Residential Kitchen Countertop Receptacle Risk

[fmtjfw]

for new construction this problem should be dealt with prior to island being built. another solution is to raise small section of counter to bar height, this leaves a ~5-6" backsplash on one side where you can mount outlet in the vertical, this way a item can be plugged in yet cord wrapped up and not dangling for someone to grab, and, should still be handicap accessible (although i dont know 100% the handicap rules).

See NEC 2014 Appendix J for a quick overview

 

[kwired]

for new construction this problem should be dealt with prior to island being built. another solution is to raise small section of counter to bar height, this leaves a ~5-6" backsplash on one side where you can mount outlet in the vertical, this way a item can be plugged in yet cord wrapped up and not dangling for someone to grab, and, should still be handicap accessible (although i dont know 100% the handicap rules).

What if owner doesn't want a 2 level island or peninsula?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I think if one were to try to make a case that receptacles below the counter on islands and peninsulas are a danger then you will need to substantiate that fact with real cases of people getting hurt

 

[junkhound]

2024 code cycle, courtesy of induction mfg reps on code boards:

" 42% of all horizontal surfaces in food preparation area shall be capable of supplying 1kw/per sq foot of inductive power to any conductive cooking utensil "

Soon to be followed by sonic children detectors that disable all electrical appliances if child within 300 yards......etc....

 

[fmtjfw]

2024 code cycle, courtesy of induction mfg reps on code boards:

" 42% of all horizontal surfaces in food preparation area shall be capable of supplying 1kw/per sq foot of inductive power to any conductive cooking utensil "

Soon to be followed by sonic children detectors that disable all electrical appliances if child within 300 yards......etc....

But what if the child is quiet?

 

[junkhound]

since this is an 'ask for opinion' thread:

But what if the child is quiet?

Aha, ya hit it on the head - when the kid is really quiet - trip CB, that is when they are figuring out that they have to stick BOTH sides of the paperclip in the TR outlet at the same time to be able to pop open the gates to get sparks!!!!

Or even 'better', a paperclip in each hand!!

Opinion: TR outlets are the biggest ripoff since AF, but makes the collectivists feel good that they are doing something 'for the children'.

Gotta be an AI detector, those bring more $$ to mfg of course <G>

 

[chris kennedy]

One reason for receptacles below the counter top is for handicapped accessibility. The standard receptacle placement on the wall behind the counter can not be reached from a wheelchair.

The ADA applies to dwelling units?

 

[fmtjfw]

The ADA applies to dwelling units?

If you build a multiple-dwelling apartment building several of the units should be ADA compliant, same for dorm units. Most state adopted building codes do not require single family (standalone) dwellings to be ADA compliant. If you have a single family dwelling unit with a handicapped person in it (as do I) the handicapped features you add need not meet ADA but it is a good design guideline. Also would apply to cabins at state park.

 

[fmtjfw]

since this is an 'ask for opinion' thread:

But what if the child is quiet?

Aha, ya hit it on the head - when the kid is really quiet - trip CB, that is when they are figuring out that they have to stick BOTH sides of the paperclip in the TR outlet at the same time to be able to pop open the gates to get sparks!!!!

Or even 'better', a paperclip in each hand!!

Opinion: TR outlets are the biggest ripoff since AF, but makes the collectivists feel good that they are doing something 'for the children'.

Gotta be an AI detector, those bring more $$ to mfg of course <G>

If I were designing a rip-off it would not cost just a buck over the junk bulk receptacles. I'd aim higher.

I forget the stats on children taken to emergency rooms from shock/burn injuries from receptacles, but I'll bet they decrease with the market penetration of TRs. Look around the Forum for a previous posting with the stats.

I'll bet the same whining occurred when GFCIs or enclosed switches were introduced.

You can lose the "collectivist" insinuation.:thumbsdown:

 

[FionaZuppa]

What if owner doesn't want a 2 level island or peninsula?

then either pop-up or they live with risk of dangling cord. having options is good, not being able to pick one is a customer i dont like to deal with, pros & cons to everything.