New NEC Code Calls Out Placement of Kitchen Island Receptacles
Explore recent countertop receptacle code changes and discover how pop-up outlets are the perfect solution for 2023 NEC island outlet requirements.
The kitchen. The heart of the home and the spot for families and friends to gather. And a place where the concentration of people, activity and appliances makes safety critical.
A major change has been made to the National Electrical Code (NEC®) to improve kitchen safety. The 2023 NEC code defines a new standard for where receptacle outlets on islands and peninsulas should be installed.
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.
Why the change to the 2023 NEC code?
The revised code language was adopted because of the many reports of injuries and burns resulting from countertop cooking appliances tipping and spilling. From 1991 to 2020, significant injuries were reported, including many from accidentally catching on an appliance power cord while walking by, and others from children pulling on appliance cords and dumping the contents of crockpots or hot plates.
What is the National Electrical Code?
Since 1914, the National Electrical Safety Code has been the go-to standard for electrical practices and a regionally adoptable standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States. It’s part of the National Fire Code series published by the National Fire Protection Association, a private trade association dedicated to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards.
Pop up outlets for countertops are the solution
Fortunately, there’s a safe, convenient, and aesthetically attractive solution. Countertop receptacles from Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems are the first UL listed receptacles for countertop applications. They feature patented water-resistant design tested to withstand a half gallon spill and cam action tamper-resistant technology. The compact design minimizes space required on the countertop as well as underneath in the cabinet area.
Easy countertop receptacle installation
With the built-in technology to protect the receptacles against spills, installation is easy -- simply drop in and tighten. The following models are available:
Tri-Power countertop receptacles: RCT600 Series:
A 4" installation hole in the counter is required.
Countertop receptacles: RCT200 Series
A 3.47" installation hole in the counter is required.
Learn More About NEC 210.52(C)(3) Compliant Pop-Up Outlets
For a closer look at how NEC-compliant countertop receptacles enhance kitchen safety and convenience, download our in-depth white paper. Inside, you'll find valuable insights from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on the hazards of cord pulls and trips—especially for young children—and learn how these solutions can create a safer, more functional kitchen space.
Hubbell is known for its attention to safety and is proud to offer a practical solution to this potential kitchen hazard. Learn more on our countertop receptacles product page or contact us today.
We invite you to also check out our earlier blog post introducing Hubbell Countertop Receptacles.
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1 2023 NEC Code Language: 210.52(C)(2) Island and Peninsular Countertops and Work Surfaces. Receptacle outlets, if installed to serve an island or peninsular countertop or work surface, shall be installed in accordance with 210.52(C)(3). If a receptacle outlet is not provided to serve an island or peninsular countertop or work surface, provisions shall be provided at the island or peninsula for future addition of a receptacle outlet to serve the island or peninsular countertop or work surface. 210.52(C)(3) Receptacle Outlet Location. Receptacle outlets shall be located in one or more of the following: (1) On or above, but not more than 20 inches above, a countertop or work surface (2) In a countertop using receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in countertops (3) In a work surface using receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in work surfaces or listed for use in countertops Receptacle outlets rendered not readily accessible by appliances fastened in place, appliance garages, sinks, or range tops as covered in 210.52(C)(1), Exception No. 1, or appliances occupying assigned spaces shall not be considered as these required outlets. |
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