Receptical Requirements For Remodel Of Old Peninsula Cabinet

16 years ago

Hi. I've read several threads here and in the Kitchen forums about the necessity for recepticals on islands and peninsulas. But I'm still unsure and quite confused as to answers for my particular situation.

Having new cabinets installed and undercabinet lighting put in. Using the same existing footprint for cabinets. Nothing is changing in that regard. Peninsula is 51" from the side wall backsplash which contains all the wall outlets and recepticals. The actual part of the peninsula that sticks out past the 24" depth of the other counter where they meet - like the bottom of an "L" - is 27". There has never been an outlet there since we had the house built 24 years ago.

Based on what I've read here and other kitchen/electronic forums and what I've been told by some electricians I've been interviewing, it would be code now (I'm in New Jersey) to have an outlet there if this were a total new construction. BUT....because I'm not doing any major reconstruction and that it's a basic remodel flip w/just new cabinets in the same footprint, I'm not required to put one in. IOW: If it wasn't there before, it isn't necessary to be put there now just because I'm replacing the cabinet. One guy cited the N.J. Rehab Code to that effect. But also reminded me that some inspectors don't give a rat's behind about the Code and may fail me anyway.

I don't know what to do. I'm not all that comfortable w/not filing for a permit & inspection just to avoid the possibility of some pissy inspector failing me. Nor do I relish either preemptively or after the fact having to cut a hole in my beautiful end panel additions for a stupid outlet that I will never - ever - use and one that may not be technically necessary according to this Code.

Can anyone help me on this, please or direct me to other sources for some answers? Thanks so much.

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Comments (3)

formula1
16 years ago
Maybe put a breakfast bar along the peninsula extension and place an outlet in the short riser between the countertop and the B bar.

But, do you or don't you need a permit for what you are doing? That to me seems to be a basic issue here. Call the AHJ and ask.
gardenz
Original Author
16 years ago
I appreciate the response, formula1. Unfortunately, there is no room to place any kind of riser. I know I should call AHJ, but having dealt w/inspectors before, it's all in the luck of the draw. The person I speak w/may tell me not to worry, it'll pass. But another person shows up to do the inspection and he/she doesn't agree. IOW, whatever answer I get gives me no reassurance that come inspection day I don't get screwed regardless. :(

What I don't get is that in order to pass (depending on inspector) I'd need a receptacle in the base, under the countertop within 20" of top. But to get that, I'd need a variance which I could only be granted if (a) I were handicappped or (b) there was no other place to put it. Well, duh, there isn't. Seems mighty stupid and dangerous to have an outlet at kid-eye level. Real rocket science.

Rock and a hard place.
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kaseki
16 years ago
You may be mixing up rules. The handicapped rule is not the relevant rule in this case (I presume).

The 2008 code calls for at least one receptacle in a peninsula, which for flat-top peninsulas without any riser or cabinet to put a receptacle within 20 inches above the countertop, is to be no more than 12 inches below the top where the top doesn't overhang more than 6 inches.

These outlets are supposed to be of the tamper resistant type, like all outlets up to 5.5 ft.

Note that a given political subdivision may not use the latest version of the code, may make up their own code, or some of both. AHJ arbitrariness is also possible in localities where the niceties of law are viewed differently.

kas

Receptical Requirements For Remodel Of Old Peninsula Cabinet

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formula1

gardenz
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Receptical Requirements For Remodel Of Old Peninsula Cabinet

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formula1

gardenzOriginal Author

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gardenz
Original Author