?
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Question:
Greetings, For the Code Question response on September 10, 2020, I would add while the NEC requires at least one receptacle outlet for the island or peninsular countertop; there is no requirement for the number of circuits supplying the receptacle outlets. Mike's question's three receptacle outlets may all be on just one of the two small-appliance circuits required by 210.10(C)(1). Alternatively, one of the receptacles outlets could be supplied by either small-appliance circuits and the other two from the other small-appliance circuit or even from a third branch circuit, but any of those could be a complicated and unnecessary arrangement. So, spitting the duplex receptacles by removing the bridging clips/tabs and supplying the receptacle outlets from multiple branch circuits are not needed nor required.
Andrew H. "Drew" Brejda
Code Question and Response on Wednesday, September 9, 2020: Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Wednesday's Question:
Hello,
I read the Code Question of the Day every morning. Never stop learning. The 2020 NEC section 210.52(C)2 requires receptacle outlets for an island to be based on square feet. In our jurisdiction, we deal with expensive custom homes with a lot of granite countertops and interior designers that don’t want receptacles, so this is not a hypothetical question. If an island requires 3 receptacle outlets, and the interior designer wants the 3 receptacles in one location, may a 3-gang box be used, or do 3 separate single gang boxes be required? The definition of outlet is not clear, and if 3 pigtails are used to feed the 3 receptacles’, each pigtail is taking power to supply utilization equipment. What is the requirement? If a 3 gang box is allowed, can a 20 amp duplex receptacle be split (The clips sniped between each receptacle.) be counted as 2 receptacle outlets?
Mike Bressler
Wednesday's Answer:
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the comments. True, we are always learning. The definitions in Article 100 can help a lot with your question. First, this section uses the term receptacle outlet, which is defined in Article 100 as an outlet where one or more receptacles are installed. The three gang box in your question would appear to be one outlet. It sounds like the island's dimensions require three receptacle outlets, so it appears you need three receptacle outlets (separate boxes and receptacles. This section also specifies at least one be located within two feet of the end of the peninsular. The other receptacles can be located as determined by the installer, designer, or building owner and must meet greetings; and For the Code Question response on September 10, 2020, I would add while the NEC requires at least one receptacle outlet for the island or peninsular countertop; there is no requirement for the number of circuits supplying the receptacle outlets. Mike's question's three receptacle outlets may all be on just one of the two small-appliance circuits required by 210.10(C)(1). Alternatively, one of the receptacles outlets could be supplied by either of the small-appliance circuits and the other two from the other small-appliance circuit or even from a third branch circuit, but any of those could be a complicated and unnecessary arrangement. So, spitting the duplex receptacles by removing the bridging clips/tabs and supplying the receptacle outlets from multiple branch circuits are not needed nor required.
Andrew H. "Drew" Brejda
Code Question and Response on Wednesday, September 9, 2020: Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Wednesday's Question:
Hello,
I read the Code Question of the Day every morning. Never stop learning. The 2020 NEC section 210.52(C)2 requires receptacle outlets for an island to be based on square feet. In our jurisdiction, we deal with expensive custom homes with a lot of granite countertops and interior designers that don’t want receptacles, so this is not a hypothetical question. If an island requires 3 receptacle outlets, and the interior designer wants the 3 receptacles in one location, may a 3-gang box be used, or do 3 separate single gang boxes be required? The definition of outlet is not clear, and if 3 pigtails are used to feed the 3 receptacles’, each pigtail is taking power to supply utilization equipment. What is the requirement? If a 3 gang box is allowed, can a 20 amp duplex receptacle be split (The clips sniped between each receptacle.) be counted as 2 receptacle outlets?
Mike Bressler
Wednesday's Answer:
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the comments. True, we are always learning. The definitions in Article 100 can help a lot with your question. First, this section uses the term receptacle outlet, which is defined in Article 100 as an outlet where one or more receptacles are installed. The three gang box in your question would appear to be one outlet. It sounds like the island's dimensions require three receptacle outlets, so it appears you need three receptacle outlets (separate boxes and receptacles. This section also specifies at least one be located within two feet of the end of the peninsular. The other receptacles can be located as determined by the installer, designer, or building owner and must meet the requirements in 210.52(C)(3). Review the definition of the terms, receptacle, receptacle outlet, and outlet in Article 100. Hope this information is helpful.
A
Answer:
Good Day Andrew,
Thanks for participating. The branch circuit arrangments for required receptacle outlets in kitchens are often related to design and load considerations.