Ecmweb 16423 Nec Code Quandaries Sept 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 16423 Nec Code Quandaries Sept 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 16423 Nec Code Quandaries Sept 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 16423 Nec Code Quandaries Sept 2017 Pr
Ecmweb 16423 Nec Code Quandaries Sept 2017 Pr

Stumped by the Code? Rules for Installation of Countertop and Work Surface Receptacle Outlets

Sept. 26, 2017
Your most pressing National Electrical Code (NEC) questions answered

All questions and answers are based on the 2017 NEC.

Underlined text indicates a change in the rules for the 2017 NEC.

Q. What are the Code rules for the installation of countertop and work surface receptacle outlets?

A. In kitchens, pantries, breakfast rooms, dining rooms, and similar areas of dwelling units, receptacle outlets for countertop spaces and work surfaces must be installed according to 210.52(C)(1) through (C)(5) below.

(1) Wall countertop and work surfaces receptacle outlets. A receptacle outlet must be installed for each kitchen and dining area countertop wall space 1 ft or wider, and receptacle outlets must be placed so that no point along the countertop space or work surface wall space is more than 2 ft, measured horizontally, from a receptacle outlet.

Exception: A receptacle outlet isn’t required on a wall directly behind a range, counter‑mounted cooking unit, or sink, in accordance with Figure 210.52(C)(1) in the NEC (Figure).

If the countertop space behind a range or sink is larger than the dimensions noted in Figure 210.52(C)(1) of the NEC, then a GFCI-protected receptacle must be installed in that space. This is because, for all practical purposes, if there’s sufficient space for an appliance, an appliance will be placed there.

(2) Island countertop space receptacle outlets. 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.

(3) Peninsular countertop space receptacle outlets. At least one receptacle outlet must be installed for each peninsular countertop long dimension of 2 ft or greater, and a short dimension of 1 ft or greater. The peninsular countertop is measured from the connected peninsular wall.

The Code doesn’t require more than one receptacle outlet in an island or peninsular countertop space, regardless of the length of the countertop, unless the countertop is broken as described in 210.52(C)(4).

(4) Separate countertop spaces. When breaks occur in countertop spaces for rangetops, refrigerators, or sinks, each countertop space is considered as a separate countertop for determining receptacle placement.

If a range, counter‑mounted cooking unit, or sink is installed in an island or peninsular countertop, and the depth of the counter behind the range, counter-mounted cooking unit, or sink is less than 12 in., the countertop space is considered to be two separate countertop spaces.

GFCI protection is required for all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles that supply kitchen countertop surfaces [210.8(A)(6)].

(5) Receptacle location. Receptacle outlets required by 210.52(C)(1) must be located on or above, but not more than 20 in. above, the countertop or work surface.

Receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in countertops or work surfaces can be installed in countertops or work surfaces.

Note: Receptacles aren’t permitted to be installed in a face‑up position in countertops [406.5(E) and 406.5(G)], nor are receptacles permitted face-up in work surfaces [406.5(F) and 406.5(G)].

Exception to (5): Receptacle outlets are permitted to be mounted not more than 12 in. below the countertop or work surface, where the countertop or work surface doesn’t extend more than 6 in. beyond its support base and the receptacle outlet(s) comply with the following conditions:

(1) The countertop or work surface is construction for the physically impaired

(2) The island and peninsular countertop or work surface is flat across its entire surface (no backsplashes, dividers, and so on) and there are no means to mount a receptacle within 20 in. above the countertop or work surface, such as an overhead cabinet.

Receptacle outlets rendered not readily accessible by appliances fastened in place, located in an appliance garage, behind sinks, or rangetops [210.52(C)(1) Ex], or supplying appliances that occupy dedicated space don’t count as the required countertop or work surface receptacles.

An “appliance garage” is an enclosed area on the counter­top where an appliance can be stored and hidden from view when not in use. If a receptacle is installed inside an appliance garage, it doesn’t count as a required countertop receptacle outlet.

These materials are provided to us by Mike Holt Enterprises in Leesburg, Fla. To view Code training materials offered by this company, visit www.mikeholt.com/code.

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About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.

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