National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Question:

Using the 2017 NEC, on an island in a kitchen, how many receptacle outlets are required? The island is 15 feet long by 4 feet wide. I was under the impression that a receptacle must be installed every 4 feet. I would really appreciate your opinion.

Thanks,

Mark Gregory

A

Answer:

Hi Mark, section 210.52(C)(2) in the 2017 NEC requires only one receptacle installed at an island (in the size you described) in the kitchen. The 2020 NEC has been significantly revised to require a quantity of receptacles based on the total square foot area of the counter-top surface of the island. You might want to visit the 2020 NEC Section 210.52(C) to help understand where the Code is headed regarding this issue. Thanks for participating. 

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