Part III. Required Outlets
New exception and diagram added to clarify that a countertop receptacle outlet isn’t required on a wall directly behind a rangetop or sink. And change clarifies when an island countertop is to be divided into separate sections when determining the number of required countertop receptacle outlets.
(C) Countertop Receptacle – Dwelling Unit. In kitchens and dining rooms of dwelling units, receptacle outlets for countertop spaces must be installed according to (1) through (5) below. Figure 210-11
Author’s Comment: GFCI protection is required for all 15 and 20A, 125V receptacles that supply kitchen countertop appliances [210.8(A)(6)].
(1) Wall Counter Space. A receptacle outlet must be installed for each kitchen and dining area countertop wall space that is 1 ft or wider, and receptacles must be placed so no point along the countertop wall space is more than 2 ft, measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet.
Ex:
A receptacle outlet isn’t required on a wall directly behind a range or sink as shown in NEC Figure 210.52. Figure 210-12
Author’s Comment: If the countertop space behind a range or sink is larger than the dimensions noted in Figure 210.52 of the NEC, then a GFCI protected receptacle must be installed in that space. This is because, for all practical purposes, if there’s sufficient space for an appliance, an appliance will be placed there.
(2) Island Countertop Space. One receptacle outlet must be installed at each island countertop space with a long dimension of 2 ft or greater, and a short dimension of 1 ft or greater. When breaks occur in countertop spaces for appliances, sinks, etc., and the width of the counter space behind the appliance or sink is less than 1 ft, each countertop space is considered as a separate island for determining receptacle placement [210.52(C)(4)]. Figure 210-13