Kitchen countertop and island receptacles
In homes, kitchen countertops 12 in. or wider need receptacles so no point along the wall line is more than 24 in. from one. Since 2023, island and peninsula receptacles are optional; if none is installed, provisions for a future one are required.
What the code requires
The rule covers countertops and work surfaces 12 in. or wider in kitchens, pantries, breakfast rooms, dining rooms and similar areas. Along the wall, receptacles must be spaced so that no point on the wall line is more than 24 in., measured horizontally, from a receptacle outlet.
Islands and peninsulas: in the 2023 NEC, a receptacle on an island or peninsula is optional. If none is installed, provisions must be made so one can be added later at the island or peninsula. The old size-based island counts and the 2-ft peninsula rule are gone.
Countertop receptacles may go only (1) on or above the countertop, no more than 20 in. above it; (2) in the countertop, using receptacle assemblies listed for countertops; or (3) in a work surface, using assemblies listed for work surfaces or countertops.
On the job
- A receptacle meant to serve an island or peninsula countertop may no longer go on the side of the cabinet below the countertop; the 2020 NEC allowed this in some cases. A below-counter receptacle installed for another purpose is a separate question.
- What counts as a provision for a future island receptacle varies by inspector; examples include an empty conduit or a coiled NM cable. Confirm what your inspector accepts before the cabinets go in.
- The reason given for the change was injury reports from 1991 to 2020, including 10 deaths, involving countertop cooking appliances pulled or tipped over by their cords.
Exceptions that matter
- A receptacle is not required directly behind a range, counter-mounted cooking unit or sink in the layouts shown in Figure 210.52(C)(1).
- New in 2023: if a required receptacle cannot fit in those wall areas, it may be placed as close to them as practicable, as long as the total number of required receptacles is not reduced.
What changed in 2023
The 2023 NEC made island and peninsula receptacles optional (with provisions for future ones), dropped the size-based island counts, the 2-ft peninsula rule and the below-countertop option, and added the as-close-as-practicable exception.
In California
California does not amend 210.52. Separately, in new one- and two-family homes the 2025 CEC (422.3 and 408.2(B)) requires a dedicated electric-cooktop circuit and panel breaker space as specified in Energy Code 150.0(u).
Related sections
- NEC 210.8(A): GFCI protection in homes
- NEC 210.11(C)(1)
- NEC 406.5
- NEC 210.52(A): Wall receptacle spacing in homes (the 6-ft rule)
- NEC 422.3: California: electric-ready water heater, cooktop, dryer
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