Residential island receptacle placement

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nizak

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Can a receptacle be placed under a 9” countertop overhang.

Im having trouble interpreting the code for this.

There’s an exception that speaks about placement if it’s been designed for the physically impaired.

Is it saying that if it’s NOT designed for the physically impaired it can be under the overhang regardless of the depth of it.

Thanks
 
What NEC are you on?
As of the 2023 NEC:
Island recepts are no longer required.
Receptacles are not allowed below countertops.
Either we install a pop-up or fold up.
Or
If we dont install one we provide a in cabinet receptacle for a future popup.
(I think all code requires is "future provisions" which AHJ's might interpret differently.)

Prior to the 2023 I believe the exception allows a receptacle up to 12 in below where the overhang is no more than 6 inches long, if the island is totally flat.
 
I do not see anything in the NEC that refers to physically impaired persons in 210.52
2020 NEC Art. 210.52 (C)(3)(3) states; Receptacles installed below a countertop or work surface SHALL NOT be located where the countertop or work surface extends more than 150mm (6 in.) beyond its support base.
 
I only have the 2023 NEC handy. I do not see the exception to which you refer. My answer is that you can't put a receptacle below a 9" overhang.
 
The wording in the 2017 NEC:
Exception to 210.52(C)(5): To comply with the following conditions
(1) and (2), receptacle outlets shall be permitted to be mounted
not more than 300 mm (12 in.) below the countertop or work
surface. Receptacles mounted below a countertop or work sur-
face in accordance with this exception shall not be located
where the countertop or work surface extends more than
150 mm (6 in.) beyond its support base.
(1) Construction for the physically impaired
(2) On island and peninsular countertops or work surface
where the surface is flat across its entire surface (no back-
splashes, dividers, etc.) and there are no means to mount
a receptacle within 500 mm (20 in.) above the countertop
or work surface, such as an overhead cabinet
Click to expand...
In the 2020 that wording got moved into the code text of 210.52(C)(3)(3) as Rick posted and you dont need to meet the conditions anymore.
 
Is the restriction on outlets under an overhang because appliance cords are now only 2' long? 6" under the overhang means only 18" until the beginning of the appliance... Any more overhang, and the waffle iron gets closer to the edge...
 
PaulMmn said:
Is the restriction on outlets under an overhang because appliance cords are now only 2' long? 6" under the overhang means only 18" until the beginning of the appliance... Any more overhang, and the waffle iron gets closer to the edge...
Click to expand...
I think it's leaning more towards if the overhang is more than 6", you would be more likely to place barstools under it. Small children could pull on the cords and pull appliances down onto them.
 
If there is (1) receptacle installed in a code compliant area of the island (2017 NEC) is it still a violation to put one underneath the 9” overhang if the owner wants one in that location?
 
nizak said:
If there is (1) receptacle installed in a code compliant area of the island (2017 NEC) is it still a violation to put one underneath the 9” overhang if the owner wants one in that location?
Click to expand...
I will only say that that has been a matter of some debate. The issue is that if one receptacle follows the location rules, do any and all other receptacles in that neighborhood also need to follow the same rules.
 
nizak said:
If there is (1) receptacle installed in a code compliant area of the island (2017 NEC) is it still a violation to put one underneath the 9” overhang if the owner wants one in that location?
Click to expand...
I'd say if 210.52(C) is met then nothing I am aware of in 210 says you can't have more receptacles.
 
tortuga said:
What NEC are you on?
As of the 2023 NEC:
Island recepts are no longer required.
Receptacles are not allowed below countertops.
Either we install a pop-up or fold up.
Or
If we dont install one we provide a in cabinet receptacle for a future popup.
(I think all code requires is "future provisions" which AHJ's might interpret differently.)

Prior to the 2023 I believe the exception allows a receptacle up to 12 in below where the overhang is no more than 6 inches long, if the island is totally flat.
Click to expand...
I think the 2023 NEC change to Section 210.52(C)(3) kitchen island and peninsula receptacle requirements was a really smart and practical change. This way builders have to provide a j-box inside the island, although the island countertop doesn’t have to be cut-up in ways a homeowner might dislike. Because when you start talking about custom granite countertops, homeowners can get really picky about where you’re penetrating that granite. Also granite installers and plumbers might have suggestions on the best location for these types of receptacles.
 
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