If you are planning a new kitchen design for a multifamily development, mixed-use project, student housing, or renovation, the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) includes an important update that may affect your layout, permitting strategy, and construction coordination.
The 2023 NEC made major revisions to NEC 210.52(C), especially Section 210.52(C)(2), which addresses receptacle outlet requirements for kitchen islands and peninsulas. These updates removed the previous square-footage-based rules and also removed the requirement to install a receptacle outlet on an island or peninsula. However, the new code still requires that provisions be made so an outlet can be added in the future if one is not installed initially.
This is a meaningful shift because it affects how kitchens are designed, how electrical rough-in is coordinated, and what local authorities may require during inspection.
Between NEC 2020 and NEC 2023, Section 210.52(C)(2) was extensively revised. Previously, the code required receptacle outlets on kitchen islands and peninsulas based on the square footage of the countertop or work surface. Those requirements were removed.
More significantly, NEC 2023 removed the requirement for any receptacle outlet to be installed on kitchen islands and peninsulas.
This means that under NEC 2023, a kitchen island or peninsula does not automatically require an outlet to be installed. That said, the code also introduces a new expectation that must be considered early in the design process.
While NEC 2023 no longer requires an island or peninsula outlet to be installed, it establishes two key conditions (paraphrased from the code):
If receptacle outlets are installed in islands or peninsulas, they must be installed in accordance with NEC 210.52(C)(3).
If a receptacle outlet is not provided for islands and peninsulas, provisions must be provided for the addition of a receptacle outlet in the future.
The NEC does not define exactly how the future provision must be provided. Because of that, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) must be consulted to confirm what they will accept as meeting this requirement. This can vary between jurisdictions and can also vary depending on enforcement practices and local amendments.
From a client perspective, this change impacts more than just outlet placement. It can influence design clarity, constructability, inspection approvals, and change order risk.
The biggest practical issue is that the code requires a future provision, but does not define a specific method. If a project chooses not to install outlets on islands or peninsulas, the team must still coordinate a solution that satisfies the AHJ.
If this is not clarified early, it may lead to inspection issues, redesign during construction, or additional cost.
This is especially important for projects with repeated unit types, standardized kitchens, or fast-paced schedules, where even small changes can have a large ripple effect.
Due to the revisions to NEC 210.52(C)(2) and (C)(3), NEC 2023 essentially provides three practical compliance options. The best approach depends on design intent, budget, usability, and AHJ interpretation.
NEC 2023 allows receptacle outlets to be installed above the countertop or work surface, but not more than 20 inches above the surface. This option can work particularly well when there is a raised backsplash, vertical surface, or design detail that provides a clean location for outlet placement.
This is often the simplest solution to coordinate and inspect because the receptacle is visible, accessible, and familiar to inspectors.
NEC 2023 also permits receptacle outlets installed within the countertop or work surface, provided a receptacle outlet assembly listed for the application is used.
This option is common in modern kitchens and higher-end developments where clean aesthetics are important, and it can support flexible use without requiring visible devices along the cabinet face.
However, it is critical that the product used is appropriately listed for countertop installation and meets all applicable requirements. This should be coordinated early with the electrical contractor and reviewed for compliance.
NEC 2023 allows an island or peninsula to have no receptacle outlet installed, but requires that a future provision be made so an outlet can be installed later. One example might include a junction box and a protected pathway for wiring, but the NEC does not mandate a specific method.
Because the code does not define the method, this option is strongly dependent on AHJ interpretation, and it is not recommended without confirming expectations prior to permitting and construction.
The most effective way to manage this code change is to confirm the preferred design approach with ownership and coordinate early with the Authority Having Jurisdiction to confirm the accepted interpretation of the future provision requirement.
This early confirmation reduces inspection risk and helps ensure the electrical rough-in matches approved expectations.
It is also important to confirm whether NEC 2023 has been adopted in the jurisdiction where the project is being reviewed. Many jurisdictions may still be enforcing NEC 2020, which contains different requirements.
No. NEC 2023 removed the requirement to install a receptacle outlet on kitchen islands. However, if a receptacle outlet is not installed, NEC 2023 requires that provisions be provided so a receptacle outlet can be added in the future.
NEC 2023 also removed the mandatory requirement for a receptacle outlet on peninsulas. The same future provision requirement applies if a receptacle outlet is not installed.
NEC 2023 does not specify the method. The AHJ must be consulted to confirm what they will accept as meeting the future provision requirement. Because of this, what is acceptable may vary depending on jurisdiction, local amendments, and enforcement practices.
Yes. Outlets are still allowed. If installed, they must comply with the updated requirements of NEC 210.52(C)(3) and other applicable code requirements.
Not necessarily. Adoption of NEC 2023 varies by jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions may still enforce NEC 2020 or another edition. Always verify the adopted code edition and local amendments before finalizing design.
Code adoption and AHJ interpretation can vary, especially for recent changes like NEC 2023 kitchen island and peninsula receptacle requirements. Confirming the best strategy early can help prevent inspection issues, avoid redesign, and maintain schedules.
If you are planning a new development or renovation project and want guidance on how to interpret NEC 210.52(C) for your kitchen layouts, our team can help align design intent with compliance and coordination requirements.
This article is intended for general information and may not apply to all jurisdictions or projects. Always confirm adopted code edition and specific requirements with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and the project’s full code framework.