Code change would allow side‑mounted island receptacles beyond 24 inches; pop‑ups no longer mandatory
Staff told the commission that the 2026 NEC permit allows certain side‑mounted island receptacles beyond a 24‑inch setback, reversing a previous 2023 requirement that effectively forced costly pop‑up receptacles on many kitchen islands.
The full story
During the work session Chief Building Official Steve Schubert highlighted a practical change in the 2026 NEC: side‑mounted receptacles on kitchen islands will be allowed again provided they are set back at least 24 inches from the countertop edge, relaxing a strict 2023 requirement that made pop‑up receptacles the only option in many installations.
Sign up to keep reading.
Your free newsletter brings you what your city council, county, and school board discussed and decided.
Keep reading for free
Create a free account to finish this story and see the video, transcript and key details.
Continue with GoogleContinue with emailAlready have an account? Log in