Outlet in Cabinet: Code Question
#1
10-08-14, 11:06 AM
Outlet in Cabinet: Code Question
Have a question about electrical code in Indiana. We are having a double vanity put in our bathroom and on top of the vanity dividing the sinks is another cabinet. Would it be to code to place an electrical outlet inside of that top cabinet? Not on the side sticking out of the cabinet but actually in the cabinet. There is an electrical outlet on the wall for the sink on the left.
Thanks,
Tim
Thanks,
Tim
#2
10-08-14, 11:50 AM
Group Moderator
334.15 Exposed Work.
In exposed work, except as provided in 300.11(A), cable shall be installed as specified in 334.15(A) through (C).
(A) To Follow Surface. Cable shall closely follow the surface of the building finish or of running boards.
(B) Protection from Physical Damage. Cable shall be protected from physical damage where necessary by rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, or other approved means. Where passing through a floor, the cable shall be enclosed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, or other approved means extending at least 150 mm (6 in.) above the floor.
In exposed work, except as provided in 300.11(A), cable shall be installed as specified in 334.15(A) through (C).
(A) To Follow Surface. Cable shall closely follow the surface of the building finish or of running boards.
(B) Protection from Physical Damage. Cable shall be protected from physical damage where necessary by rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, or other approved means. Where passing through a floor, the cable shall be enclosed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, or other approved means extending at least 150 mm (6 in.) above the floor.
#3
10-08-14, 12:04 PM
It is common practice to put receptacles in cabinets. While usually it for a fixed in place appliances such as a vent hood nothing says it can't be for general purpose receptacles also. As stated by Xsleeper the cable must be protected. Easiest is run it in the wall. Just be sure the box will be flush with the cabinet.
Last edited by ray2047; 10-08-14 at 01:01 PM.
#4
10-08-14, 12:44 PM
Our builder ran it through the wall then drilled a hole through the cabinet and put an electrical box inside the cabinet with the outlets accessible from the outside. They are now trying to say that they have to for code reasons but it sounds like they just don't want to fix what they messed up. We told them from the beginning we wanted it inside the cabinet to charge things without having to leave it on the counter and they never mentioned it being a problem before.
#6
10-08-14, 01:24 PM
Certain Code Articles state what you can't do ; apparently the builder's argument is based on a "can't do " Article, such as you can't set a counter-top receptacle in a "face-up" position.
Since he is relying on the Code to justify what he did, ask him to cite the "can't-do" Article that would apply to this situation.
Since he is relying on the Code to justify what he did, ask him to cite the "can't-do" Article that would apply to this situation.
#7
10-08-14, 01:43 PM
I'll for sure try and find out who the local electrical inspector is and try and ask. I'll also ask about the article they might be referring to.
The thing that makes it hard to believe is in the kitchen they put an outlet in one cabinet for the microwave. It's not even needed as we got a oven/microwave combo that doesn't use an outlet and it's up in a different part of the cabinet but yet they left it there.
The thing that makes it hard to believe is in the kitchen they put an outlet in one cabinet for the microwave. It's not even needed as we got a oven/microwave combo that doesn't use an outlet and it's up in a different part of the cabinet but yet they left it there.
#9
10-08-14, 03:54 PM
The thing that makes it hard to believe is in the kitchen they put an outlet in one cabinet for the microwave.
#10
10-10-14, 09:32 AM
I talked to one person that said it wouldn't pass inspection because it's not obvious that an outlet is inside the cabinet so wouldn't meet the within three feet rule. Sadly the other outlet is ~3'2" from the sink in question.
#11
10-10-14, 09:46 AM
inside the cabinet so wouldn't meet the within three feet rule
Last edited by ray2047; 10-10-14 at 12:15 PM.
#12
10-10-14, 10:52 AM
Member
I talked to one person that said inside the cabinet so wouldn't meet the within three feet rule
#13
10-10-14, 11:17 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Prohibited is different than counting as the required receptacle. This is no different than a receptacle in an appliance garage in the kitchen. It does not count as a countertop receptacle but is allowed.
#14
10-10-14, 11:41 AM
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electrical box inside the cabinet with the outlets accessible from the outside
Outlet should have been installed at the inside back as you requested and agreed on.
Cabinet should be replaced at his expense and wiring redone as agreed upon.
After installing outlet in back of cabinet as you requested, the inspector will still insist on a counter outlet that meets code. That's another issue and easily addressed. I think contractor tried to address both issues at once and was wrong in his thinking.
#15
10-10-14, 12:08 PM
AS regards this issue, it's important to distinguish between a "required" receptacle outlets and receptacle outlets not required.
The fact there may be a spacing problem with the "required" B-R outlet has absolutely no association on effect on the non-required outlet. The sole determinant on the Right/Wrong issue as regards the location of the non-required receptacle outlet is the NEC.
The fact there may be a spacing problem with the "required" B-R outlet has absolutely no association on effect on the non-required outlet. The sole determinant on the Right/Wrong issue as regards the location of the non-required receptacle outlet is the NEC.
