I guess things come in spurts. Lately, I have been getting questioned about a "requirement" for GFCI receptacle "within 24 inches of kitchen sinks. As I grow older I have a tendency to jump to assumptions concerning codes; based on memory (lose?). Ok, here it is. There is NO code requirement for a kitchen countertop receptacle within 24 inches of a kitchen sink.
-
Welcome to the new and improved Building Code Forum. We appreciate you being here and hope that you are getting the information that you need concerning all codes of the building trades. This is a free forum to the public due to the generosity of the Sawhorses, Corporate Supporters and Supporters who have upgraded their accounts. If you would like to have improved access to the forum please upgrade to Sawhorse by first logging in then clicking here: Upgrades
Kitchen countertop receptacle near sink?
- Thread starter Uncle Bob
- Start date
steveray
SAWHORSE
E3801.4.1 Wall counter space.
A receptacle outlet shall be installed at each wall counter space 12 inches (305 mm) or wider. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 24 inches (610 mm), measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space.
I think that is what gets you there UB.....
A receptacle outlet shall be installed at each wall counter space 12 inches (305 mm) or wider. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 24 inches (610 mm), measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space.
I think that is what gets you there UB.....
jar546
Forum Coordinator
Yes, 24" is a requirement from all edges including sinks, ranges, etc. Basically at not point along the kitchen counter can you be more than 24" from a receptacle. Kitchen appliances cords are 24"
Builder Bob
Sawhorse
E3801.4 Countertop receptacles. In kitchens and dining rooms of dwelling units, receptacle outlets for counter spaces
shall be installed in accordance with Sections E3801.4.1
through E3801.4.5 (see Figure E3801.4).
E3801.4.1Wall counter space. A receptacle outlet shall be installed at each wall counter space 12 inches (305 mm) or
wider. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 24 inches (610 mm), measured
horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space.
Exception: Receptacle outlets shall not be required on a wall directly behind a range or sink in the installation
described in Figure E3801.4.1.
This is from the 2006 IRC..... you are correct that a GFCI receptacle is not required 24 inches from the sink.... however, no point on the counter top shall a receptacle be more than 24 inches from another receptacle.
shall be installed in accordance with Sections E3801.4.1
through E3801.4.5 (see Figure E3801.4).
E3801.4.1Wall counter space. A receptacle outlet shall be installed at each wall counter space 12 inches (305 mm) or
wider. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 24 inches (610 mm), measured
horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space.
Exception: Receptacle outlets shall not be required on a wall directly behind a range or sink in the installation
described in Figure E3801.4.1.
This is from the 2006 IRC..... you are correct that a GFCI receptacle is not required 24 inches from the sink.... however, no point on the counter top shall a receptacle be more than 24 inches from another receptacle.
ICE
Oh Well
Maybe this is what you are remembering.
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks ya'll,
This came up several time when a kitchen sink was either on an island or a peninsular. I'm told that "the big city" requires gfci receptacles within 24 inches if the sink and I tell them there is no such animal. If there is not a "wall line" there is no requirement for GFCI receptacle. So, the electricians are hard pressed sometimes to find a location on the island or *****ular within 24" of the sink. It is just not required. The confusion comes with "no space along the wall shall be more than 24" from a receptacle. No wall, no requirement other than one receptacle required on island and peninsulars; but not within 24" of sink.
Thanks for sharing,
Uncle Bob
This came up several time when a kitchen sink was either on an island or a peninsular. I'm told that "the big city" requires gfci receptacles within 24 inches if the sink and I tell them there is no such animal. If there is not a "wall line" there is no requirement for GFCI receptacle. So, the electricians are hard pressed sometimes to find a location on the island or *****ular within 24" of the sink. It is just not required. The confusion comes with "no space along the wall shall be more than 24" from a receptacle. No wall, no requirement other than one receptacle required on island and peninsulars; but not within 24" of sink.
Thanks for sharing,
Uncle Bob
jar546
Forum Coordinator
That is not correct.Builder Bob said:
steveray
SAWHORSE
UB.....if there is 12" on either side of the sink, it needs an outlet......
E3801.4.2 Island counter spaces.
At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed at each island counter space with a long dimension of 24 inches (610 mm) or greater and a short dimension of 12 inches (305 mm) or greater.
E3801.4.2 Island counter spaces.
At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed at each island counter space with a long dimension of 24 inches (610 mm) or greater and a short dimension of 12 inches (305 mm) or greater.
The above does not require the receptacle to be within 24" of the sink; only that a receptacle is required for an Island (sink or no sink). If you have a 4ft wide by 4 ft deep island; there is no requirement that the "required receptacle" be within 24 " of the sink. Also if the island is 8' or even 10' wide; there is a requirement for "only one receptacle" and it is not required to be within 24" of the sink if one is there.steveray said:
Last edited by a moderator:
jar546
Forum Coordinator
Kitchen countertop receptacle near sink?
The OP was not about an island sink, correct? We are now discussing 2 different tooics
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The OP was not about an island sink, correct? We are now discussing 2 different tooics
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
UB,
I concur with your #10 post.
In most layouts the sink is 36" wide and the receptacles are space beyond 48" to centerline of the sink, same thing happens at the counter near the range in alot of layouts.
The appliances and the sink are considered separate counter spaces.
pc1
I concur with your #10 post.
In most layouts the sink is 36" wide and the receptacles are space beyond 48" to centerline of the sink, same thing happens at the counter near the range in alot of layouts.
The appliances and the sink are considered separate counter spaces.
pc1
steveray
SAWHORSE
Correct.....the 24" "cord" requirement does not apply to islands and peninsulas.....but the sink or range would separate them into different spaces and might require 2....
Uncle Bob said:
David Henderson
Registered User
4' on center, toaster in the middle= no more than 24" to outlet. One required behind sink if deeper than 12" on straight wall or 18" corner sink
raider1
Silver Member
Correct, if we are talking about kitchen islands and peninsular counter tops.Uncle Bob said:
The 24" spacing requirements is for Wall Countertop Spaces.
So if the kitchen sink is located on an island or peninsular coutertop then there is no requirement that a receptacle be located within 24", but if the kitchen sink is located in a Wall countertop space then a receptacle must be located within 24" of the sink on both sides if there is a counter top space of at least 12" adjacent to the sink.
Chris
jar546
Forum Coordinator
Thanks Chris. Nice to see you here. Stop by more often!
raider1
Silver Member
Yeah I have been absolutely swamped lately and have not had much time to comment on any forums. I will try to be more active now.jar546 said:
Chris