When it comes to installing receptacle outlets on the walls at countertop surfaces, there seem to be conflicting Code rules. The wall spaces at fixed cabinets having countertops or similar work surfaces, such as the countertops in the kitchen shown in the photo, are not excluded from the wall spaces specified in Sec. 210.52(A)(2). This means that the wall spaces at these cabinets are required to have receptacle outlets installed to satisfy the requirements of Sec. 210.52(A).
At first glance, this may not appear to be a big deal, since there are receptacles outlets installed here to serve the countertop spaces as required by Sec. 210.52(C). However, this is when the conflict arises. Section 210.52(A)(4) specifically states that the “receptacles installed for countertop and similar work surfaces as specified in 210.52(C) shall not be considered as the receptacle outlets required by 210.52(A).” Section 210.52(C) then reiterates this by stating these receptacle outlets “shall not be considered as the receptacle outlets required by 210.52(A).”
So, where should installers put the receptacle outlets needed to satisfy Sec. 210.52(A) requirements? Section 210.52(A)(3) permits receptacle outlets in or on floors to serve as wall space receptacle outlets if located within 18 in. of the wall. This really won’t work because most base cabinets are deeper than 18 in. Section 210.50(A) permits receptacles on cord pendants, but this would be impractical because the cords would interfere with opening and closing the cabinet doors — and I don’t think many homeowners would like the look of cord pendants hanging in their beautiful kitchens. Installing receptacle outlets in the cabinets would not be an option either, since Sec. 210.52(3) states that receptacles in cabinets will not be considered “required” receptacle outlets.
What’s an installer to do to solve this conundrum? One simple Code solution would be to delete Sec. 210.52(A)(4) in its entirety and revise Sec. 210. 52(C) to permit countertop receptacle outlets to also serve as wall space receptacle outlets too. This makes practical sense, and I actually tend to doubt these requirements are being followed or enforced as specifically written anyways. I believe that installers and inspectors are probably accepting the countertop receptacle outlets as the required wall space receptacle outlets too. I recommend installers have a discussion with their AHJ to discuss a practical way to satisfy the requirements for wall space receptacle outlets and countertop receptacle outlets.
