How close can an outlet be to a countertop?

Author: Lue Ruecker  |  Last update: Thursday, February 5, 2026

Receptacles are placed no more than 48″ apart. No point along the countertop is more than 24″ from a receptacle. Countertops of 12″ or more wide get a receptacle. The maximum height above countertop to receptacle is 20.”

How far should outlets be from countertops?

The edge of the sink is considered to be the beginning of the countertop, and an outlet must be available within 24 inches (610 mm) of that point.

What is the code for outlets over countertops?

Kitchens: Outlets can be no more than 48 inches apart, applicable for any wall 12 inches wide or more. Outlets cannot be more than 20 inches above countertops. TR receptacles: Tamper-resistant receptacles are required in many municipalities for locations 66 inches or lower on the wall.

How high should an outlet be from kitchen counter?

Receptacle outlets serving the countertop shall be located above the counter top, but not more than 20 inches above the countertop. At least one receptacle shall be installed at each island or peninsular counter space with a long dimension of 24 inches or greater and a short dimension of 12 inches or greater.

What is the 2 ft 4 ft rule?

a) A receptacle shall be installed for any counter that is 12 inches wide or greater; and, b) No point on the kitchen counter, measured at the wall may be more that 24 inches away from a receptacle. Also known as the 2ft. / 4ft.

Kitchen Counter Electrical - Code Minimum

What is the code for outlets near kitchen sink?

The National Electrical Code requires outlets be installed in a kitchen that has a sink 12 inches wide and 24 inches deep. That outlet must also be within 2 feet of the sink. Bathrooms must have at least one electrical outlet, it must be GFCI, and it must be within 3 feet of the sink.

How high should a kitchen counter socket be?

What height should a plug socket be above worktops? Kitchen sockets should be 15cm above your kitchen worktop, according to regulations. This allows for clear space from any water spillages to your worktop while also ensuring any sparks are significantly away from any flammable substances on your worktop.

How high should an outlet be above a vanity counter?

The average height for countertop outlets, which are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, is often set at 4 inches above the countertop surface. You want to allow for easy access to electrical power for various appliances, including blenders, toasters, and coffee makers.

Does a garage have to be GFCI protected?

GFCI outlets protect all outlets on the same circuit, as well as connected tools and appliances. GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present.

How many outlets can be on a countertop circuit?

According to the National Electric Code, you should have at least two 20-amp, 120-volt dedicated circuits on your countertop. When installing countertop outlets, make sure they are less than four feet apart. The NEC also recommends GFCI outlets for areas such as kitchens, garages, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces.

Shall receptacles not be further than 24 apart on a kitchen countertop?

Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 600 mm (24 in.) measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space.

Do all countertop outlets need to be GFCI?

In kitchens, all outlets that serve countertop surfaces should be equipped with GFCI outlet protection. That would include any outlets on walls, behind wet areas (sinks, etc.) that have features such as countertop breakfast bars (open counter surfaces above sinks used to sit at on the opposite side).

What is the average height of a countertop?

The standard counter height is 36 inches for kitchens and 32 inches for bathrooms.

What is the maximum distance between kitchen countertop receptacles is blank feet?

Explanation: The maximum distance between kitchen countertop receptacles in accordance to the National Electric Code (NEC) is 4 feet.

What is the standard height of outlets and switches?

What Is the Standard Outlet and Light Switch Height? Most electricians install light switches 48 inches from the floor. ADA guidelines set the maximum height at 48 inches, although 40 inches is preferred to accommodate wheelchair users. Outlets are typically installed 15 inches from the floor.

How far should outlets be from the countertop?

How high should an outlet be over a countertop? The height of outlets placed above countertops varies. This can vary due to local electrical codes or simple style preference, but it is common for outlets to be 42 to 48 inches above the finished floor, and no more than 20 inches above the surface of the counter.

What are the rules for countertop outlets?

As a general rule, any spot on the counter shouldn't be more than about 24 inches from an outlet, which is the length of average counter appliance cords. Kitchen countertops should have one outlet installed for the first 9 square feet of space, and an additional outlet for every additional 18 square feet of counter.

Can bathroom lights and outlets be on the same circuit?

1. One 20-ampere-rated circuit may serve the required receptacle(s) in all the bathrooms in the house. In this case, no other outlets may be served by this circuit. The bathroom lighting and any fan or heat lamps would be served by a distinct general purpose branch circuit.

What is the 2.4 rule for kitchen outlets?

The spacing for receptacles is generally called the 2/4 foot rule for outlet spacing on kitchen counters. It's important to note any receptacle installed below counter on island and/or peninsular is required to be a maximum 12 inches below counter.

What is the code for kitchen counter plugs?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires outlets in kitchens. This article discusses accessibility to outlets over a counter. The NEC says every piece of counter 12 inches or wider must have an outlet over it. In addition, there must be at least one outlet every 4 feet.

How high should a vanity counter plug be?

Good practice is to keep them at least 4 inches above a counter top or backsplash and not directly over a sink or under a window. You can install them where ever they look good to you, but try to keep them as far left or right of the faucet as practicable. Of course, all bathroom outlets must be GFCI protected.

How close can a socket be to a kitchen sink?

Where should sockets be placed in a kitchen? In the kitchen, sockets have to be placed at a safe distance from sinks. Ideally, they should be at least 30 cm horizontally from the sinks as this will prevent droplets from coming into contact with electricity.

How close can an outlet be to a vanity sink?

Outlet Receptacles

It should be at least 1 foot from the sink but no more than 3 feet.

How high should an outlet be next to a sink?

Install these outlets between 12-24 inches from the floor to prevent electrical shock in wet environments.

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