Receptacle Outlet requirement for Peninsula Countertop

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mgotgame

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I am a beginner Electrician and I am having a difficult time understanding what the NEC 2005 Code is saying in regards to receptacle outlets on Peninsular Counter Spaces (210.52(C)(3)). The peninsula I am working on is about 7 feet long and is flat along it's entire surface (no backsplash), on the front side (of the peninsula) are cabinet doors and drawers, and on the back side (of the peninsula) the countertop extends roughly 10" past its support base (10" overhang to pull up bar stools and such), and at the very end of the peninsula there are no cabinet doors and about a 1" overhang. Now it is my understanding and opinion that the code is requiring that only one receptacle is necessary for the peninsula, and, in this situation, that it should be located at the very end of the peninsula, because it is the only place that does not have, either, cabinet doors or a 12" overhang. I also know that the outlet must not be below 12" from the countertop. I wish I could draw a picture, it would be much easier to understand but you probably get the idea. Any insight would be greatly appreciated, and would help settle a brotherly dispute at the work place. Thank you, Michael (mgotgame)
 
It doesn't sound like you need any insight. You got the idea. The peninsula requires one receptacle and it can be anywhere within the parameters you mentioned. The end of the peninsula is the most common place for it.
 
mgotgame said:
Now it is my understanding and opinion that the code is requiring that only one receptacle is necessary for the peninsula, and, in this situation, that it should be located at the very end of the peninsula, because it is the only place that does not have, either, cabinet doors or a 12" overhang.
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Change that overhang figure to 6" and you've got it nailed.
 
mgotgame said:
. . . and would help settle a brotherly dispute at the work place.
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I agree with those who have agreed with you. But just out of curiosity, may I ask what other opinion(s) have been offered by other person(s) at your work place?
 
My opinion to Mike, (my brother), was that putting an outlet anywhere along the penninsula would satisfy the code requirement, not necessarily on the very end. Unfortunatley I don't have the NEC available, but the explanation seemed to be vague about the exceptions and meeting the requirements of the exceptions of which didn't seem to apply to the application. This is a pretty weak reply but Mike would call me out even more so if I didn't even reply.
 
My opinion to Mike, (my brother), was...

This is a pretty weak reply but Mike would call me out even more so if I didn't even reply.
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familyfeudlogo.gif

LMAO - this is great. :D

My opinion to Mike, (my brother), was that putting an outlet anywhere along the penninsula would satisfy the code requirement, not necessarily on the very end.
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You are correct, as long as the entire peninsula had no wall behind it, and no overhang exceeding six inches:

210.52(C)(5) Receptacle Outlet Location. Receptacle outlets shall be located above, but not more than 500 mm (20 in.) above, the countertop. Receptacle outlets rendered not readily accessible by appliances fastened in place, appliance garages, sinks, or rangetops as covered in 210.52(C)(1), Exception, or appliances occupying dedicated space shall not be con-sidered as these required outlets.

Exception to (5): To comply with the conditions specified in (1) or (2), receptacle outlets shall be permitted to be mounted not more than 300 mm (12 in.) below the countertop. Receptacles mounted below a countertop in accordance with this exception shall not be located where the countertop extends more than 150 mm (6 in.) beyond its support base.
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You could install a receptacle below an overhang of, say, 15", but it wouldn't count for the required receptacle.

Edit to add: I've found in most cases, the overhang is only small enough to comply at the end of the peninsula, and that is likely what started this discussion. That, and Dad always liked you better. ;)
 
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georgestolz said:
You are correct, as long as the entire peninsula had no wall behind it, and no overhang exceeding six inches.
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Well, there is one more thing: if the peninsula is effectively divided by a sink, range, etc., the rules apply to each separated area.
 
Receptacle mounting height

Receptacle mounting height

LarryFine said:
Well, there is one more thing: if the peninsula is effectively divided by a sink, range, etc., the rules apply to each separated area.
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You are right the first time but Larry has a good point also. If it doesn't have a sink and is a 7 foot counter I put a receptacle at both ends, doesn't cost much more and keeps from using drop cords. There again I talk to the HO and see how they work in the kitchen, knowing what they do will help you decide. If it is a spec house I just put in what's necessary. Semper Fi
 
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