wiring a kitchen island
 

I have looked into under counter wiring which seems sort of silly for
surface appliances. I'm leaning toward face-up plugs like floor plugs but
on the countertop. Any suggestions?

Also, foot traffic around an island seem to make using a "wall" plug
somewhat dangerous.

TIA,
Eric

sounds great. until something spills in the outlet... which it will...

randy

"Eric Chomko" wrote in message
...
I have looked into under counter wiring which seems sort of silly for
surface appliances. I'm leaning toward face-up plugs like floor plugs but
on the countertop. Any suggestions?

Also, foot traffic around an island seem to make using a "wall" plug
somewhat dangerous.

TIA,
Eric

"Eric Chomko" wrote in message
...
I have looked into under counter wiring which seems sort of silly for
surface appliances. I'm leaning toward face-up plugs like floor plugs but
on the countertop. Any suggestions?

Also, foot traffic around an island seem to make using a "wall" plug
somewhat dangerous.

Face up plugs are a dangerous idea, re fluids, knife points, etc.

Eric Chomko wrote:
I have looked into under counter wiring which seems sort of silly for
surface appliances. I'm leaning toward face-up plugs like floor plugs but
on the countertop. Any suggestions?


Wouldn't face-up plugs be problematic on a kitchen surface in the
event of spills, especially liquid, but even flour/sugar/etc.

I've never used one personally but I think there is something called a
pedestal ( or maybe a tombstone) that mounts through the island and allows
the outlets to sit normally instead of face up. Face up seems to be a bad
idea on a counter, something is bound to fall into them, it always happens
with floor outlets and causes problems ( experience at work), and I bet this
would be even worse on a kitchen counter.

--

Mikey S.
http://www.mike721.com


"Eric Chomko" wrote in message
...
I have looked into under counter wiring which seems sort of silly for
surface appliances. I'm leaning toward face-up plugs like floor plugs but
on the countertop. Any suggestions?

Also, foot traffic around an island seem to make using a "wall" plug
somewhat dangerous.

TIA,
Eric

Roger Taylor wrote:

"Eric Chomko" wrote in message
...

I have looked into under counter wiring which seems sort of silly for
surface appliances. I'm leaning toward face-up plugs like floor plugs but
on the countertop. Any suggestions?

Also, foot traffic around an island seem to make using a "wall" plug
somewhat dangerous.


Face up plugs are a dangerous idea, re fluids, knife points, etc.



I agree. Assuming no backsplashes on the countertop the 2005 NEC
requires the outlets within 12" below the countertop assuming there is
less than a 6" overhang. You are right this can be a hazard particularly
for kids, but not as big a hazard as face up.
Another possibility is a box assembly designed for floors that would
mount above the counter with the outlet on the side. Probably somewhat ugly.

"Eric Chomko" wrote in message
...
I have looked into under counter wiring which seems sort of silly for
surface appliances. I'm leaning toward face-up plugs like floor plugs but
on the countertop. Any suggestions?

Also, foot traffic around an island seem to make using a "wall" plug
somewhat dangerous.

TIA,
Eric

My lower cabinets were stock pieces so I had placed 2.5 inch wide pieces of
wood between certain cabinets. The outlets were installed there. I came down
5 inches from the top of the counter. I will admit that cords over the edge
sounds bad. Practically I have not had one accident nor any one complain.

It took me about an hour each with my dremel, and several bits to do each
hole and mount the box. The cabinet guy was impressed with the concept when
we were done.

Face ups are prohibited by the NEC.

Surely you have ends somewhere on your island so you can install the
outlets.

On Sun, 6 Mar 2005 01:31:33 +0000 (UTC),
(Eric Chomko) wrote:

I have looked into under counter wiring which seems sort of silly for
surface appliances. I'm leaning toward face-up plugs like floor plugs but
on the countertop. Any suggestions?

Also, foot traffic around an island seem to make using a "wall" plug
somewhat dangerous.

TIA,
Eric

Codes are stated here are just as summaries and you should actually
read what the code specifily states. IMHO:


2002 NEC 210.52(C)5 - Receptacles shall be located above the but not
more than 20 inches.
EXCEPTION: In the case of sub(b), you can install the receptacle no
furhter than 12 inches below the counter top.


If you really want to avoid having to put one in, then you can get
read what islands don't require one.

BTW, I heard you can use a tombstone outlet, to meet 210.52(C)5's
requirements, and not put a receptacle below the counter top.

hth,

tom @ www.MedicalJobList.com

On Sun, 6 Mar 2005 01:31:33 +0000 (UTC),
(Eric Chomko) wrote:

I have looked into under counter wiring which seems sort of silly for
surface appliances. I'm leaning toward face-up plugs like floor plugs but
on the countertop. Any suggestions?

Look for ones where the cover seals tight, water or liquds spilled on
the island could be an issue.

Also, foot traffic around an island seem to make using a "wall" plug
somewhat dangerous.

Thus the under counter mounting options.

Jeff

"Jeff Cochran" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 6 Mar 2005 01:31:33 +0000 (UTC),
(Eric Chomko) wrote:

I have looked into under counter wiring which seems sort of silly for
surface appliances. I'm leaning toward face-up plugs like floor plugs but
on the countertop. Any suggestions?

Look for ones where the cover seals tight, water or liquds spilled on
the island could be an issue.

the cover wont seal tight when its not on and you are using the outlet...

randy

SQLit ) wrote:
[...]

: Face ups are prohibited by the NEC.

After further thought and a lot of good advice from others, I think the
pedestal idea is best. There are no cabinets above the island.

: Surely you have ends somewhere on your island so you can install the
: outlets.

All there is are overhangs and they are over 6".

Eric

"Eric Chomko" wrote in message
...
wrote:
: Face up receptacles are specifically prohibited on countertops.
: 406.4(E) Receptacles in Countertops and Similar Work Surfaces in
: Dwelling Units. Receptacles shall not be installed in a face-up
: position in countertops or similar work surfaces.

Got it. But it seems under countertop outlets are also dangerous.
Looks like the only option is a pedestal or tombstone plug. I guess I just
have to deal with hwat it looks like.

my thought is you could rig some sort of cord holder attachment if it became
that much of a problem that would keep the cord from being snagged and
tripped on. maybe somethin with velcro, or just a plastic clip.

randy