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I'm remodeling my kitchen. The existing island have a raised bar and two electrical outlets (on its the backsplash).

We are cutting down the raised wall and moving to a waterfall countertop but then, I don't know what to do with the outlets.

  1. Do we still need the two outlets or can it be reduced to one?
  2. Where should they go while still being in compliance with electrical building code?

The finished island will look exactly like this one. I added the actual dimensions to make it easier. Based on it's size and the 6" max overhand rule (which I don't know if still exists), it looks I have a problem.

enter image description here

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    Apart from regs, ask the one who does the cooking!!! – Solar Mike Dec 20 '20 at 21:45
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According to NEC 2020, you need 1 for the first 9 square feet and another for each 18 square feet.

92" x 39" = ~ 25 square feet. So you need at least 2.

I would put one duplex receptacle on each end. That would be better than flush mounted receptacles (big concern about spills). But you can certainly have more receptacles, and that may be a good idea. For example, 4 - one near each corner - would allow for blender or other appliances on the "work" side while leaving the "stool side" receptacles available for phone chargers.

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  • As a mention, I believe there has to be 2 because the sink creates 2 work surfaces?? – Jack Dec 20 '20 at 21:54
  • That may be, but have to be 2 anyway due to size. – manassehkatz-Moving 2 Codidact Dec 20 '20 at 21:58
  • Very helpful, thank you. Based on the sample drawings in the article, once you have the minimum required outlets per sq ft, they can be all put together on a single side, they don't have to be distributed through the space, is that right? If yes I could have the required two on the less visible side of the island (cutting through the granite), and then two more about 12 inches (or less) from the counter, in the "stoll side"? To your point I would get the required and then some and would leave the visible side of the stone pristine, no distracting outlets. Am I getting it right? – Ebrito Dec 20 '20 at 22:05
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    It was written for the sake of the OP who eludes to placing them both on the blind end... – Jack Dec 20 '20 at 22:19
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    Yep. This is the waterfall concept. Stone top and sides. One side of it is really visible when you enter the kitchen so it would be nice to have it clean. The other side is towards a wall so if I had two outlets in there (on the granite panel) it would be fine. Assuming the code is not clear regarding placement I might do it. I will try to contact a city inspector next week and see if they have any input as well. – Ebrito Dec 20 '20 at 23:43

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