Kitchen Island Receptacles: What Changed in NEC 2023 and Why It Matters

The result is a major change in NEC 210.52(C) that eliminates the mandatory installation of receptacles based on countertop size. This article breaks down what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how these new rules impact your work as a professional electrician.

The Biggest Change: Receptacles on Islands Are Now Optional

In previous NEC editions, electricians were required to install at least one receptacle on a kitchen island for the first 9 square feet and another for each additional 18 square feet of countertop space. The 2023 NEC completely removes this prescriptive requirement. You are no longer mandated to install a receptacle outlet on an island or peninsula in a dwelling unit kitchen.

This change was made to address the hazard of a cord-and-plug-connected appliance, like a slow cooker or deep fryer, being pulled off the counter. The CPSC data showed this often happened when a cord dangling over the side was snagged by a passerby or pulled by a child, leading to severe burns and injuries. By removing the mandate for receptacles, the code-making panel aims to reduce the scenarios that create these dangling cord hazards.

The New Mandate: Provisions for Future Installation

While installing a receptacle is now optional, you can’t just ignore the island completely. The new language in NEC 210.52(C)(2) introduces a critical new requirement: if you do not install a receptacle, you must provide provisions for future installation. This means you must install a raceway, cable, or junction box that makes it possible for a homeowner to easily add a receptacle later without tearing open finished walls or cabinets. This future-proofs the installation while giving the homeowner the choice.

If You DO Install a Receptacle: Location Rules Have Tightened

The 2023 NEC provides flexibility on whether to install an island receptacle, but if you or the client choose to install one, the rules on receptacle outlet location are stricter than ever. The most significant restriction is the elimination of below-countertop receptacles for serving the countertop.

Under the 2023 NEC, if a receptacle is installed to serve an island, it must be located in one of the following ways:

• On or above the countertop, but not more than 20 inches above the surface.
• In the countertop itself, using a countertop receptacle assembly that is specifically listed for use in countertops.
• In a work surface, using an assembly listed for work surfaces or countertops.

This effectively mandates the use of solutions like pop-up receptacles or other listed assemblies that mount flush with the countertop. The days of installing a standard outlet on the cabinet base of the island to meet the countertop requirement are over. While this improves safety by keeping cords on the countertop surface, it comes with a cost. Pop-up outlets can cost upwards of $150, a steep increase from a standard duplex receptacle, which is a key consideration for project bids and client conversations.

GFCI and AFCI Protection: The Unwavering Requirements

While island receptacle rules have been overhauled, the safety net of circuit protection remains as crucial as ever. The nec 2023 gfci requirements have expanded, making compliance even more straightforward, yet comprehensive.

According to NEC 210.8(A)(6), all 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles installed in a kitchen now require GFCI protection. In previous code cycles, this rule was limited to receptacles serving countertop surfaces. The 2023 edition removes that qualifying phrase, meaning any and every receptacle in the kitchen—from the one for the refrigerator to any outlet on an island—must be GFCI protected. This could be accomplished with a GFCI breaker or a readily accessible GFCI device protecting downstream outlets. The changes to GFCI protection aren’t limited to kitchens; the 2023 code has also updated requirements for other locations, including elevators and lifts.

Furthermore, don’t forget about AFCI protection. The small-appliance branch circuits that supply power to kitchen receptacles are required by NEC 210.12 to have Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter protection. In most cases, this means using a dual-function AFCI/GFCI circuit breaker is the most efficient way to meet both code requirements.

What This Means for Your Electrical Business

These changes present both challenges and opportunities for electricians. On one hand, the debate is ongoing in the trade about whether making island receptacles optional will simply lead to more dangerous use of extension cords. On the other, it creates an opportunity to consult with clients and offer safer, modern solutions.

Here’s how to adapt:

1. Educate Your Clients: Homeowners, builders, and designers may not be aware of these changes. Explain the “why” behind the code—the CPSC safety data—and present them with their options: no receptacle with provisions for the future, or a listed countertop receptacle assembly.
2. Master New Products: Familiarize yourself with the various types of pop-up receptacles and other listed countertop assemblies. Knowing the installation nuances and costs will make you a valuable expert during the design phase.
3. Update Your Bids: The cost difference between a standard outlet and a pop-up receptacle is significant. Ensure your estimates accurately reflect the materials and labor required for a compliant installation.

The removal of mandatory island receptacles is a major philosophical shift, moving from a prescriptive rule to one focused on mitigating a specific, documented hazard. While some rules have been removed, others, like those for receptacles in garages and basements, remain prescriptive. Staying current with these evolving standards is essential for safety, compliance, and professional growth. To ensure your knowledge is up to date with the latest code cycle, browse our courses designed for licensed electricians.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I still install a receptacle on the side of a kitchen island cabinet?
No. Under the 2023 NEC, a receptacle installed below the countertop surface can no longer be used to satisfy the requirement for serving the countertop. If an outlet is installed for the island countertop, it must be on or in the countertop surface itself.

Is GFCI protection required for all kitchen receptacles in NEC 2023?
Yes. Section 210.8(A)(6) was revised to require all 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles in a dwelling unit kitchen to have GFCI protection, removing the previous limitation that it only applied to those serving countertops.

What does “provisions for future installation” mean in practice?
It typically means running a cable (like NM) or a conduit from a junction box to a location within the island or peninsula cabinet. The wire can be capped inside an accessible junction box, ready for a future connection, ensuring an outlet can be added without major demolition.