NEC code requires outlet on a kitchen island - what happens if I don't have one
#1
12-19-17, 03:46 PM
NEC code requires outlet on a kitchen island - what happens if I don't have one
Adding an island to my kitchen and someone mentioned that its a code violation if my kitchen island doesn't have an electrical outlet.
What are the potential issues i can face for a code violation?
What are the potential issues i can face for a code violation?
#2
12-19-17, 04:27 PM
Member
That does not make sense. A non-electrical/non-plumbing island is just that. A structure not connected to anything. Who told you otherwise? And what are that person's qualifications?
#3
12-19-17, 04:31 PM
Group Moderator
If the island is fixed in place.... no wheels...... by code it requires at least one receptacle. The reason for this is so that a cord is not stretched from the island to a countertop receptacle constituting a hazard.
At least one receptacle outlet must be installed at each island countertop space with a long dimension of 2 ft or more and a short dimension of 1 ft or more [210.52(C)(2)].
If you don't have one you won't pass electrical inspection.
At least one receptacle outlet must be installed at each island countertop space with a long dimension of 2 ft or more and a short dimension of 1 ft or more [210.52(C)(2)].
If you don't have one you won't pass electrical inspection.
#5
12-19-17, 07:29 PM
Join Date: Mar 2006
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Short story. The woman who cleans my teeth remodeled her kitchen and installed an island. I told her she needed an electrical receptacle on the island. She told me she had no need for it. I replied that I knew the electrical inspector in her city and that he would absolutely demand it. She said no, she didn't want it. The inspector refused to sign the finished permit, refusing the certificate of occupancy.
Shawn had to install the receptacle. End of story.
Shawn had to install the receptacle. End of story.
#7
12-20-17, 04:10 PM
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Be aware that installing an island on wheels is a tip hazard, I refuse to do it in most cases.
A standard cabinet is 24" deep minus the toe kick which leaves you about 19 inches (inside) for the wheels. You also need room for the caster mounting flange. It is not stable.
Inspectors around here want to see a tamper proof receptacle on the side or it will not pass. The island also requires 30" clearance on all sides.
You can put wheels on the island but I would make the island as deep and wide as possible.
A standard cabinet is 24" deep minus the toe kick which leaves you about 19 inches (inside) for the wheels. You also need room for the caster mounting flange. It is not stable.
Inspectors around here want to see a tamper proof receptacle on the side or it will not pass. The island also requires 30" clearance on all sides.
You can put wheels on the island but I would make the island as deep and wide as possible.
#8
12-21-17, 05:02 AM
What if the island is made more like a piece of furniture than a cabinet? I have an 'island' in my kitchen that has legs and is not permanently mounted. While it pretty much always sits in the same spot it does get moved every so often to sweep under it. I've not had an inspector look at it but assume it's legal without a receptacle.
#9
12-21-17, 05:03 AM
Member
You can put wheels on the island but I would make the island as deep and wide as possible.
For myself, I would never have a fixed center kitchen cabinet. The ability to move it around is very convenient.
