The NEC allows this if the countertop overhang is less than 6" and the receptacles are within a foot of the countertop.

Frankly, if I had the say-so I'd ban the practice completely except in the case of physically challenged people who need the arrangement. I've seen one too many small children injured by grabbing a cord and pulling something off a table or similar. Add the possibilities of coffee pots, heavy mixers, and electric skillets in a kitchen......

If you have to have granite as the backsplash and/or have issues with receptacles in the standard places maybe some research into custom covers is worth while. How about plugmold under the upper cabinets?

Thanks for your input unclebill! It's not super important, but the moron electrician cut right into my beautiful raised panel solid wood cabinets to put in TWO outlets on my island. He didn't bother to center or align them either. I'm really mad, and want the panels replaced and the only thing I could think of was to use plugmold - the code requires outlets on the island. I don't really see them getting much use since I have tons of outlets on my backsplash. I guess I'm going to have to live with outlets in my panels - hopefully we can get them straight.

Always much to think about when building a house!

The code does require outlets. If you don't plan on using them, you can try and locate them in the toekick area.

The other option is to locate them underneath the overhang if by the edges. Plugmolds are good for certain areas, but what the previous poster said about things being pulled out of it is true. It is nowhere near as solidly anchored as an electrical box. . .

"The code does require outlets. If you don't plan on using them, you can try and locate them in the toekick area."

Outlets in the toekick do NOT satisfy the wall-counter, peninsula, and island outlet requirements.

"the moron electrician cut right into my beautiful raised panel solid wood cabinets to put in TWO outlets on my island."

To clarify, it was not the electrician who was the moron, it was the KD who designed the kitchen without specifying a place for the required island receptacles, and the cabinetmaker who built the island without making provisions for the required receptacles.

In another post I indicated I am not a big plugmold fan. Having receptacles of any type where the body or the feet can come in contact would be poor judgement. In most instances we have installed receptacles on the ends of islands or on the back side unless the island is designed for equal access from both sides.

In all cases we have had to cut into the cabinets to install the receptacles. Have never seen a cabinet builder leave openings for receptacles. BTW, am an electrician working in Dallas.

texasredhead - thanks for your reply. I am in the Dallas area, too.

I didn't expect that the cabinet maker would have cut the openings, but I did expect that the electrician would get out his tape measure and find the center of my panel so when the outlet cover plate was on it actually looked like it was meant to be there. As it is now, they both look like afterthoughts because they aren't centered on the panels, and are both on the same side of the island and aren't at the same height! I'm probably a little touchy since we are near the end of this project and I'm anxious to be get on with life!

After reading yours and other thoughts about plugmold on the island, it's probably not the best idea....Although I don't see myself using electricity on the island very much no matter where it is, it's better to have a safe environment for my family. Thanks for your input.

I find your screen name interesting. I guess we are just hypersensative about lining up everything especially cutting in to expensive cabinets. Even wall switches and receptacles should be at uniform heights throughout the home. We even use levels so you are not seeing cockeyed switches and receptacles. It ain't rocket science to be careful.

Islands and peninsulas are a difficult problem for two reasons: first, they often do not have cabinets above, and second, their appearance and function is rarely enhanced by having tombstone protrusions on the top surface for outlets.

Regular receptacles mounted in the cabinetry below are not an aesthetic enhancement either, and this can be said of Plugmold also if exposed. Both have the potential problem of little hands pulling on cords, and possibly the cook brushing against the plug loosening it.

The best solution in my opinion is to plan for the least hazardous approach that you can stand the appearance of. If a code compliant (hard wired) Mockett-type solution were available, some of the problems with cabinet mounted outlets could be avoided.

kas

"If a code compliant (hard wired) Mockett-type solution were available..."

You mean, like these?:

Here is a link that might be useful: Lew Electric Floor and Counter Boxes

More like this.....

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Power Grommet

If you "me too" guys would read the OP's post, the poorly installed receptacles are allready in place. I think they were venting the sloppy work.

The PUFP series of the first suggestion doesn't seem to be sealed, which would be desirable for a countertop. The Mockett of the second suggestion is sealed, but I understand that its power connection is by a flexible cord. I have read that such connections do not pass code, but would be happy to be reeducated.

kas

I appreciate all your responses.

It would be completely wonderful if there had been a KD I'd been working with since the beginning of the build. However, we purchased the house in process (90% complete) from the owner. Then we found a new builder to finish up because the old builder didn't have the greatest reputation for client/sub-contractor relations. All we had was a set of blue prints and a house. No input really from anyone. No extra materials. Nothing.

The cabinets are beautiful. The original owner is a cabinet maker. There was power at the island, but inside a cabinet. For code, we had to put outlets on the outside. No one asked me where I wanted them, the electrician just cut a hole and stuck it in there. Then later, the electrician learned from the inspector we needed TWO! Again, without asking me, and after a huge "talk" with the builder's supervisor about not cutting into ANYTHING without asking me where, etc. The electrician made yet another terrible cut for the second outlet.

So, the outlets are in place, and it looks like we will have to have two new panels made and have the outlets appropriately placed later. I'm fine with there being outlets, I just want them to look the best they can. I don't really love the Mockett solution simply because I don't want to cut anymore holes in my granite. I guess I'll just have to find the least obtrusive outlets I can and plates that blend with the wood and forget about it. Texasredhead talked me out of plugmold! (For good reasons, btw.)

And about the screen name... because of the late arrival on the project, I had tons of decisions to make in a short time. Decorative lighting, plumbing fixtures, flooring, backsplash tile, glass, paint colors, railing, granite, appliances, etc. It's been extremely difficult for me. Believe me, you don't want to go shoe shopping with me. I have to try on every pair in the entire mall that I like, and then I decide! So, making these selections was quite painful. I felt like I needed to see everything before I could make a decision!

So, between being unable to make a decision and being a true perfectionist, I'm driving just about everyone crazy, including myself! Things are coming along, though and I have very few decisions left. Now it's all up to the subs to get the work completed!

"The PUFP series of the first suggestion doesn't seem to be sealed"

They are specified to be of "scrub water tight construction."

Cantmakeadecision, I just want you to know that there are trades people who take pride in their work. We have been wiring a major remodel off or Hillcrest. We spent about three hours walking through the job with the general contractor and the homeowners. We discussed what they wanted and where. We finished the rough-in electric and got our green tag. As soon as the dry wall guys and painters finish their jobs and the cabinets are installed, we will go in and do the finish work.

At that point, the homeowner will supply us with ceiling fans, wall sconces, etc., of their choosing. They have told us what type of undercounted lighting they prefer and we will supply that. We have left loops of wire where the island will be installed. Again, the GC and the homeowner will tell us where they want receptacles installed and what type.

Just my 2 cents on the whole rec. in cabinetry thing. What I like to do is leave a long tail of wire(usu. in the basement, since the island never seems to end up exactly where it is supposed to)and a box for the cabinet guys and have the homeowner/GC get the cabinet guys to cut the hole to the owners specs. Everyone always seems happy with that.

Thanks solarpowered, I'll look at them more closely. I must have missed that capability.

kas