In the kitchen, countertop outlets should be no farther than 48 inches away from each other. This spacing designation is based on the average length of electrical cord found on most small kitchen appliances.
For outlets along countertops, it is important to note the following: 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.
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.
The spacing requirement in 210.52(C)(1) means that the maximum distance from a receptacle to the edge of a counter is 600 mm (24 in. or 2 ft.) BUT the maximum distance between outlets is 1200 mm (48 in. or 4 ft.).
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.
Any countertop or work surface that is 12 inches (305 mm) or wider must have receptacles installed. Receptacles must be placed so that no point along the wall behind the countertop is more than 24 inches away from a receptacle. This means you'll always have a plug within reach for plugging in your appliances.
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.
Providing a receptacle at a 10-inch (254 mm) countertop space, for example, is a good idea, although not a code requirement. As indicated in Figure E3901. 4, receptacle outlets must not be spaced more than 48 inches (1219 mm) apart along the wall line of the countertop.
Receptacles shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 24 inches horizontally from an outlet in that space [CEC 210.52C1]. The maximum spacing between receptacles, measured on the wall-countertop line, is 48 inches.
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.
Obey the 50-foot rule! Maintain a 50-foot distance from other PWC's, vessels, persons, shore, or stationary platform or other object unless operating at headway (idle) speed.
The receptacles should be GFCI and AFCI-protected and no more than 4 feet apart. For counter spaces more than a foot long, a GFCI receptacle is required, and no part of the countertop can be more than 2 feet from a receptacle. The maximum space between countertop outlets is 4 feet.
Section 210.52(C)(3) of the 2023 NEC code requires that: "Kitchen receptacle outlets in islands and peninsulas must be installed on or above countertop or work surfaces and if a receptacle outlet is not provided, provisions must be provided for the addition of a receptacle outlet in the future."
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.
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.
In the kitchen, countertop outlets should be no farther than 48 inches away from each other. This spacing designation is based on the average length of electrical cord found on most small kitchen appliances.
The typical measurement for the spacing between cabinets and countertops is 18 inches. It's generally advisable to maintain a minimum clearance of 15 inches and a maximum of 20 inches. This measurement accounts for the distance from the counter's surface to the lower edge of the upper cabinets.
Requirement: Allow no more than 48 inches between countertop receptacles. Reason: A homeowner should not be tempted to stretch a cord more than 24 inches (i.e., half of the required 48 inches) to plug in a small appliance. It is considered good practice to provide GFCIs more frequently than every 48 inches.
Kitchen workspaces, which may include both perimeter counters and kitchen islands, should be spaced apart at the following distance: In a single-cook kitchen, at least 42 inches is required. In a kitchen where multiple cooks may be employed, the minimum working space is 48 inches.
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.
Wall counter spaces that are 12 inches and wider shall be served by receptacle outlets. No point along the wall line shall be more than 24 inches, measured horizontally, from a receptacle outlet in that space. Receptacle outlets are not required behind a sink or range unless specific conditions occur.
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.
The installation spacing between strong and weak electric sockets should not be less than 200 mm.