NEC 210.52(C) governs receptacle outlets for kitchen countertops and work surfaces. It is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—sections of the residential electrical code. This article explains NEC 210.52(C) as adopted in the 2023 NEC, using plain language and practical examples.
What Is NEC 210.52(C)?
NEC 210.52(C) defines where and how receptacles must be provided for countertop and work surfaces in dwelling units, including:
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Kitchen countertops
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Pantry countertops
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Breakfast and similar work surfaces
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Islands and peninsulas
The intent is simple:
People should be able to plug in small appliances safely and conveniently anywhere they prepare food.
The Core Countertop Spacing Rule (210.52(C)(1))
For standard countertop runs along walls, the NEC requires that:
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No point along the countertop wall line is more than 2 feet from a receptacle.
What this means in practice
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Receptacles must be spaced no more than 4 feet apart
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A receptacle must be located within 2 feet of each end of a countertop run
What Counts as a Countertop?
A countertop or work surface generally includes:
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Surfaces used for food preparation
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Counter areas wider than the minimum dimensions defined by the NEC
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Countertops in kitchens, pantries, and similar spaces
These rules apply only to receptacles serving the countertop, not to general wall receptacles elsewhere in the room.
Islands and Peninsulas — NEC 2023 Changes (210.52(C)(2))
One of the biggest updates in NEC 2023 affects island and peninsular countertops.
What changed?
In earlier NEC editions, an island receptacle was required.
In NEC 2023, the rule was revised for safety.
Current NEC 2023 requirement
For an island or peninsula:
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A receptacle may be installed, OR
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If no receptacle is installed, provisions must be made for a future receptacle
✔ This means an outlet is not strictly required to be installed,
❌ but you cannot ignore the island entirely.
Examples of “provisions”:
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PVC Conduit stub
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Outlet box
Where Island and Peninsula Receptacles May Be Located (210.52(C)(3))
If a receptacle is installed, it must be located in one or more of the following locations:
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On or above the countertop, but
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Not more than 20 inches above the surface
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In the countertop, using listed countertop receptacle assemblies
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In the work surface, using listed assemblies approved for that use
Important limitations
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Receptacles must be readily accessible
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Receptacles blocked by sinks, rangetops, appliance garages, or fixed appliances do not count
What Is NOT Allowed
❌ Face-up receptacles that are not part of a listed assembly
❌ Receptacles hidden behind fixed appliances
❌ Counting a nearby wall outlet as a countertop or island outlet
❌ Providing no receptacle and no future provision at an island or peninsula
