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Design Dilemma Building a Home Kitchens

Incorrect switch/outlet placement

2 years ago

Hi there! I noticed that the plate that holds the kitchen light and garbage disposal switch was placed on the back wall and not near the sink. Instead, an outlet in near the sink. In the model, these are swapped. This is a mistake, right? It looks wrong. I informed the builder and requested that it be corrected but I have not heard back yet. Thanks for any advice!

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Comments (7)

PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
2 years ago
The builder's answer is your answer.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
2 years ago
Have the builder install a disposal button at the sink. Everyone happy for under a hundred bucks in materials and about a half an hour of work.
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Comments (8)
If you have a peninsula or island, the NEC code is a bit different than on countertops backed with a wall -- one outlet for each uninterrupted patch of countertop. In our case, each side (either side of the sink) of the island is 7' long, but only one outlet is required per side. The outlet can be on the side of the island, but must be between 6" and 12" from the countertop surface. As far as ideas for locating outlets . . . we relocated our microwave inside a pantry, so put an outlet in there. We also put an outlet under the sink for the disposal air switch. Note that disposals are usually hard-wired into a junction box. But if you are using an air switch, you will have to wire a plug into your disposal, as it must plug into the air switch mechanism, whih plugs into the outlet. We also will have a "charging" drawer for cell phones, so put an outlet at the rear of that cabinet and will run a power strip in that drawer. Aside from that it is the standard outlet on either side of the range (30" of counter on each side) and one on each end of the island. The original island (ca. 1978) had outlets in the countertop, but that no longer meets code. They were vastly more convenient (in the center of the 7' stretches of countertop) but we had to go with the ends of the island in the reno. There are other solutions like plugmold and the Mockett's-type collapsible columns, but they often don't meet code. All of the above need to be checked out in your particular city/county/state, as code can vary.
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Are you keeping the tile at the same height? Are you replacing anything else (sink, medicine cabinet)? Is that I toilet tank I see to the left? You need to think about how you use the space. Personally, I would put the light switch up above the tile - where I think it is now? Depends on how tall you are and where you want to reach to when you walk in the door. Or put it on a motion detector. The lower one in the corner - is that an outlet? I can't see that would be used much. Definitely move the other one from behind the towel bar. Now, as far as where to put the new outlets, depends on what you use them for. If your sink has a built-in ledge to right (lower than rim of sink - or is that something funky with the picture?) that you use, you could just move that outlet over a few inches (line up with your new tile) so it's not behind a towel, but higher than the edge of the sink. If you're replacing the medicine cabinet and would be charging an electric toothbrush or razor in there, move it into the cabinet. It doesn't look like you have *any* counterspace, so don't know how you intend to use the space. If you use a hairdryer, place the outlet higher - but I still don't like it above the tile, put it just below the bullnose.
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My outlets are also oriented horizontally, although I'm undecided on tile. I knew I needed outlets on my range wall to meet code and with the windows flanking the hood that would have been difficult so I tucked them under the windows. Here's a closeup of the outlet to the right of the cleanup sink for perspective. The bottom of the outlet is just less than 1.5" from the counter. Horizontal outlets are great. In fact, I barely even notice their positioning anymore. Can't wait to see your bs! Bahacca--moving outlets is easy enough. You'll need a cross-brace between the studs for nailing the electric box as boxes were meant to install vertically so the metal nailer is on the side, which then becomes the top. You can see it in my pics. Speaking of moving boxes, notice the lack of drywall around mine? I think the electrician didn't do the math correctly the first time. :(
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we have an architect working with us Are you sure it's an architect and not a draftsperson? Unfortunately we are too far and too much money in already to change the plans. If this is your forever home, or you think/hope it's going to be, you owe it to yourselves to slow down and rethink your plans. If you go with the plan above, you're going to spend more money than you have to on a plan that's not that great. You owe it to yourselves to make your forever home as good as it can be. Originally we have the fireplace at the end, but with it being gas we liked it in the center as focal point. The focus from where, the kitchen? I would recommend laying out your living furniture as you expect to use it and see how it works for you. I just didn't want kitchen chaos when you first walk in the house. You could have a proper mudroom separate from the pantry and from the kitchen if you gave yourself the opportunity to rework your plans. It is a very long narrow area so yes I am trying to figure out how to make the best of it. Good luck!
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Shannon_WI
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
"Have the builder install a disposal button at the sink. Everyone happy for under a hundred bucks in materials and about a half an hour of work."

Yes, the "disposal button" that @Joseph Corlett, LLC mentioned is called a disposal air switch. It is an inexpensive purchase (see link to Home Depot below). But the builder may not want to do that because he'll have to cut a hole in the counter, and have to close the other switch in the wall they installed for the disposal. You may have to do this with your own contractor later. You will love the air switch - it is so much better than a switch on the wall.

Make sure the air switch is not located too close to the faucet. It needs to be toward the corner of the sink as pictured.

Insinkerator Disposal Air Switch at Home Depot
F H
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you all for you input! The disposal air switch is a good idea. I’ll definitely keep that in mind.
PRO
Jeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
2 years ago
The reach to either switch location is similar.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
2 years ago
"...and have to close the other switch in the wall they installed for the disposal."

No, the air switch plugs into the outlet under the sink controlled by the wall switch and the disposal now plugs into the air switch. Leave the wall switch on "on" and forget about it. No additional electrical work is required or necessary.
J D
2 years ago
I’d want the air switch anyways because I always think if it seems like gadgets are heading one direction, the older gadgets may look outdated soon. The air switch is not expensive so I would just go for it. Personally I’d want the wall switch removed because it would bug me having it there not being used. If your contractor isn’t responding, message again. This is your kitchen and money and they are there to build what you want.

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