Welcome back Ryan. Always good to see you posting

Thanks for that clarification, must admit that I had misread that change myself. Stay safe and keep on setting the record straight for us.

So glad i found your channel. I'm eating the code up! Thank you so much Ryan

I work in South Florida on 20-30 million dollar homes on a daily basis and some of the stuff you have to put outlets in with these countertops and these kitchen islands is getting ridiculous not to mention having to work with the cabinet guys themselves is almost impossible to get your stuff landed where it needs to go it's good to know that it's not a requirement now All you have to do is run a sleeve out there but nowadays everybody wants power so you know you got to get them the expensive pop-up outlets that they want underneath the marble countertop it's crazy. Not to mention I'm also pulling separate circuits for whatever ice maker maybe a little cooler disposal dishwasher all that stuff. Thanks for helping me understand between what's required by the code and what you can just do that was pretty cool and it's wild that I'm at this point in my career I find stuff like this fascinating and can't wait to take the test

Thanks Ryan glad to see a new video up

I agree with you.... keep the outlets either on the counter top or wall when a wall is present.

Great video. I always search your video library when I need information. If you have not made a video on the particular subject, I will search elsewhere; -But I can usually find it somewhere in your library. I even emailed you once, and you responded. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. (subscriber) Jim, from, Southern California.

This is incredibly informative, thank you. Especially for a DIY idiot like me, lol. The kind of island I want to build will have wheels so it can be rolled out of the way when unused. The one thing I was worried about with an impermanent island was having to wire it to make it more permanent. I don't have small children so there's no risk of pulling, but I don't want the island to be energized because, for our uses, it's not necessary. It'll be like a restaurant prep table, only more finished.

Great! Insight and information. This has helped me tremendously. I want to install recepticals on my peninsula island.

Thank you so much! I've been researching how to get receptacles to an island and they were all putting them under the counter, on the sides(of course most of these videos were up to a few years old). Seeing this, I think I'm just going to go with my original plan of not adding power there. I have a grandchild that stays with me, and I think that would just be too much of a worry. Thanks again.

Thank you. Well made video. Just finished a kitchen remodel and the peninsula outlet was a big question. Wife didn’t want to ruin the aesthetics on the end cabinet. I wanted it for the purpose of charging computers and cellphones. I get what you’re saying about heating devices getting dragged off the counter, but to refuse to install a permitable outlet because it might be used improperly seems a little extreme. I do appreciate your attention to safety. My wife appreciates the clean end cabinet.

This is wild. My pops has the same name and runs a commercial HVAC department. Great video!

Thank you Ryan for your time and expertise on this matter i appreciate your advise.

Excellent and timely information - I'm about to remodel my kitchen island and kitchen and wanted to do something different with the outlets.

Here's another use case to consider for allowing below countertop receptacles in an island: a microwave receptacle in an open cubby below the island's countertop. I have that setup today in my kitchen (installed many years ago). The receptacle is located at the bottom of the cubby's rear wall and although it wasn't installed to serve the countertop (and, therefore, it presumably complies with the new code), the 36 inch cord, unmodified, on my air fryer will just reach it IF I place the air fryer right at the edge of the countertop. Not that I would do such a dangerous thing because I prefer to use the receptacle installed on the side wall of the island. That's the one we also used to use for plugging in a vacuum before we went cordless. LOL Good video and understandable, mostly, for this homeowner. Thanks!

Excellent video, thanks Ryan. 👍🏼

Thank you. I didn’t know of this change. About time this was adopted/ changed

About to remodel our kitchen. Was going to put an undertop outlet on new island...now you got me thinking more that a pop up would be much better. Thanks.

Man.. some of the disagreements and arguments I have dealt with over the last 3 years with customers, contractors, and inspectors on this issue and getting the proper amount of legal receptacles on islands is all for not. Trying to explain to customers/contractors the amount of receptacles needed at the island with the 2020 code was like talking to a brick wall and at times having to force expensive pop in installs to make them compliant was a chore which at times required me getting the inspector involved. Seems strange to over extend and then pull back so far. I'm willing to bet on 2026 they will require a pop in on the countertop if no backsplash exists and this is just the setup for it. But I can't say I disagree with the normal spot for these receptacles on the ends being dangerous. Kids running around an island and hitting an appliance cord is a scenario which isn't hard to imagine.

Thank you Ryan. Glad I found your channel. I am not an electrician but can appreciate the evolution of the NEC. I was interested in how 2 duplex receptacles were installed in a new kitchen island, on the cabinet sides, per code. If I had to do it again I would install the pop up receptacles in the countertop, even if more costly. It does bother me when I see the slow cooker on the island with the cord draped over the countertop down to the receptacle. I think it is always better to plan for worst case scenarios. Like- we rarely have small children in the house, but there could be that occurrence and the possible accident caused by the portable appliance cord sticking out of the cabinet in a pathway.

Been licensed since 95 in Massachusetts, here's the thing I'm trying to understand. When I started we were always told we never wire for the future. We wire for today and they can't make us do what ifs scenarios. In fact, at one point in time they were making us put fan boxes in if there was an area greater than 2 ft circumference, what I recall a gentleman wrote a beautiful letter explaining the concept we're wiring for today. Not for tomorrows What ifs and how they legally couldn't make us And they removed that requirement, but it all came back. Something occurred. I'm trying to understand it. They made it possible to dictate all the possibilities in the future we must now be prepared for. Is it possible you can explain in a video, on how they're able to structure the code this way.

Im an electrician from Maryland,and I love learning new codes,it keeps me sharp at work.A lot of my co-workers could care less,I take it home with me.I enjoy being the most informed electrician on any job,thanks again

A very good explanation of a contentious issue. I agree with your perspective of where liability falls in the event of a potentially litigious incident. As contractors we bear responsibility not only for code compliance, owner safety and convenience, but also any liability that may arise from our performance. As a side note, I installed a receptacle in the end of my kitchen peninsula during construction in 2005. I caught my cellphone holster in the attachment cord for an iron and pulled the iron off the countertop, resulting in a broken iron, a gouged cabinet panel, and a chipped tile. Let us heed the explanation of this code reference by Mr. Jackson.

Thanks for the info! Planning on (as owner) adding an outlet at the end of a peninsula for Laptop/iPad charging while sitting on far side (opposite side to the kitchen area, with bar stools). I never thought about possibility scalding burns from cookware (& we have toddler grandchildren!) We will never use it for that, and will add a small sign stating “Not for Cookware!). BTW, having to run the charging cord across to the nearest wall outlet (~6 ft) also presents a cord trip hazard. Granite countertop supported by metal plate pretty much rules out a pop up outlet.

Glad i watched this video. No outlet at island in our new house.

That was a really good explanation. I was confused as to the whole optional, required, not required debokle. Im guess in the next code book it will require that the “sleeve” optional future island outlet be made accessible at the island. Only because if say it mounted down stairs under the island i could be missed/buried during basement finish. Oh the web we weave keeping people safe.

Thank you Ryan. Very helpful videos. God bless you

You do a great job covering grey areas in the code. I would love to hear your thoughts on the Bocci 22 system receptacles being installed in Backsplashes. I read a lot of opinions about how they are or aren't a code violation because of buried junction boxes. Hope this is an idea for another great video in the future.

i always get a laugh or chuckle whenever i make a remark in class regarding something in your textbook, like "well i think the author was recommending this or that" esp with regards to the new big changes such as this one

Great discussion and commentary.

Great video champ. Thanks!

Remodels and new homes people will choose to provide the circuit for the island and peninsula. They will get there inspections and then they will put receptacles anywhere and everywhere they tell the electrician to do after the inspector is gone. I am an electrical inspector in a major city. I know how the game is played. I’m going to call out the CMP people on this revision. You people screwed this up royally. You should have mandated pop up receptacles for islands and peninsulas period. Now people will do the very thing you’re trying to save them from. It’s just like the rich women who want chandeliers over their tubs in the illegal zone and in closets. They install cheap LED lights then when we inspectors are gone they install what they want.

Wish they'd made this change back when I did new construction. I hated doing all those island receptacles.

I have receptacles on the side of my island, but they are never used for hot containers. Use them all the time for chargers and food mixers. I built my house under NEC 70 2017 and I'm an electrical inspector.

Thank you Ryan! As always your information is clear and concise. I only wish the NEC could have you write the code

As someone who finds installing island outlets a huge pain, I love the change.

Hello there. Actually I like what you're saying and I actually think this is a good code change. I am guilty of installing receptacles below countertops on kitchen islands but only because I work in South Carolina and occasionally North Carolina which is just now adopting the 2020 NEC. I also like the new 2023 code requirement about requiring provisions for a future receptacle outlet, while it isn't perfect or might not be ideal I think it's a good compromise. I plan to start my own electrical business in the next couple to 5 yrs depending on the economy, and I will definitely be promoting listed countertop pop up receptacles to my perspective clients.

Thanks allot Ryan...👍

Excellent explanation! Thank you

Thanks Ryan!

Thanks for the info!

Looking at the photo of the crockpot on the end of the penninsula with the below countertop recepticle... This can be made safe. I'm imagening something like a towel bar mounted on top of the end of the counter. If the cord runs under it theres no way to pull an appliance off. Even if the cord hangs over the top of the bar, it would be a substantial curb.

Would an outlet plate cover over an outlet below counter height qualify as complying for future use and as not having one per the 2023 code?

Excellent. Thanks

RYAN BRUH!! YOU DA FUKKIN MAN . REAL OG CERTIFIED 💯 🙌

We are modifying our kitchen and adding a kitchen island. We are in a state that still uses 2020. 1. Can we use NEC 2023 as that makes more sense to us? 2. Do we need an official inspection before and after the cabinet/island installation? 3. Moreover, how will a potential future buyer's inspection know when exactly the kitchen was updated? Assuming by then our state should be on the 2023 NEC anyway.

It was stupid to require receptacles on islands in the first place. And if you think adding a “future power” box won’t result in under counter receptacles being added later you’re nuts. Most electricians are not going to opt to cut granite. Real world logic.

Please add an url of those receptacles that you recommend

I like your thoroughness in illuminating why code is the way it is. I’m an apprentice starting late (25) and I’m curious where I should start. I plan on going to school through my employer, and that’s all well and good, but I don’t want to spend months not knowing if I’m doing the right thing. Is there a book/guide/pamphlet that explains the basics.

great, informative video!

Thank you sir.

This is interesting to me. I design industrial panels...I have nothing to do with residential. But, I remember that past code change(2020) that 'required' such outlets. Why? Because I listen to you and Mike Holt videos(some music too) while I'm doing CAD or calcs or whatever. Geeky me. I personally have gotten my foot engaged with a crock pot cord plugged into an under-counter receptacle (breakfast bar kind of thing). No one got burned or hurt but there was a lot of hot food on the floor and I looked like a fool. I thought(Engineers are supposed to think) geesh, what if a kid did that? I'm glad to see the change...almost from 'shall' to 'shall not' in the code. Not quite but close. The new language sounds like a lawyer's advice of language for backing out of a previous gaff in the code. No doubt lawyers review the code. It does make me wonder if the NFPA gets sued from time to time on such things.

I would put a USB type C receptacle under the countertop. That way, no cooking equipment can be plugged there but still can be used to charge devices. Also, the homeowners can still change it to a regular receptacle if they wish so later.

As far as arguing with the inspector, the code always defers to the AHJ, Authority having jurisdiction. If the inspector says no, because it's unsafe, and his boss supports him, then it's no. If I was an I inspector, I would not allow under counter recepticals period. I would also push for a local requirement for some sort of safe outlet, since if there are no receptacles people will use dangerous extention cords. Also, I will not install an under counter receptacle

Thank you so much for the clarification you make it simple and clear. Really appreciate it. Wish everybody that explains the code was so clear. Thank you.

I'm not a lawyer I'm not an electrician. Given that, because a receptacle is available does not mean it is required to use. Best practice for convenience of homeowners.. is the homeowner taking the best course of action for their safety of their loved ones? What if that sand customer use the receptacle above the counter and let the court dangle for that toddler over the counter... Is the electrician still responsible?

210.52(C)(3) - Receptacles o New: Receptacles serving the kitchen countertop are no longer allowed to be located below the work surface. All receptacles required for the kitchen counter space must be located above the surface, or else be approved counter-mounted or pop-up receptacles.

Wow, I know about the counter top change but didn’t know you would still be able to install it below countertop still.. as a non required receptacle… I would just avoid it to cause confusion and worry about the the home owner using that receptacle for an appliance etc

I have argued for years that island and peninsula outlets were more dangerous than because of catching cords glad to see they finally agreed

What about the knee wall, does not need a receptacle as part of the living room 12 foot general receptacles to be installed on that knee wall of the peninsula?

What about if you have a pass-through window 8 feet wide with no wall space for a receptacle to be placed 24" from sink on either side?

Ryan, I love the explanation, hate the actual answer.

a big question that I have for you is what would you consider a wet or damp location if you're running UF cable and you just run the wire out there do you need to sleeve it because is that technically a wet or damp location and then also it's in the slab is the UF wire should be rated for that or no?

Good Morning, The software that you had, was that from the NFPA Web site? Thanks in advance.

So those island or peninsula receptacle have to be on 20amp appliance circuit or can be 15amp?

I visited a house with an under-counter power strip. This was in the area where the countertop extended about 12 inches past the counter, for possible use as a seating area. It was primarily being used as a place to plug in phone and tablet chargers. I’m not a fan of outlets with USB or USB-C power, as this technology is rapidly changing. Yes, pop-top outlets would be possible, but ugly and generally too few for all the gadgets we typically plug in to charge, leading to use of power strips on a countertop. Unfortunately, this would still allow a portable cooking appliance and it’s associated hazards. I’m not sure on what the best answer is.

If everything we do had to be looked at from that perspective we wouldn’t be able to do ANYTHING because no matter what you do, someone will find a way of doing something stupid with it and claim it’s your fault. And as far as the inspector goes, you give them way too much credit for always trying to do the right thing. Yes there are lots of great inspectors out there but there are also a whole lot of egotistical know it alls too. In my town of about 35,000 people up until about 2 years ago we had a one man building department issuing and inspecting for all trades in every type of construction, now we’re all the way up to a two man department. They require stuff that doesn’t exist in the code while ignoring many very important items that are a big deal in most municipalities. I’m a retired master electrician and still keep my license from Michigan because Tennessee doesn’t even have a master classification, yet he won’t even issue me a permit to work in my own house because he won’t issue permits to homeowners. So I just do like everyone else and don’t get permits for anything.

So now I'm going to run an extension cord to the island for someone to trip over and knock that boiling instant pot to the ground?

Curious, does this code change apply to outdoor kitchen islands?

I have a 15-inch countertop with a pocket door behind it, making it difficult if not impossible to put a receptacle in the wall. (Only 1-1/4" clearance). So my only option is a pop-up for that space? That cabinet is the end of the run.

This is very timely (and probably got flagged by the algorithm due to all the "how to" videos I was just watching). I went to plug in an electric griddle to make Pancakes a few days ago, and the cord barely reached over the junk pile on the end of the counter, so I promptly started looking into what's involved in adding a new outlet on the end of my peninsula. I've also got 7 month old twins that aren't walking, yet, and I wear a camera holster on my belt that I'm frequently catching on things. I also have a fat wallet in the opposite cargo pocket which sticks out enough to catch things, sometimes. At present, we have our kitchen trash can under where I was considering adding the outlet, but that's just a glorified tall plastic bucket which can easily be relocated (and has been during some hosted holiday parties). So far I haven't started the outlet because I wasn't sure if there's asbestos tiles in the blank space under the cabinets, and I was going to get one from under the dishwasher tested, and I've got a kickspace on all three sides of my peninsula, so I was trying to decide on the best way of running the wire so it didn't come up in the middle of the cabinet, while also not coming through the open kick-space under the edge. Now you've got me reconsidering the entire project.

I don’t have a 2023 copy (yet) so I don’t have the literature in front of me, but say you have an island that has a sink and it’s a step up island that has a higher portion of bar on the opposite side from the sink, thereby giving you a “backsplash” area on either side of the sink. Because it’s an island is the code saying that a receptacle is not required for those areas? I understand your “suggestion” that you could add receptacles as “additional” receptacles that aren’t required (and I would probably install them since the HO would use that space as working surface), I’m just wanting clarification for myself. Thanks for your videos!

Very helpful video

2 solutions are 1 build a wider backsplash and install there or 2 install a outlet under counter with a push in slot for cords from countertop

I'm fighting a home depot right now about this. They are trying to force a client to install an outlet in an island and they don't want one. 🤷‍♂️

Hi Ryan - In today's world, with houses going for over $500K in average, why not just put ground fault breakers on every circuit in a house and avoid all of the confusion?

If receptacles are not required on islands I'm confused on why you said if this is a required receptacle this is a violation? 13:10 in the video? Can u give me a little clarification please and thank you.

I'm in Powder Springs,Ga. They are making us put 3 outlets in.. I don't see the sense in that. We don't want any, let alone 3..

Pop ups aren’t always an option because the cabinets do not allow the space for them. The drawers can consume just about all of the real estate in a cabinet. Now what?

I had one installed to comply with 2020 (NJ) and i am going remove it after the inspection. It is a super easy safety hazard for those homes with little kids. Also, i am a 20+ year home owner. I lived in so many different homes and i never had to plug an appliance to an island receptacle. They are maybe good for vacuum cleaners and that's it....

Our home builder didn’t install island receptacles. So if I understand correctly, they still have to provide an island conduit as a provision should I want one at a later time?? Is that correct????

No way I would specify one either, but now I feel bad about the ones we installed in the past. However I question the logic we just went through with you. Once you install one at an island, you are referred to the locations as per "required" outlets. So you can read the code to say it shall be installed only in these specific locations.

Hey Ryan I am looking forward to the updated 2023 article 100 videos for all definitions! haha

So, has anyone tried to sue the NEC board for the requirement of receptacles mounted under the countertop of an island that has caused a death or injury? Seems like maybe something like one of those ads that say "if you have been injured or a loved one has died" could be coming.

Sorry im confused. So we no longer need any island plugs in 2023?

Building a new house w kitchen island. Understand that island receptacles are not required. But as an optional receptacle, can I put receptacles on the island cabinet below the island countertop?

I understand outlets are no longer required on islands. But if you opt to do it, does anybody know if there are code requirements as to where on the island surface the outlets need to be installed? Or about the quantity? Distance from the edge, distance from a sink, located every 4-ft, etc? I'm assuming the quantity is still the same (1 outlet for the first 9 sq ft, and 1 additional outlet for each additional 18 sq ft). What if the pop-up has 8 outlets on it (2 plug-ins on each of 4 sides), will that satisfy some of the required amounts? I'm about to start a major kitchen remodel, and my island will be 4ft x 10 ft. It will contain my dishwasher, sink, and microwave. Thank you for any advice you can offer!

I put my pop up outlets on the surface of the Island. WTF are these code guys thinking? This should have been the code since forever.

Were still stuck on the 2017 code.

“Much more common injury” very good statistical data

I put locking wheels under my island so I didn’t have to install electrical! 🤣

What’s the code required distance for a sink On a pop up receptacle ?

what if the peninsula has the sink? Are receptacles still required to be within 2' ea side of the sink? can't seem to find any info in the code about this. thx!

I wanted to know your expert opinion on how inspectors interpret the NEC regarding the proper "code" way to install an outdoor electrical point for an outdoor surface mount light, in some installations, I see a surface mount weatherproof electrical box by Hubbel Bell which I assume is always going to be "code". In other installations, I see electricians drill a recessed hole in stucco to mount a blue old work round Carlon electrical box, at another work site I saw 4 inch square J boxes, with mud rings being installed before stucco work and at one other site I saw pancake boxes ( I hate pancake boxes the most ). What exactly is considered the national standard? I talked to different electricians and I keep getting the same answer that their method is "code" and they are at the mercy of different inspectors on duty on what exactly passes... Can you clear up the misunderstanding? What does the NEC consider to be code?

So basically we don't have to change the way we are doing kitchens. But it's just not a good idea to put our outlets in the side anymore for island/peninsula .... terrible code change Edit: I'm surprised they didn't make the code more like a detached garage where the outlets/lighting is only repaired in a garage if you have power in the garage. Would be better code imo if they had the outlets above the counter for island/peninsulas only if power Routed to the island

Does this just apply to new builds? Will it matter if I'm just adding an island later?

Do kitchen undercabinet receptacle strips satisfy the countertop/worsurface required receptacles, even though they are usually above 20in.

Ahhh perfect..i have one under my island..it's is now considered optional...

This is true, this section has been updated. You need a receptable at 9 SF

This is one of the dumbest code changes yet. All of the safety hazards mentioned in this video or by the CPSC are not solved by this code change (I.e.Cords can still hang over the side of the counter). This reminds me of the EPA regulating gas cans. People spill more now using the new gas cans than they did with the old cans. Hopefully in the next few years the code with change again and common sense will prevail. (I.e. as washer done with the dishwasher air gap).