the requirements. I’ve seen a post that said we only need to provide means for future outlets. But , there is also a square footage that states 1 for 8 sq ft amount and two for 18 sq ft.
 
Wayne Check said:
What is everyone doing with the new code changes on Island receptacles, I’m not quite clear on the requirements. I’ve seen a post that said we only need to provide means for future outlets. But , there is also a square footage that states 1 for 8 sq ft amount and two for 18 sq ft.
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Wayne I don't see the sq.ft requirement. I believe that was in the 2020 code.
 
For many years - one receptacle outlet per island, no matter how big the island is.

2020 NEC - changes to require a receptacle based on square footage, less than 9 sq.ft. is one, up to 27 sq.ft. would be two, between 27 and 45 sq.ft. would need three, etc. This was seismic shift to longstanding tradition that caused quite a stir.

2023 NEC - they whipsawed us back the other way, no outlets required as long as there is a means to get power to the island later if someone wants to. If you install an outlet on the island to serve the countertop, it must be above countertop level. Except that some will tell you as written, all you have to do is say that the receptacle in the side of your island is not intended to serve the countertop, and it would then be legal.

Without wading into what language is better and what it should be, I will note that our jurisdiction is amending this section out until the NEC makes their mind up on what they want to do. If we told everyone they did not have to install outlets at islands for three years, and then the next code cycle changes back to 2020 language, the contractors would lose their minds.
 
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Wayne Check said:
What is everyone doing with the new code changes on Island receptacles, I’m not quite clear on the requirements. I’ve seen a post that said we only need to provide means for future outlets. But , there is also a square footage that states 1 for 8 sq ft amount and two for 18 sq ft.
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I would just run a cable to the island and leave it buried for future use. If someone wants a receptacle then you'll have to cut it into the countertop.
 
The OP is in CA which is currently using the 2020 NEC. Every inspector seems to using their judgement now instead of following the exact code. They are inspecting jobs permitted under the 2017 NEC and under the 2020 NEC. Many of them know about the 2023 change so are OK with just 1 receptacle even though there should be additional on many islands.
 
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