Island electrical outlet solutions
under the 2023 NEC

Designing a modern kitchen island means balancing aesthetics, function and compliance. Today, as homeowners, designers and specifiers converge around sleek, modern designs, the question has arisen:

“Where can power go on a kitchen island or peninsula?”

Thanks to recent changes in the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), the answer has shifted—opening new opportunities to make island power both safe and functional.

Why the code changed for kitchen island and peninsula outlets

In earlier versions of the NEC, islands and peninsulas were required to host receptacle outlets. For example, under the 2020 NEC, any island or peninsula work surface required at least one receptacle for the first 9 sq. ft. of countertop and one for each additional 18 sq. ft.

Why the shift? The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) logged thousands of incidents of appliance cords being pulled or snagged on low-side outlets installed on islands, resulting in burn injuries and spills. The code change addresses that risk directly.

What 2023 National Electrical Code says now (210.52 (C)(2) & (3))

In the 2023 NEC edition, the language changed (Rule 210.52, Part 3, Subsection 3): now stating that if receptacles are installed to serve an island/peninsula, they must comply with specific location rules (see 210.52 (C)(3)). But crucially, the requirement to install them is now optional.

What that means for homeowners, designers and specifiers

In plain terms, to clear up NEC confusion: for a kitchen island or peninsula, you may now choose not to install a receptacle outlet; however, you must make provisions (e.g., a junction box or conduit stub) for one in the future. Meanwhile, if you do install one, it must be on or above the countertop, or in the countertop surface itself (via a listed assembly)—but not mounted on the vertical side of the cabinetry below surface level.

What “island electrical outlet” means in practice — design & compliance

For your next kitchen island or peninsula project, compliance begins with understanding your local edition of the code and the meaning of “receptacle outlet” in its context.

What counts as a “receptacle outlet” vs what doesn’t

When we refer to an “island electrical outlet,” we’re talking about a power point intended to serve countertop or work-surface use on a kitchen island or peninsula. Under the 2023 NEC:

• If a receptacle is installed: it must be located on/above the countertop (not under/side), or integrated directly into the countertop/work surface via listed assemblies.
• If a receptacle is not installed: You still must provide “provisions” (like conduit, blank junction box) so one can be added later.
• The term “receptacle outlet” does not include: low-voltage USB ports, in-cabinet power that does not serve the countertop, or modular pop-up assemblies that are mounted in compliance with the definitions. In short, solutions that don’t allow appliances to draw from a plug at the side surface may circumvent the stricter placement rules.

Designers and specifiers will want to confirm which NEC edition is adopted locally, whether amendments apply, and whether the installation is considered a receptacle “serving the work surface.”

Also remember: all kitchen receptacle outlets remain subject to GFCI protection (NEC 210.8) and small appliance branch-circuit (SABC) feeding (NEC 210.52(B)).

Compliant and elegant solutions from Docking Drawer

At Docking Drawer, we provide power solutions tailored for modern kitchen islands and peninsulas. Let’s explore:

USB-only in-drawer outlet for islands and peninsulas (why USB only avoids “receptacle outlet” classification)

Our USB-only Blade Series outlet is a smart way to charge devices in an island drawer without triggering the “receptacle outlet” rules under NEC 210.52(C). Because it offers only low-voltage USB ports (no traditional “plug” receptacle for work-surface appliances), it’s not classified as a receptacle outlet meant to “serve the work surface.” That means you can install it in an island or peninsula drawer and still be compliant—even when AC receptacle outlets are restricted by code.

This solution allows homeowners and designers to maintain a clean island surface, integrate charging seamlessly, and stay code-aware.

Pop-up countertop outlets for islands/peninsulas (meets on-surface requirement)

For full-service power access on the island or peninsula, Pop-Up Outlets by Docking Drawer (or similar assemblies) satisfy the “on/above/in the countertop” rule. These assemblies often deploy when needed and retract when not, keeping the counter surface sleek and clean. Because these outlets are listed countertop/work-surface receptacle assemblies, they meet the location requirements of 210.52(C)(3).

Whether you’re charging a laptop, plugging in a mixer, or powering entertaining tools, this is a flexible and code-compatible option.
This solution allows homeowners and designers to maintain a clean island surface, integrate charging seamlessly, and stay code-aware.

In-drawer AC outlets — still allowable anywhere else in the kitchen (but not on island/peninsula)

Elsewhere in the kitchen (and beyond) — just not in the island or peninsula — you can still install any Blade Series in-drawer outlet for a safe, clutter-free, code-compliant power solution. The key is this: such AC outlets are not serving the island work surface, so they are unaffected by the island/peninsula rule changes.

In short: island/peninsula zones have special placement rules. The rest of the kitchen remains unaffected.

Design tips & installation best practices

Verify local code edition

If it’s worth it to you, you can find out which NEC cycle is adopted locally (2017, 2020, 2023, etc.), whether amendments apply, and how they interpret “provisions for future receptacle.”

Location planning: zone of the island, appliance loads, future proofing

If you plan to plug in small appliances or entertain off the island work surface, plan a compliance route. If the island is primarily seating/serving and you want zero visible receptacles, consider USB-only in-drawer outlets or other compliant solutions.

Coordination with SABC, GFCI/AFCI, wiring method

Whether you install a pop-up power point or stub a conduit for future use, run power early in the cabinetry rough-in.

• Select listed assemblies. For pop-up or countertop receptacles, use units listed for that application (water-resistant gasketed designs are common).
• Coordinate branch circuits. Ensure your SABC feeds are correct and GFCI/AFCI protection is specified to local guidelines. Installation or wiring questions? Consult a licensed electrician or specifier.
• Maintain a clean aesthetic. Choose power solutions that support your design vision—USB-only Blade outlets for seamless in-drawer charging, pop-up outlets for full power when needed for small appliances, and discreet touches like minimalist Prado outlets for modern backsplashes.

Complementary kitchen power-solutions for a unified space

While the island is often the center of attention, the full kitchen design benefits from cohesive power planning.

Minimal backsplash outlets (Prado discreet outlet)

Prado Discreet outlets by Docking Drawer enable modern stone or full-height backsplash installations without chunky cutouts or visible yokes.

Appliance-garage safety outlet for peace of mind

Hidden behind cabinet doors, appliance garages are a great solution for keeping small appliances connected and ready, while otherwise out of sight. Specify a Docking Drawer Appliance Garage Safety Outlet to power your appliance garage with peace of mind, as the syste will automatically disconnect power to your small appliances when the door closes.

In-drawer power points anywhere else in the kitchen

Use any mixed AC/USB outlet configuration in drawers throughout the kitchen–except for those in the island or peninsula, which require USB-only configurations for NEC compliance.

Together, these solutions deliver a kitchen environment that is safe, simple and beautiful.

Summary & next steps

The “island electrical outlet” question no longer has a one-size-fits-all answer—and in fact, under the 2023 NEC you may choose not to install a receptacle on the island—so long as you provide provisions and any installed outlets follow the location rules. The design focus shifts from “how many outlets” to “which type of power access and how discreetly placed.”

At Docking Drawer, we’re ready to help you power your kitchen with thoughtfully designed, code-compiant solutions that reduce clutter, enhance safety, and create more functionally and beautiful kitchens. Explore our full kitchen solutions collection:

Take a deeper dive into the code changes in this blog.

Verify all details in the NEC code book.

Let’s design your island power plan — safe, simple and beautiful.