Must island have electric

16 years ago

Although our kitchen is relatively small (or perhaps because of it), I am really hoping to fit in a small island. (24" x 48") The goal of the island is to add a bit of additional cabinet storage (such as the only place I can figure out to add a pull-out trash bin), be a landing spot for the refrigerator and oven on one side, and give us a place to serve buffet style.

I am still in my early planning stages (i.e. I do not have a KD or GC yet, nor am I sure we will use either). From reading posts here it appears that code might often require islands have electric. Since we are on a concrete slab the cost of taking electric to the island would be cost prohibitive for us (and I donÂt think bringing electric down from the ceiling would work well in our small space.)

How do I determine if I am required to have electric in our island? (If it is relevant I am in Indiana.)

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Comments (8)

Buehl
16 years ago
You will need to check with your municipality...each one has different codes. You may be able to check online.

If the island is portable, you'll probably be OK. If it's fixed, you'll probably be required to put it in...but check to be sure! If it is required, they may be able to help you find an easier/less expensive way to handle it...or a KD or GC may know. If they're local, they should know the codes and know what's acceptable and what's not.

Good luck!
teedup1
16 years ago
As Buehl states above, check with your municipality for applicable code requirements.

Of interest and a start: The International Residential Code says islands bigger than 12" X 24" MUST have one electrical outlet. (However it does not indicate if portable units are included.)
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sherilynn
16 years ago
No matter what your code is in your area, IF there is a problem, after you get your occupance permit, then add the island like you want after the fact. Who's gonna' know or care if you don't have electricity in the island?
ellene613
16 years ago
I don't believe an outlet is required for a portable island. However, if you think you'll ever use any corded electric appliance on the island, do put in an outlet -- it's much safer than cords running through aisles.
evaperconti
16 years ago
Check into the cost of a channel through the slab...here it would have only cost about $500. We didn't do it, though, because we were laying a wood floor and you have to wait for fresh concrete to cure before you can put wood on it.
donnar57
16 years ago
In California, we were required to put in electricity to the island as long as it was permanent. I think the permit was more expensive than putting in the electricity, though. Yes, we had to go into the concrete slab as well. Like you, I thought it was a silly thought and a waste of money, and my island is the size of the one you planned and for exactly the same purposes. But....guess who's already used that outlet several times in the past 2-1/2 months for corded knife and mixmaster?! I'm glad we added it.

DonnaR/CA
User
16 years ago
For true functionality and safety, the NEC requres that all islands have at least one duplex electrical outlet. Local requirements may be more stringent than that, but they are NOT more lenient on that requirement. If the "island" is a mobile cart, then that requirment is waived. However, it's a very bad idea to try to get around that requirement by "cheating" and making the island mobile if it never really will be moved. You'd be surprised at how often that extra electrical outlet will come in handy and if you don't have it, you'd be stringing extension cords across aisles to set up your warming pan for a buffet for instance. Extension cords across kitchen aisles are a BAD idea, and that's the primary reason for the code.
osxaddict
16 years ago
We've got a larger island (8'x30") that has overkill for power.. It was housing (in its last life -- we just removed the last piece of equipment yesterday) a 7Kw induction cooktop and crappy Dacor downdraft ventilator that was installed about 17 years ago.. I'll rewire the entire cabinet to have two outlets and another outlet for a garbage disposal (which requires a separate circuit IIRC) under the sink.. In the old incarnation we had two outlets which were used quite frequently.. They do very much come in handy!

Must island have electric

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Buehl

teedup1

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