210.52(C) Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets at Countertops and Work Surfaces.
Code Change Summary: Provisions were added for situations where a required receptacle cannot be installed in kitchen wall areas shown in Figure 210.52(C)(1).
Section 210.52(C) is all about the required receptacle placement for countertop and work surfaces 12 inches or wider in kitchens, pantries, breakfast rooms, dining rooms, and similar areas of dwelling units.
Occasionally a kitchen design may incorporate large windows behind a sink or cooktop that makes it almost impossible to install the receptacles required by Section 210.52(C) to serve the counter in that location.
In the 2023 NEC®, exception 2 under Section 210.52(C)(1) was added to provide relief for such a situation.
Now, if a required receptacle cannot be installed in the wall areas shown in Figure 210.52(C)(1), the receptacle is permitted to be installed as close as practicable to the countertop area being served by the receptacle. When using this new exception 2, the total number of receptacle outlets serving the countertop cannot be less than the number required to satisfy 210.52(C)(1). These receptacles must be located in accordance with 210.52(C)(3) which means the following:
- On or above the countertop or work surface, but not higher than 20 inches above the countertop or work surface
- In a countertop using receptacle assemblies listed for use in countertops
- In a work surface using receptacle assemblies listed for use in work surfaces or listed for use in countertops
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.
2020 Code Language:
210.52(C)(1) Wall Spaces. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 24 inches measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space.
Exception: Receptacle outlets shall not be required directly behind a range, counter-mounted cooking unit, or sink in the installation described in Figure 210.52(C)(1).
2023 Code Language:
210.52(C)(1) Wall Spaces. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 24 inches measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space. The location of the receptacles shall be in accordance with 210.52(C)(3).
Exception No. 1: Receptacle outlets shall not be required directly behind a range, counter-mounted cooking unit, or sink in the installation described in Figure 210.52(C)(1).
Exception No. 2: Where a required receptacle outlet cannot be installed in the wall areas shown in Figure 210.52(C)(1), the receptacle outlet shall be permitted to be installed as close as practicable to the countertop area to be served. The total number of receptacle outlets serving the countertop shall not be less than the number needed to satisfy 210.52(C)(1). These outlets shall be located in accordance with 210.52(C)(3).