Code Change Summary: A new definition of a “Counter” was added to Article 100.

A countertop is a fixed or stationary surface typically used for food preparation and serving, personal washing, or laundering or a similar surface that presents a routine risk of spilling liquids of large quantity upon outlets mounted directly on or in the surface.

The main reason for the new definition is to help the code reader understand the difference between a countertop and a work surface since both terms are used in the NEC^® and since receptacles are often installed in both countertops and work surfaces.

The main difference between these two types of surfaces (for the purpose of installing receptacles) is primarily associated with the amount of liquid spillage they may be subjected to.

There are several UL Standards that address receptacles and receptacle assemblies for installation in countertops and work surfaces. Receptacle assemblies are subjected to different tests depending on whether a receptacle will be installed in a countertop (such as in a kitchen) or a work surface (such as a conference room table).

Listed directly below are three UL standards that have provisions for testing receptacles and GFCI receptacles installed in a countertop. They address the spillage of up to 32oz (1/2 gallon) of liquid on to the installed receptacle outlet assembly.

1. UL 111 Multioutlet Assemblies
2. UL 498 the Standard for Safety for Attachment Plugs and Receptacles
3. UL 943 the Standard for Safety for Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters

Listed below are five UL standards that have provisions for testing receptacles and GFCI receptacles installed in a work surface. They address the spillage of liquid on to receptacle outlets mounted on the desk or table but require spillage of only 8oz (1 cup) of liquid.

1. UL 111 Multioutlet Assemblies
2. UL 962 Household and Commercial Furnishings
3. UL 962A Furniture Power Distribution Units
4. UL 1286 Office Furnishings
5. UL 1363 Relocatable Power Taps

The work surface liquid spill test was originally developed to address a cup of liquid tipped over. The counter mounted test requirements address the larger quantity of liquid which could be expected for receptacles recessed into countertops located in kitchens or bathrooms.

Sections 406.5(E, F &G) are all about installing receptacles in countertops and work surfaces.

Section 406.5(G)(1) states that receptacles shall not be installed in a face-up position in or on countertop surfaces or work surfaces unless listed for countertop or work surface applications.

Section 406.5(E) states that receptacle assemblies for installation in countertop surfaces shall be listed for countertop applications.

Section 406.5(F) states that receptacle assemblies and GFCI receptacle assemblies listed for work surface or countertop applications shall be permitted to be installed in work surfaces.

Since a receptacle assembly that was tested for countertop applications is subjected to a larger amount of spilled liquid, it is also suitable for installation in a work surface, but it doesn’t work the other way around.

A receptacle assembly tested only for a work surface is not permitted to be recessed into a kitchen counter.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.