The 2002 NEC 210.52(C)(3) states:

(3) Peninsular Counter Spaces. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed at each peninsular counter space with a long dimension of 600 mm (24 in.) or greater and a short dimension of 300 mm (12 in.) or greater. A peninsular countertop is measured from the connecting edge.

If I read this correctly, if the counter top along the wall is 2' deep, the peninular counter would be mesured from the outer edge of the wall counter (where it joins the counter top along the wall) to the "end" of the peninsula. So, if counter along the wall is 2' deep and the peninular is 6'long, the total length from the wall to the end of the peninsula would be 8'.

Now having said all that, would the peninsula part of the counter top have to have an outlet, or would an outlet against the wall (in line with the peninula) be all that is needed?

I believe that the peninsula should have an outlet but can't seem to find a specific statement that says so.

I hope this makes sense to you all.

Thanks in advance.

Steve

You would need a receptacle to serve the peninsular countertop and the wall mounted receptacle doesn't qualify since it is serving the countertop along the wall. We know the handbook commentary is not quoteable code but I think the illestrations are very helpful in explaining the intent of the code. Take a look at Exhibit 210.26 on p. 91 of the 2002 handbook and this might help.

It's a wide open call, some inspectors say yes, some say no. They need a definate answer in the codebook, something like they did for corner mounted sinks. It is just as easy to say the penn. goes all the way to the wall, and the countertop starts to either the left or right of it. I quit buying the handbook, it has two authors. This site has thousands.

I think this is pretty clear. The peninsula is measured from the outer edge of the counter. If it is 24" or longer from that edge you must install a receptacle. I fail to see the gray area on this one.

I agree with Scott.

Say I had an kitchen island 4' x 3', how many recepts. would be required on it?

Quote: "I think this is pretty clear. The peninsula is measured from the outer edge of the counter. If it is 24" or longer from that edge you must install a receptacle. I fail to see the gray area on this one."

Gee . Yesterday I was working on one that had a slab of granite that went on top of the penninsula all the way from the end to the wall. It was 30" wide. The next slab of coutertop granite started to the left side of this. The same with the cabinets underneath. The ones under the penninsula were continous to the wall. The way I see this is the connecting edge is at the left side of the penninsula. Like I said it needs to be better defined in the code.

skingusmc ---

I believe that the phrase used is "... receptical shall be installed at each peninsular counter space ..."

Wall recepticals are not "at" the peninsular counter space.

Macmikeman, the connecting edge is not determined by the slab of granite. The edge of the peninsula starts at the FRONT edge of the cabinets along the wall not at the side edge of the peninsula. Get the handbook for the diagram.

One. As long as the island is not split into sections by an appliance or sink. In that case each island section would need one. Even if the island is 100X100 you'd still only need one if it were one continuous island countertop.

Scott while we know you would only be required to have one, if it were that large there is an outside chance that you would need more than one.

Thanks to all for the replies.

Now let me throw a wrench into the gears, mostly just to see what everyone comes up with.

210.52(C)(5) are exceptions, one of which is that if the countertop extends more than 6" beyond the support base.

What would one do if the three open sides of the peninsula countertop were 8" beyond the supporting base?

Would you then just say it's exempted and have a nice day?

Just things I wonder about.

Steve

quote "Macmikeman, the connecting edge is not determined by the slab of granite. The edge of the peninsula starts at the FRONT edge of the cabinets along the wall not at the side edge of the peninsula. Get the handbook for the diagram."


Scott the handbook is the opinion of the author's of the handbook. It has no official power of code. You will find that in the front of the handbook. It is also your opinion of where the countertop ends and the penninsula begins. I salute you on your opinion and tend to agree with it , however I feel it is too loosely worded and it needs to be defined in the codebook. They did it for corner mounted sinks and cooktops so they can do it for the penninsula. By the way the island needs only one outlet to satisfy the code unless it is broken up by a cooktop or sink and has a space to each side of said break of 12" or more. Also that space down there on the other side where the barstools sit is wall space and needs to have plugs in it on other than the small appliance circuits.

Steve, I would mount a surface box on the underside of the counter top.
I saw this coming a mile away.
I guess the handbook should not be produced, by the same people that bring you the code. I will take the opinion of the handbook over an internet forum 100 out of 100 times. You measure from the front edge of the counter top.

Agreed, I will challenge anyone to sit in that NFPA office in Quincy and deal with those who have this opinion!

In fact, I believe that the NECH is based not only on true real experiences by very qualified electricians and engineers who work there with years of experience and with the input of most of the Code Panel Chairmen, and many well renowned members of the NEC Committee!

I'm done!

Joe Tedesco, Associate Editor 1984 NECH