Why Your Island Receptacle is Probably a Violation Under the 2023 NEC

[jar546]

Walk into any new kitchen with an island or peninsula, and chances are you’ll find the receptacle tucked below the countertop inside a cabinet. That was common practice for years, but it’s not compliant anymore.

The 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) has tightened the rules in Section 210.52(C)(3) regarding receptacle outlet locations for island and peninsular countertops. The goal? Improve safety and accessibility by eliminating configurations where cords dangle over the edge or become trip hazards, and where children can grab live plugs while seated on the floor.

Let’s break it down.

What​

Under the 2020 NEC, installers had three options:

1. Above the countertop – max 20" above the surface.
2. In the countertop – using a listed pop-up or flush assembly.
3. Below the countertop – max 12" below, and only if the counter overhang doesn't exceed 6" past its base.

The 2023 NEC eliminated Option 3 for satisfying the required receptacle placement. You can no longer install a receptacle below the countertop to meet the requirement. That method now only serves one purpose: setting up for future installation if no compliant outlet is currently chosen.

What’s​

If a receptacle is installed to serve an island or peninsula, you only have two compliant options under 210.52(C)(3)

• Option 1: Install the receptacle above the countertop within 20 inches, such as on a raised backsplash or tower.
• Option 2: Install it in the countertop using a listed receptacle assembly made for this purpose.

If neither is installed, then you must default to Option 3: install a junction box or raceway system inside the cabinet that allows for future addition of a code-compliant receptacle. This is a provision, not a completed installation.

Why​

Look at The Building Code Forum graphic: a child sits beneath a countertop where a receptacle is mounted on the side panel, just 12 inches off the floor. The cord hangs down from the crockpot, right into a child’s grab zone. That’s a recipe for injury.

Or consider the manufacturer's warning label on most countertop appliances. It clearly says never drape cords over the counter edge or use an outlet below. That guidance isn’t just legal protection—it’s safety best practice.

Code​

The 2023 NEC finally aligns code with reality. A receptacle inside a base cabinet may have technically satisfied the 2020 Code under certain conditions—but it was never a good idea. Cords dangling over edges lead to scalds, trips, and electrical hazards. And good luck reaching that outlet once the cabinet is packed with cookware.

So if you’re wiring a kitchen island or inspecting one, know this:

Option 1 or 2? You’re good.
Option 3 by itself? That’s not compliant unless no appliance is there, and it's just a placeholder for future work.

TBFC Recommendation​

Don't approve a receptacle shoved inside a cabinet anymore. It doesn't meet the 2023 NEC. Use this update as an opportunity to elevate your installs and prevent a future injury. Code isn't just compliance. It's protection.

 

[wwhitney]

Don't approve a receptacle shoved inside a cabinet anymore. It doesn't meet the 2023 NEC.

Nothing wrong with installing a receptacle inside an island cabinet under the 2023 NEC. It just can't be installed to serve the island countertop. But maybe you want to plug in your paper shredder that lives inside that cabinet, that's fine.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[jar546]

Nothing wrong with installing a receptacle inside an island cabinet under the 2023 NEC. It just can't be installed to serve the island countertop. But maybe you want to plug in your paper shredder that lives inside that cabinet, that's fine.

Cheers, Wayne

Just not a receptacle required to serve the countertop. Inside receptacles are normal below every single kitchen sink these days.