Section 210.52(C)/Kitchen and Dining Area Countertop Receptacles
NEC 210.52(C) specifies the spacing and circuit requirements for receptacles serving kitchen and dining area countertop surfaces in dwelling units.
In dwelling unit kitchens and dining areas, receptacle outlets must be installed at each wall countertop space 12 inches or wider. No point along the wall line behind a countertop surface may be more than 24 inches (measured horizontally) from a receptacle outlet, effectively requiring a receptacle at least every 48 inches along the countertop. Countertop spaces separated by rangetops, sinks, or refrigerators are considered separate spaces, each requiring compliance independently. On island and peninsular countertops, at least one receptacle must be provided for each countertop that is 24 inches or more in length and 12 inches or more in width. Countertop receptacles must be served by a minimum of two 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits per Section 210.11(C)(1). All kitchen countertop receptacles require GFCI protection.
Why this section exists
Kitchen countertops are the location of the highest concentration of portable appliance use in a dwelling. The spacing requirements ensure a receptacle is always within reach of a short appliance cord, eliminating the temptation to use extension cords on countertops. The two-circuit minimum distributes the load so a single tripped breaker does not disable all kitchen receptacles. The island and peninsula requirements address the trend toward large kitchen islands that need countertop power for food preparation.
What plan reviewers look for
Plan reviewers measure countertop lengths on the kitchen plan and verify no point is more than 24 inches from a receptacle. They check that each countertop space 12 inches or wider has a receptacle. They verify island and peninsular countertops have at least one receptacle. They check that countertop receptacles are served by at least two 20-amp small-appliance circuits on the panel schedule.