Pop up outlets aren't designed solely for powering food related appliances, but also for charging any of your mobile devices. Pop up outlets let you put the receptacle anywhere you wish on your island, creating a cleaner appearance instead of cords running across your countertops. Islands have become the resting place for food and drinks when entertaining. Side outlets on islands don’t always allow you to get that small appliance you need on your counter exactly where you want it, especially in the middle of long islands. Read the terrifying article about the 1 year old that pulled the slow cooker off the counter and burned her face HERE. Removing the dangling cord also prevents adults and guests from the same accidents. A pop up outlet placed directly in the countertop keeps the cords out of the way so children don't have the option to pull on the cords, as well as trip or get tangled in the cord. These hanging cords have become a safety hazard for children, from catching them with their arms while running, to the little ones pulling on the cords and small appliances toppling on them. With the popularity of large flat islands in recent years, it has become common to place outlets on the sides of islands. Keep dangerous and unsightly cords from hanging over the sides of islands. If there is no wall behind your sink or range to install an outlet, and you have exceeded these limits, then you may need an outlet in your countertop to pass code.ģ. The countertop space behind a sink and a wall can't exceed 18' without an outlet on the wall behind it, the space between a range and a wall can't exceed 24' and has the same requirement. If a window is where an outlet needs to be, then installing an outlet that pops out of your countertop might be your only option. Windows are in the way of wall outlets, as well as sink and range considerations.Ĭode requires walls to have outlet spacing every 48' in kitchens. To meet the latest code the pop up will be required to pass a half gallon spill test, have tamper resistant outlets, and the entire unit will be UL or ETL certified as a complete assembly (not just the outlet can be UL listed).Ģ. There are currently 43 states that fall under 2020 or 2017 code, these states will need a pop up outlet that will meet countertop installation code, and pass a water intrusion test.

There are currently four versions of National Electrical Code (NEC) that have been adopted by the individual states, those include 2020, 2017, 2014, and 2008. Code can require the same number of outlets every two feet in an island or peninsula, since it doesn’t have a wall. The same rule that applies to walls, sometimes applies to islands. The long dimension is measured from the connected perpendicular wall. A peninsula is defined as a countertop that has a short dimension of 12 inches or greater, and a long dimension of 24 inches or greater. Kitchen islands and peninsulas have their own unique electrical code.Īt least one receptacle outlet is required in each peninsular countertop.

If you ever plan to remodel, renovate, or sell your home – you should be aware of what your local code requirements are (especially if you plan on passing inspection).ġ. Code requirements are updated regularly to meet the increasing needs of today’s modern kitchens as well as keeping families safe in their homes. *First, a quick note about kitchen countertop electrical code 406.5E and why you should be familiar. (Though nothing can truly beat the look and durability of natural stone.)įor clean-lined inspiration, we gathered up 12 striking examples of great waterfall kitchen islands, including some that feature Mora’s favorite custom touches.Countertop outlets are popping up in kitchens everywhere, but do you need one?įrom convenience to appearance to code requirements and safety, here are 5 reasons why you may want, or be required to have pop up countertop power outlets. “This is important in open-concept layouts, where the kitchen is often visible from other parts of the home,” adds Mora.Īnd thanks to the availability of new, more affordable materials, like quartz and laminate, a waterfall island doesn’t have to destroy your budget. The streamlined look can also help with flow, creating continuity between the kitchen and other living areas. Additionally, the design offers added protection to the sides of the cabinets, which can be particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas.” “It provides a seamless look that can make a kitchen appear more spacious and uncluttered. “What we appreciate most about the waterfall kitchen island trend is its ability to blend functionality with high-end design,” says Yelitza Mora, BuildTX’s director of business development. Breaking Down the Waterfall Kitchen Island Trend

Partial waterfall island kitchen