210.52 Dwelling receptacle outlets
What changed in 210.52
Island and peninsula receptacles are now based on square footage, the deck rule changed, and the garage, basement and accessory building rules now reach multifamily dwellings.
Point by point
- Islands and peninsulas now need one receptacle for the first 9 sq ft, plus one for every added 18 sq ft or fraction.
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- 4 more points on exactly what changed
- The 2017 rule next to the 2020 rule, side by side
- Why it changed
- What to do and check on the job
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This section across NEC® editions
2020 NEC®RevisedYou're here
Island and peninsula receptacles are now based on square footage, the deck rule changed, and the garage, basement and accessory building rules now reach multifamily dwellings.
2023 NEC®Revised
Kitchen islands and peninsulas no longer require a receptacle. If you put one there, it goes on or above the countertop, not underneath, and you have to leave a way to add one later.
Open the 2023 page →2026 NEC®Revised
Any fixed cabinet now breaks up wall space. New rules keep receptacles out of the 24 inches right below a countertop, and drawer receptacles are allowed.
Open the 2026 page →More 2020 changes in Article 210
This is a plain-English summary, not the NEC®'s exact wording. Always check the full section in the NEC® edition your area has adopted, plus any local amendments.
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