So no, you cannot have a receptacle facing up.

Where should an outlet go on an island?

Your standard electric socket is simply installed into the side of your kitchen island. The advantage you would get from installing this type of outlet is that the countertop of your kitchen island is unobstructed.

Can I install an outlet face up?





The electrical code allows outlets to be installed with the ground plug hole facing up, down or sideways. It’s up to you, there is no standard electric outlet orientation. So that means there really is no such thing as upside down outlets.

How do you run an outlet in a kitchen island?

You can use a pop-up outlet with USB charging to add functionality without taking away from the look of your island. With a faceplate that is set deeper into the island than a regular outlet, the recessed outlet will prevent the unsightly appearance of protruding connectors and plugs.

Can you put an outlet in a kitchen island?

In the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), only one receptacle outlet is required to be installed for each uninterrupted, basic island countertop space that has a long dimension of 24 inches or greater, and a short dimension of 12 inches or greater. That’s it, a minimum of one receptacle outlet.

What is code for kitchen island outlets?

210.52(C)(2)(a) says at least one receptacle outlet shall be provided for the first 9 ft² (or fraction thereof) of the countertop or work surface. And then another receptacle outlet shall be provided for every additional 18 ft² (or fraction thereof) of countertop or work surface thereafter.

Do you need GFCI in kitchen island?





Because kitchens and bathrooms mix water and electricity, GFCI plugs are a requirement. GFCI protection is required for all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles that supply kitchen countertop surfaces, including islands.

Why do electricians install outlets upside down?

Easier to Identify Switched Outlets



Electricians may position the outlet in an upside-down position so that you can quickly identify the switch-controlled receptacle. Since it stands out visually to most people right away – it provides convenience to the occupants to easily remember which outlet is switch controlled.

Why are outlets upside down in hospitals?

Because if a cord or wire were to fall down on a partially plugged in right-side up outlet you would short out between the hot and the neutral. When the outlet is “upside down” in the above situation the wire would touch ground first.

Can you put an outlet horizontal?

Yes, you can mount an ordinary wall-type receptacle outlet horizontally with the face up, with two exceptions: 1) Receptacles on a countertop or work surface must be specially rated for that use, per NEC 405.6(B), and are typically pop-up type.

How many receptacles should a 6 long kitchen island counter top have?



A. In dwelling unit kitchens, at least one receptacle outlet must be installed at each island countertop space with a long dimension of 2 feet or greater, and a short dimension of 1 foot or greater.

Can Island outlets be inside cabinets?

You need to mount an electrical box to the wall of the cabinet and put the outlet inside it. If you can’t easily do the work inside the cabinet, you can use a thin surface mount box on the outside.

How do you install an outlet box on an island?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Multi-tool okay with the hole now cut this box shallow box will fit in there nice and snug. And will not touch any of the hardware for the drawers.

How do you hide an outlet in an island?



If you have countertop space without an upper-cabinet above it, consider placing outlets a little lower than normal, and horizontally, along the very start of your backsplash tile. This placement, combined with well-matched cover plates, will also help your outlets to disappear.

Where should outlets be placed in a new kitchen?

Where should you put kitchen outlets?

  1. 1) Under cabinet plugs. …
  2. 2) Color coordinated wall outlets. …
  3. 3) Group outlets with switches. …
  4. 4) Always add an outlet to your island.


Can you put an outlet in a countertop?

All receptacles are permitted to be recessed into countertops. C: A receptacle assembly listed for countertop applications shall be permitted to be installed in a countertop. All receptacles installed in countertop or work surface applications must be GFCI protected.