Outlets on islands

[curt swartz]

It a newer Aging in Place code for all dwellings. Requires all electrical devices including switches, receptacles, doorbell buttons and thermostats to be installed a minimum of 15" and maximum off finished floor. It also requires a bathroom on the first floor to have minimum door width and blocking for hand bars. I don't remember all of the other requirements. If I have time tonight I'll post it.

 

[BHastings]

that seems like a silly rule. Any idea what the reasoning is?

 

[BHastings]

Some areas of CA are applying handicap standards to all new construction, including residential even in custom homes and in multifamily buildings with no handicap access to upper floors. Their reasoning is that even if you have a non-handicapped owner currently, they may be handicapped later in life or a handicap buyer sometime in the future may own the home.

I had a condo project 10 years ago that sold out before we roughed on the project and the last buyer bought the designated handicap unit. He had to wait till every other unit sold before they were able to sell the unit to a non handicapped buyer. The city fined him for bringing in another contractor after closing and removing the lifts, hand-bars, lowering outlets and raising switches. They did the work under a remodel permit to move walls and doors with minor electrical work. They revoked the permit when they realized he had the handicap unit in the building and made him put it all back to handicap standards.

We were told it was going to be the entire state, but most municipalities don't enforce it.

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

Not sure why they would want the receptacle at that height but they'll need to amend the 2026 NEC for that to work.

New aging in place rules.

Along with mandatory blocking for future grab bars, maximum heights for switches, etc.

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

Oh, and we also have to have a spot for future solar backfed breaker in the panel, room for an EV charger circuit, and circuits or conduits run for future conversion of stoves, WH, and dryers. At least on some projects. Not sure if it’s for all residential.

I’ve bid some public works developments where that was required, but other than that I haven’t done much new construction for a minute.

 

[Fred B]

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.

but if as OP is suggesting, a wall structure being built at end of cabinet 210.52(A)(2) comes into play and it would seem it must have a receptacle, NOT serving the countertop.

 

[infinity]

but if as OP is suggesting, a wall structure being built at end of cabinet 210.52(A)(2) comes into play and it would seem it must have a receptacle, NOT serving the countertop.

Yes I agree. The question is at what height is it not serving the countertop?