ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Kitchen counter top plugs

I do believe this thread is getting a little silly.
The intent is to have enough receptacle outlets along the counter top to allow the happy homeowner to plug in their appliances from practically any spot on the counter top.
Unless your homeowner or the inspector is giving you fits, just put a bunch of receptacle outlets along the counter-tops, and let it go.
It really doesn't matter if there is 48.457 inches between the outlets, or if there is a corner of the counter where your cord won't reach. Move the appliance. It's portable.

[This message has been edited by earlydean (edited 12-16-2005).]

If the cord is 24" from the back of the appliance, and the appliance is at least 3.725 inches deep you will reach the receptacles spaced at 48". (No I didn't really do the math, but I think my point is clear)

What we have here is a vicious ciycle.

Once appliance came with decent-length cords. Some felt this poase a danger of 'dangling' extension cords.

So we made appliances with short cords- that wouldn't hardly reach anywhere.

The next step was to mandate receptacles at spacings that just happened -imagine that!- to be the length of the longest appliance cord. Can't have momma using an extension cord, can we now?

I predict the next step will be even shorter cords....followed by closer spacings...etc.

Now, some designers figured the "trick" solution was to place the appliances -and their receptacles- in "appliance garages." Just pull appliance out, use, and return. No clutter, and a receptacle where it's needed.
Guess what? The code specifically refused to consider these receptacles as part of the required counter-top receptacles. Go figure!


BTW, George....if the counter were open at both ends, would that make it a "penninsula," and thus require only one receptacle for the whole thing?

Reno- I don't think open ends would make it an island or a peninsula as long as there was wall space to be related to. I read that we measure along the wall and locate the receptacles on not less than 48 inch centers. a wall space of 12 inches or more would have us relating to the wall space. IMHO. Counter tops separated by a sink or range top are addressed as separate counter tops.

[This message has been edited by George Little (edited 12-17-2005).]

John,

If one looks into the NEC handbook under sec. 210 on page 91 there is "exhibit 210.26" which shows the measurement along the back counter space. I am not sure if this helps or not. As for McKitchens, Gee I only thought that we were calling them McMansions and I never thought about the kitchen. What next? McBathrooms?