jar546
Forum Coordinator
I guess that as the date of this post, most jurisdictions are still under the 2020 NEC. I know some of you are already in the 2023 and others are behind, still back in 2017. For the majority, however, here is a detailed summary of the receptacle requirements for kitchens.
NEC 2020 Section 210.52(C)(2) Summary: Island and Peninsular Countertops and Work Surfaces
- General Requirement: Receptacle outlets on island and peninsular countertops or work surfaces must follow the requirements detailed in sections 210.52(C)(2)(a) and (C)(2)(b).
- Section 210.52(C)(2)(a):
- Initial Coverage: At least one receptacle outlet is required for every 9 square feet (or fraction thereof) of the initial countertop or work surface area.
- Additional Coverage: For every additional 18 square feet (or fraction thereof) of countertop or work surface, an additional receptacle outlet is required.
- Area Calculation: These areas are calculated based on the total surface area of the countertop, without reductions for appliances like sinks or cooktops.
- Section 210.52(C)(2)(b):
- Peninsular Countertop Placement: At least one receptacle outlet must be placed within 2 feet of the outer end of a peninsular countertop or work surface.
- Flexibility in Additional Outlets: Any additional outlets required by the surface area coverage rules can be placed as determined by the installer, designer, or building owner, but still in compliance with general outlet placement regulations.
- Distinct Countertop Spaces:
- If an island or peninsula is divided into separate spaces (e.g., by a cooktop or sink) and each space is at least 12 inches wide, each segment is considered a separate countertop for the purposes of receptacle placement.
- Receptacle Placement Flexibility:
- Unlike peninsular countertops, island countertops do not have specific requirements for the placement of the mandatory receptacle outlet(s), allowing more flexibility. These can be positioned as preferred by the installer, designer, or owner.