Why are outlets now prohibited under cabinets and in kitchen islands

[GON]

Recently I watched a short video on kitchen design. The presenter of the video mentioned something I heard not so long ago.

Outlets are now prohibited under cabinets and externally mounted on kitchen islands.

Any ideas why the change in kitchen outlet locations? Will existing homes need these outlets removed in order to pass an inspection if the owner is selling their home?

 

[eljefino]

Generally you get grandfathered into the code your town used when your build or remodel was approved. You only have to bring stuff up to current code with another remodel or if you start a daycare/ rental.

And your authority having jurisdiction will often be a couple publishings behind the most current codes.

 

[Nukeman7]

Edit: It appears that the consumer protection agency believes that power cords plugged into outlets below the countertop of an island/work table can pose a strangulation hazard for children and toddlers. Personally, I fail to understand how that is any more dangerous than an extension cord plugged into a wall outlet. There is also the potential for a child to pull down a hot appliance on top of themselves by grabbing the power cord.

 

[Owen Lucas]

I have them in both places. I understand you can't have outlets in closets.

 

[factorytuned2012]

Recently I watched a short video on kitchen design. The presenter of the video mentioned something I heard not so long ago.

Outlets are no prohibited under cabinets and externally mounted on kitchen islands.

Any ideas why the change in kitchen outlet locations? Will existing homes need these outlets removed in order to pass an inspection if the owner is selling their home?

what are you referring to the convenience receptacles for dishwashers and disposals?

 

[factorytuned2012]

I have them in both places. I understand you can't have outlets in closets.

that always intrigued me with receptacles not being in closets.. like switches aren't arching devices. yeah I get it with a trim plate installed there should be no mishaps.

 

[DemoFly]

In general, the answer is because people died.

 

[RhondaHonda]

I have them in both places. I understand you can't have outlets in closets.

Hmmm I didn’t know they was a thing. My house was built in 2014 and has an outlet in the master closet. I also have one under the kitchen island but maybe the code has since changed.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Edit: It appears that the consumer protection agency believes that power cords plugged into outlets below the countertop of an island/work table can pose a strangulation hazard for children and toddlers. Personally, I fail to understand how that is any more dangerous than an extension cord plugged into a wall outlet.

oh!

I thought it would've had to do with liquid spilling from the top and getting the outlets wet

 

[GON]

what are you referring to the convenience receptacles for dishwashers and disposals?

No, external outlets, essentially flush mounted for example on a kitchen island where one can plug a cell phone charger or whatever into.

 

[Nukeman7]

oh!

I thought it would've had to do with liquid spilling from the top and getting the outlets wet

That was my initial thought, but they must be GFCI protected. The new 2023 NEC rule still allows the outlet(s) to be mounted on the top of the kitchen island's work surface.

 

[Hall]

Will existing homes need these outlets removed in order to pass an inspection if the owner is selling their home?

No, because they were allowed when it was built. Plus, at least in my state, there is no "pass" or "fail" when it comes to inspections. Inspections are just guidance or suggestions for the potential buyer. An inspector's report has zero legal weight here as the seller can tell the potential buyer "I'm not fixing that" or "take it or leave it".

 

[joekingcorvette]

I heard it was because crockpots and other hot appliances can get caught with children pulling and playing around. We have several outlets on a huge island and it's a great enhancement. I do a lot meat grinding and slicing etc and I feel its safer than having to run an extension cord on a floor or something.

 

[GON]

This appears to be the new way to meet code?

 

[Hall]

I thought it would've had to do with liquid spilling from the top and getting the outlets wet

That would be surface-mounted outlets and if I'm not mistaken, those have never been allowed.

 

[rijndael]

We use the island outlets for laptops and tablets being used at the counter. They're super handy.

 

[factorytuned2012]

I don't see anything in the current code about this am I missing something here?

 

[rijndael]

What is the new 2023 NEC code?​

Section 210.52(C)(3) of the 2023 NEC code requires that:

"Kitchen receptacle outlets in islands and peninsulas must be installed on or above countertop or work surfaces and if a receptacle outlet is not provided, provisions must be provided for the addition of a receptacle outlet in the future."

Before, outlets were frequently installed on the sides of a kitchen island in NEC-sanctioned installations. That practice is now specifically not permitted per the code.

https://blog.hubbell.com/en/wiringd...s-out-placement-of-kitchen-island-receptacles

 

[factorytuned2012]

1. Kitchen Island Receptacle Requirement (NEC 210.52(C)(2))​

• Receptacles are now optional for kitchen islands and peninsulas.
• Previous NEC versions required at least one receptacle if the island had a certain countertop size, but NEC 2023 removed this mandate.

2. If Installed, They Must Follow These Rules:​

• Location Matters: Receptacles cannot be installed face-up on the countertop (NEC 406.5(E)).
• Side or Apron Mounting: If installed, the receptacle must be located on the side or apron of the island, within 12 inches below the countertop.
• GFCI Protection (NEC 210.8(A)(6)): All receptacles on a kitchen island must be GFCI-protected.
• AFCI Protection (NEC 210.12(A)): Receptacles must also have AFCI protection for fire safety.
• Tamper-Resistant (NEC 406.12): Required for all dwelling unit receptacles.

3. Local Codes May Vary​

While NEC 2023 makes kitchen island outlets optional, some local jurisdictions may still require them. Always check with your local authority (AHJ - Authority Having Jurisdiction).

 

[Hall]

I don't see anything in the current code about this am I missing something here?

I had heard or read about this change, but maybe it's going to be added soon.

Nope, this page says it's already implemented: https://eggersmannusa.com/2023-changes-electric-outlet-kitchen-islands/