How Electrical Code Requirements for Kitchen Islands Have Changed

As a retired chief electrical inspector and master electrician with 45 years of experience, I had countless kitchen table meetings with homeowners and electrical contractors to explain the rules in the National Electrical Code (NEC) for kitchen island and peninsula receptacle outlets.

Some homeowners didn’t want them at all. Others thought there should be more of them. Sometimes I felt like a diplomat negotiating peace treaties.

An adequate number of receptacles throughout a home discourages the need for unsafe extension cords, especially in a busy kitchen. Decades ago, only a minimum number of island and peninsula receptacles were required. In later years, the pendulum swung in the opposite direction. The code required additional receptacles due to all the countertop kitchen appliances that came into use.

The tug-of-war went back and forth a few times over the years. Finally, we can dispense with the arguments and negotiations because receptacles are now optional on islands and peninsulas. Why didn’t we come up with this simple solution long ago?

What Are the NEC Changes Regarding Kitchen Islands?

Instead of mandating any receptacles at all, the 2023 NEC now simply states that “if” receptacles are installed to serve an island or peninsula countertop or work surface, only a few basic rules need to be followed.

Future additions

If a receptacle is not installed to serve the countertop or work surface, provisions need to be provided at the island or peninsula for the future addition of one or more.

How? The branch circuit wiring could be extended to the island or peninsula cabinet and safely dead-ended in a junction box with a blank cover. The cover should be marked something like, “Power for future receptacles.”

How is a countertop different than a work surface?

• A work surface is typically intended for dry use, other than food preparation, where the risk of spilled liquids impacting receptacles is incidental and limited to smaller quantities. A practical example could be a built-in desk in a kitchen.
• A countertop is typically intended for food preparation and serving. The routine risk of spilled liquids often involves larger quantities that could impact receptacles mounted directly on or recessed in the surface. This definition would include all typical food preparation countertops in a kitchen.

Receptacle locations

If receptacles are installed, they are allowed in one or more of the following locations:

• On or above the countertop or work surface, but not more than 20 inches above. (This could include installing receptacles on the underside of overhead cabinets.)
• On or recessed in a countertop using a receptacle outlet assembly specifically approved for countertop use by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), ETL Intertek (ETL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or a similar product testing organization.
• On or recessed in a work surface using a receptacle outlet assembly specifically approved for use in a work surface or countertop by a product testing organization.
  • Pro tip: A receptacle outlet assembly approved for use on or in a countertop can also be used on or in a work surface. However, a receptacle outlet assembly only approved for use on or in a work surface can’t be installed in a countertop because it may not stop the intrusion of larger quantities of spilled liquids.

• When shopping for receptacle outlet assemblies for countertops, make sure they’re approved for use on or in the countertop, and the product marking or manufacturer’s specifications say so.
• Receptacles are never permitted to be installed in a face-up position on or in any countertop or work surface unless they’re specifically approved for that purpose.

Why Were NEC Kitchen Island Requirements Changed?

The NEC is updated every three years. When the 2020 NEC was being revised for 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provided data compiled over the past 20 years that showed thousands of injuries and burns and several deaths caused by countertop cooking appliances.

CPSC investigations showed curious young children often pulled on appliance cords draped over the edge of countertops, which caused tipping and spillage of hot liquids. Appliance cords draped over the edge of a countertop are also prone to inadvertent snagging when people walk past.

Do I Have To Get Rid of My Kitchen Island Side Receptacles?

No. The NEC generally is not retroactive. Electrical wiring installed to meet the NEC that was in effect at the time of that original installation may remain in place.

Existing kitchen island and peninsula receptacles can continue to be used. However, knowing that side-mounted receptacles can be a potential hazard, this may be a good time to improve safety in your kitchen.

Can I Retrofit My Kitchen Island to Comply With the New Rules?

Yes, you can certainly update your home’s wiring to the current code at any time.

To eliminate the hazards of appliance cords unsafely draped over the edge of a countertop, simply remove the receptacle from the outlet box on the side of the island or peninsula. Here’s how:

• Turn off the power.
• Test to make sure the power is off.
• Remove the receptacle from the outlet box and disconnect the wires from the receptacle terminals
• Separately tape up the ends of the black and white wires in the box with some electrical tape, or use twist-on wire connectors over the end of each wire.
• Fold the wires neatly back into the box.
• Install a blank cover on the box.
• Turn the power back on.

The branch circuit wiring will be safely enclosed in the outlet box for the future in case you change your mind, or for the next owner of the home.

Alternatively, numerous receptacle outlet assemblies can be installed on or recessed in countertops, or on or recessed in overhead cabinets.

Lew Electric Fittings Company and Hubbell Wiring Devices are among the manufacturers offering receptacle outlet assemblies approved for countertops, work surfaces and overhead cabinet locations. Many options are available, including GFCI protection, USB outlets and wireless phone charging.

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