Home House & Components Systems Electrical System
The 2023 National Electrical Code brought changes to rules regarding electrical receptacle outlets on kitchen islands. Learn about them from our electrical expert. Single Fold Out Bed
As a retired chief electrical inspector and master electrician with 45 years of experience, I had countless kitchen table meetings with homeowners and electrical contractors to explain the rules in the National Electrical Code (NEC) for kitchen island and peninsula receptacle outlets.
Some homeowners didn’t want them at all. Others thought there should be more of them. Sometimes I felt like a diplomat negotiating peace treaties.
An adequate number of receptacles throughout a home discourages the need for unsafe extension cords, especially in a busy kitchen. Decades ago, only a minimum number of island and peninsula receptacles were required. In later years, the pendulum swung in the opposite direction. The code required additional receptacles due to all the countertop kitchen appliances that came into use.
The tug-of-war went back and forth a few times over the years. Finally, we can dispense with the arguments and negotiations because receptacles are now optional on islands and peninsulas. Why didn’t we come up with this simple solution long ago?
Instead of mandating any receptacles at all, the 2023 NEC now simply states that “if” receptacles are installed to serve an island or peninsula countertop or work surface, only a few basic rules need to be followed.
If a receptacle is not installed to serve the countertop or work surface, provisions need to be provided at the island or peninsula for the future addition of one or more.
How? The branch circuit wiring could be extended to the island or peninsula cabinet and safely dead-ended in a junction box with a blank cover. The cover should be marked something like, “Power for future receptacles.”
If receptacles are installed, they are allowed in one or more of the following locations:
The NEC is updated every three years. When the 2020 NEC was being revised for 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provided data compiled over the past 20 years that showed thousands of injuries and burns and several deaths caused by countertop cooking appliances.
CPSC investigations showed curious young children often pulled on appliance cords draped over the edge of countertops, which caused tipping and spillage of hot liquids. Appliance cords draped over the edge of a countertop are also prone to inadvertent snagging when people walk past.
No. The NEC generally is not retroactive. Electrical wiring installed to meet the NEC that was in effect at the time of that original installation may remain in place.
Existing kitchen island and peninsula receptacles can continue to be used. However, knowing that side-mounted receptacles can be a potential hazard, this may be a good time to improve safety in your kitchen.
Yes, you can certainly update your home’s wiring to the current code at any time.
To eliminate the hazards of appliance cords unsafely draped over the edge of a countertop, simply remove the receptacle from the outlet box on the side of the island or peninsula. Here’s how:
The branch circuit wiring will be safely enclosed in the outlet box for the future in case you change your mind, or for the next owner of the home.
Alternatively, numerous receptacle outlet assemblies can be installed on or recessed in countertops, or on or recessed in overhead cabinets.
Lew Electric Fittings Company and Hubbell Wiring Devices are among the manufacturers offering receptacle outlet assemblies approved for countertops, work surfaces and overhead cabinet locations. Many options are available, including GFCI protection, USB outlets and wireless phone charging.
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