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2026 NEC would let side-mounted island receptacles return, Coppell staff says
Summary
Under the 2026 NEC, side-mounted receptacles on kitchen islands and peninsulas are permitted again if they sit more than 24 inches below the countertop; chief building official Steve Schubert told the commission the change reverses a rule that had pushed homeowners toward more expensive pop-up outlets.
During his Aug. 6 presentation, Chief Building Official Steve Schubert highlighted a change in the 2026 National Electrical Code that again allows side-mounted receptacles on kitchen islands and peninsulas so long as outlets meet the 24-inch-from-countertop limitation. "So the 1 that they have in the image, you couldn't have a receptacle there...But underneath the $20.26, they are going to allow side mounted receptacles once again," Schubert said.
Schubert and commissioners discussed practical effects for homeowners and contractors. He noted the 2023 code had pushed many installations toward pop-up receptacles, which he described as substantially more expensive (he referenced pop-up pricing in the $85–$180 range versus a $5–$15 wall receptacle). The commission discussed how permits and remodels would trigger current-code requirements, whereas existing compliant installations remain grandfathered unless disturbed.
Schubert emphasized the change does not remove distance and location rules: outlets still must satisfy spacing and height requirements in the NEC. The commission did not vote separately on this subtopic; it was considered as part of the overall NEC adoption recommendation that the commission later forwarded to council.
