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Understanding the 2023 NEC Kitchen Island Outlet Code
In 2023, there were major changes to the National Electric Code (NEC) related to power outlets in kitchen islands & peninsulas (Rule 210.52, Part 3, Subsection 3), and the new guidelines have led to widespread confusion and debate in the specifier community about what is and isn’t allowable in kitchen islands and peninsulas, so we’re here to clarify the new regulations and how they affect your kitchen projects. But first, a spoiler:
Docking Drawer Outlets are Still Allowable in Kitchen Islands & Peninsulas!
Don't let the 2023 NEC kitchen code updates slow your project down—Docking Drawer offers solutions that remain fully code-compliant for kitchen islands and peninsulas.
- ✅ USB-only Blade outlets are still allowable in kitchen island and peninsula drawers because they are not considered a “receptacle outlet" according to NEC terminology, which refers to wiring devices that accept a plug (think traditional 120V AC outlets). USB-only configurations, as pure charging outlets, are not explicitly prohibited in islands/peninsulas since tey not function as a “receptacle outlet” under the NEC’s definition.
- ✅ Our Pop-up outlets are still allowable in kitchen islands and peninsulas since they do not exist below countertop height.
- ✅ And, of course, ANY Blade in-drawer outlet is still allowable anywhere else in the kitchen, where electrical code remains unchanged.
A Simple Guide to Docking Drawer Compliance Throughout the Kitchen
Outlets Approved for Any Drawer, Any Place, Any Kitchen
| Outlet Type | Location | Compliance | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Drawer Outlets: w/ USB-Only | Anywhere in the kitchen, including the Island and Peninsula | ✅ Compliant | Low-voltage USB-only outlets are not considered “receptacles”, and a USB outlet cannot be used to power anything that would “serve work surfaces”. |
| In-Drawer Outlets: w/ AC | Kitchen Island or Peninsula | ❌ Not Compliant | With AC ports, this receptacle can be used to power small appliances that “serve work surfaces”. |
| In-Drawer Outlets: w/ AC | Anywhere in the kitchen, except the Island and Peninsula | ✅ Compliant | The new regulations are specific only to outlets located in kitchen islands and peninsulas |
| Pop-Up Outlets | Kitchen Island or Peninsula (or anywhere else in kitchen) | ✅ Compliant | The new regulations are specific only to outlets below countertop height. |
| In-Cabinet Outlets (to power Docking Drawer, dishwashers, etc.) | Kitchen Island or Peninsula (or anywhere else in kitchen) | ✅ Compliant | In-cabinet outlets cannot be used to power anything that would serve work surfaces. |
Let's Get Technical: Understanding the 2023 NEC Kitchen Island Outlet Code
It’s important to understand the key restrictions laid out in the 2023 NEC code revisions, which come down to outlets that meet the following criteria:
- Receptacles in kitchen islands & peninsulas that are
- located below countertop height, and
- meant to “serve work surfaces”.
Why are the code changes focused solely on kitchen islands and peninsulas?
The Consumer Products Safety (CPSC) Division reported that people were getting hurt as a result of exposed kitchen island & peninsula outlets that were “serving work surfaces”. In fact, between 1991 and 2020, 9,700 people (many of them children) were treated in US emergency departments for burns and other injuries after instances such as pulling on or running into power cords plugged into outlets located below kitchen island countertops. As a direct response to this CPSC data, the NEC updated the 2023 code to include limitations on the location of power outlets in kitchen islands and peninsula areas.
Why are the code changes focused solely on outlets below countertop height?
When a small appliance—like a slow cooker or blender—is used on a kitchen island or countertop but plugged into a side-mounted or low outlet, the cord stretches up and over the edge. This creates a tripping hazard and increases the risk of the cord catching or being tugged accidentally. If that happens, the appliance could be pulled off the countertop, potentially causing spills, burns, or injuries to anyone nearby.
By restricting the placement of outlets below countertop height, the NEC aims to reduce these risks, keep cords tidy and minimize opportunities for accidents. Ultimately, this change helps create a safer and more user-friendly kitchen environment for everyone.
What does “serving a worksurface” mean?
In the context of the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), “serving a worksurface” means placing an electrical outlet where it can be conveniently used to power devices—like slow cookers, blenders, or laptops—right on that surface.
For Other Kitchen Locations
Fastest Charging Outlets
Shop our fastest-charging outlet configurations that offer maximum speed and convenience, while eliminating countertop cord and device clutter.
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Discreet Wall Outlets
Shop our collection of Prado Unifit outlets, which offer a minimalist and modern alternative for outlets in the kitchen backsplash.
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Appliance Garage Solutions
Shop our safety interlock outlets for appliance garages, which automatically disconnect power when the cabinet door is closed.
SHOP NOWWhich code does your state follow?
It’s important to note that not all states adopt current NEC regulations at the same time (if ever), so states can be on different versions of the code. While Docking Drawer offers solutions that comply with all versions of the NEC, it may be worth checking which code your state is following in order to make the most informed decisions for your project.
Helpful Resources
It’s critical that you clearly understand the electrical code requirements when planning electrical for your kitchen projects, so here is a list of resources we found helpful in understanding the key points of the 2023 NEC as it applies to kitchen island and peninsula outlets:
- Watch this NFPA LiNK video on YouTube about NEC code
- Read this detailed NFPA LiNK article on Kitchen Island and Peninsula Receptacle Outlet Requirements for the Past Three NEC Editions
- Read this code-change summary
- Visit NFPA Free Access: NEC 2023, create or log in to a free account, then navigate to Article 210.52(C)(3) to view the rule directly.
Design Your Dream Kitchen—with Confidence
Stay innovative without breaking the rules. Whether you’re charging tech in a peninsula drawer, adding a pop-up power source to your island, or seeking minimalist and modern power solutions backsplashes or appliance garages, Docking Drawer offers solutions that will enhance safety and functionality throughout your entire kitchen.
Still have questions about the code compliance of our products? Reach out to our team of experts by phone, email, SMS, or live chat. We are always available and eager to help you power your projects with Docking Drawer!