island/peninsula AND room divider receptacles

[RJJ]

UB: kinda agree! Need to look at it as apples for apples. What is consider by the code to be a room divider?

Would book shelves be a divider. Maybe if closed on one side! How about when just open on both sides?

 

[Yankee]

ok, I'll give it a shot . . .

I don't think it is a wall if it is a cabinate. It's a cabinate with a countertop.

If it is framed then it is a wall. Might have a countertop on it, but it's a wall.

 

[Uncle Bob]

RJJ,

I think the distinction is whether a wall (including half-wall) is installed; when refering to general use receptacles.

If the bookcase is installed across a floor space without a permenent wall; then I do not believe it is part of the permenent structure; and no receptacles are required. Where a book case is installed against a wall; then general use receptacles are required on the wall.

We've all seen wall dividers (permenent walls) installed; between the kitchen and dining area (half walls and see-through walls) with kitchen cabinets attached to them; sometimes as long as 10 to 16 feet long. These are not peninsulas because they are attached to permenent walls.

These walls require general use receptacles; and this is where the codes get tricky; if the wall has a counter top installed above it. This is a case where the Building Official is going to have to take responsibility for making the call.

And, that's the beauty of being an inspector; agree or disagree; it's the Building Officials responsibility to make the call.

Uncle Bob

 

[RJJ]

I agree: This is a gray area at times. With large kitchens and open connections to family rooms, dens etc. it becomes a judgement call.

How are the obstruction configured, used etc.

 

[north star]

& & &

peach asked:

the question is this: since (in addition to the receptacle to serve thecountertop), there will be a requirement for a receptacle on the wall side as well, and, as all receptacles CAN be 5.5' above the floor, can this particular receptacle be within 12" of the countertop rather than hammer height above the floor?

What say you?

The short answer is [ IMO ] "Yes", the receptacle COULD be installed within 12" of the countertop surface,however, if that particular receptacle were installed within 12" of the countertop surface, it might look

"out-of-place" compared to the other receptacles, ...on the other wall lines. Since most electricians typically

follow a pattern of installation, wouldn't they install this particular receptacle at "hammer height" above the

floor also?

Need some more input from you peach.

& & &

 

[GHRoberts]

I don't think there is a code requirement that one recept cannot meet 2 requirements.

20amp counter top and the 20 amp wall recept in the dining and similar rooms. Seems doable.

I have a kitchen counter top with a bit over 2 feet of wall space before a door. My counter top recept seems to meet both requirements. (At least I hope so.)

 

[Inspector 102]

I guess I am just a dumb inspector but I view this as an issue for 210-52©(2) and with a single outlet, GFCI protected, seems to meet this requirement. I view the installation shown in the previous picture as an island and not wall space, because of the overhang created by the countertop. I have never viewed 210-52(A)(2)(3) as wall space but I can certainly see how it can be applied. I enjoy the discussions created at this site and will continue to view to see how this arguement pans out. WARNING: Don't get Peach angry

 

[chris kennedy]

I don't think it is a wall if it is a cabinate. It's a cabinate with a countertop.

The NEC says it is.

210.52(A)(2) Wall Space. As used in this section, a wall space shall include the following: (1) Any space 600 mm (2 ft) or more in width (including space measured around corners) and unbroken along the floor line by doorways, fireplaces, and similar openings

(2) The space occupied by fixed panels in exterior walls, excluding sliding panels

(3) The space afforded by fixed room dividers such as freestanding bar-type counters or railings

I don't think there is a code requirement that one recept cannot meet 2 requirements.

In the OP case there might be, depending on what to rooms are divided.

210.52(B)(2) No Other Outlets. The two or more small-appliance branch circuits specified in 210.52(B)(1) shall have no other outlets.