This article was written by Jim Cozzi of Lew Electric Fittings Company. The article was published on NAHBNow as a benefit of membership within the NAHB Leading Suppliers Council (LSC).

Kitchen islands have become one of the most important features in modern home design. They serve as central spaces for cooking, dining, entertaining, and everyday activities. As their role in the kitchen has expanded, so has the need for safe and convenient electrical access.

Recent revisions to the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — specifically Section 210.52(C) — change how receptacles can be installed in kitchen islands and peninsulas.

For many years, the NEC permitted receptacles to be installed on the vertical sides of kitchen islands and peninsulas to satisfy countertop outlet requirements. Builders commonly located outlets just below the countertop edge or within decorative panels on the island base.

However, the updated code removes this allowance in local jurisdictions that have adopted the unamended 2023 NEC. In those jurisdictions, receptacles located on the sides of islands or peninsulas can no longer be installed to meet the required countertop outlet provisions.

The change was largely driven by safety concerns. When appliances are plugged into outlets on the sides of islands, small children can pull the cord and appliance down on top of them.

To enhance the safety and maintain the clean aesthetics that home owners expect in modern homes, builders, designers, and electricians can consider alternative ways to provide power to kitchen islands. In many cases, this means incorporating electrical access directly into the countertop surface or using other compliant solutions that keep cords within the working area of the island.

Electrical manufacturers are responding to this change by developing solutions designed specifically for island applications. Companies such as Lew Electric Fittings Company, a member of NAHB’s Leading Suppliers Council, manufacture countertop-integrated receptacle systems that provide convenient access to power while helping builders comply with the latest code requirements.

As kitchen islands continue to grow in size and function, electrical access must be considered early in the design process. Understanding the latest NEC updates and coordinating closely with electricians and designers will help builders create kitchens that are not only visually appealing but also safe, functional, and compliant with current electrical standards.

For additional information about countertop-integrated power solutions, visit lewelectric.com.