I know in the 2023 NEC you can't put outlets on the ends of islands. I have a builder that builds a 2x6 wall that the island cabinets abuts to and comes up under the counter top. He is wanting an outlet to be shown in this wall. My interpretation of the code prohibits this also even if the outlet is say a foot above the floor. Am I right or would this be permitted?
Outlets on islands
- Thread starter tevans1
- Start date
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Prior code cycles stated that the receptacle couldn't be more than 12" down from the top of the island because kitchen appliance cords are generally 24" long. If it's mounted at 12" above the floor I don't see how it could serving the countertop and they would not be prohibited.
letgomywago
Senior Member
- Location
- Washington state and Oregon coast
- Occupation
- residential electrician
That's how I viewed those always. But they were in addition to an island outlet and not instead of.
AC\DC
Senior Member
- Location
- Florence,Oregon,Lane
- Occupation
- EC
We’re is he asking about from floor ?
why can’t you have receptacle at end of island as long as you don’t go past the overhang limit or to low.
why can’t you have receptacle at end of island as long as you don’t go past the overhang limit or to low.
I don't see anything in 2023 210.52(c)(2) & (3) that prohibits a receptacle at the end of an island. The way I am reading it, if a receptacle is installed below the countertop it does not count as serving the area and 2023 code does not require a receptacle to serve the area. 2020 and previous editions had many requirements for number of receptacles and where they could be installed.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
We have this exact controversy going on right now in much of the DFW area. We are being asked to install the normal wall outlet for larger islands facing a family room. This outlet is either installed in the baseboard or "Hammer High". There is nothing in black and white forbidding this that I can find. Anyone find anything different?
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Nope. I believe that the 2026 NEC will address this with a minimum of 24" between the receptacle and the countertop.
curt swartz
Electrical Contractor - San Jose, CA
- Location
- San Jose, CA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
If so this will be interesting in California which requires the bottom of a receptacle to be a minimum of 15" off finished floor.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Not sure why they would want the receptacle at that height but they'll need to amend the 2026 NEC for that to work.
electrofelon
Senior Member
- Location
- Cherry Valley NY, Seattle, WA
that seems like a silly rule. Any idea what the reasoning is?
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
So old ladies don't need to bend over too far? Around here new high end homes are installing tall base mouldings with the receptacles mounted in the base. Seems that people like the less obtrusive look of the receptacle and cover matching the base moulding.
electrofelon
Senior Member
- Location
- Cherry Valley NY, Seattle, WA
I like receptacles in the base moulding - dont like installing them though
Old men also.....
not that I knowElect117
Senior Member
- Location
- California
- Occupation
- Engineer E.E. P.E.
ADA. Wheel chair accessibility. Wheel heights and reach.
Between green building, energy and ADA codes, Cali has some extra stuff to worry about.
electrofelon
Senior Member
- Location
- Cherry Valley NY, Seattle, WA
Ok that makes sense - for commercial, but resi???
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
I was thinking that too. For a single family dwelling it seems ridiculous. Around we have our own "ADA" code called the Barrier Free Subcode which is a condensed or simplified version of other applicable building codes.
Elect117
Senior Member
- Location
- California
- Occupation
- Engineer E.E. P.E.
Ya. I don't think it always applies. It definitely applies in new builds.
I can't find a good resource for it. There are a bunch of different ADA type government entities and local cities commenting on the requirement.
My guess is it applies to remodels and new builds, commercial or residential and the local AHJ would probably have say on exceptions regarding remodeling sections of your house vs your whole home.
Some ADA accessibility requirements are used by lawyers to sue small businesses that are open to the public. So if you owned a restaurant you need to ensure ADA compliance yearly as the code changes. The same applies to websites.