Temporary Countertop

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bphgravity

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I recently cam across a unique countertop arrangement in a model center. (This was not on an inspection) The kitchen is equipment with an "expandable" countertop that adds an additional 40 inches or so of countertop space at the end of the fixed countertop. The unit can be motorized or manual. When fully extended, the countertop exceeds 2' from the nearest receptacle on the fixed portion of the countertop.

The extended portion of the countertop is a half-circle with the flat edge towards the kitchen and the round edge protruding into the nook area. It can serve as a table as well.

So the obvious question is regarding receptacle outlet placement. Does 210.52 need to be complied with on a temporary countertop space?
 
Bryan, I'd say that if it's basically an attached extension of the fixed counterspace, it would be covered by the receptacle that supplies the fixed part.
 
I think an argument could be made that if the countertop is permanently attached, it has to be included under 210.52. Someone could very easily extend the countertop out to its full length and leave it that way forever. How would that differ from a countertop that didn't have the option to retract it?
 
On the other hand, if we do install a receptacle to serve the countertop's moveable section, then when that section is retracted, the receptacle will be in the middle of nowhere.

I think that no extra receptacle is needed, because the countertop's moveable section is not a permanent structure. My code reference would simply be that the countertop's moveable section is not a "countertop," so that 210.52 does not apply. If an AHJ took the position that the HO could place an appliance on the extended section and that no receptacle would be near enough to serve it, I would reply that retracting the countertop would cause that appliance to fall to the floor.
 
From what you have described to me it would be a penninsula arrangment No matter if 40 ins. or 40 ft. it would only require as a minimum 1 receptacle outlet.If fixed on one end and open on the other thats a penninsula.
 
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