Clark and Ellen Griswold may have been fictitious goof-balls in the movie "Christmas Vacation,” but in this scene... art is imitating life. If we’re honest, we’ve ALL overloaded an outlet or power strip at some point. In this month's blog we want to discuss how to plan for electrical outlets in your next remodel, but we can’t talk about outlets without first discussing electrical codes. And let’s face it... WE are the reason why electrical codes exist.
WHAT IS CODE?
The Minnesota State Building Code sets the standard for the installation of electrical wiring, apparatus and equipment for electric light, heat, power, technology circuits and systems, and alarm and communication systems. Minnesota's electrical code uses the National Electrical Code (NEC) published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The NEC aims to make electrical systems safer by setting guidelines for things like wiring methods and materials. By adhering to codes, electricians and contractors can prevent electrical fires, shocks, and other potential hazards that could endanger lives and property.
GFCI outlets are designed to prevent electrical shock by interrupting power when a fault is detected, such as when current leaks to ground.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS IN THE KITCHEN
The kitchen is constantly humming with all things electric even when we’re not physically using it. Refrigerators, dishwashers, crockpots, clocks, microwaves, ovens... There is a huge electricity draw that comes from the kitchen. It’s very important to have a clear grasp on code before you plan where your outlets are going. This is where your general contractor will help.
Here's what you need to know about kitchen perimeter outlet placement:
- Any outlet within 6' of a sink must be GFCI
- Any length of countertop 12" or longer must have an outlet
- Outlets must be installed so that any point along the wall is 24" away from an outlet (another way of looking at this is that outlets must be no more than 48" apart)
- Outlets must be installed no more than 20" above the countertop
- No face-up outlets are allowed anywhere in the kitchen
For example, let's look at our Craftsman Cottage Kitchen. On the back wall, A is a countertop run longer than 12", so it requires an outlet. Between the range and sink (B) we have another run of countertop more than 12" long, requiring an outlet. As you can see in the diagram, any point on the countertop between the range and sink is less than 24" away from outlet B. The countertop space to the right of the sink (C) is less than 12" long, so outlets are not required.
The second wall of cabinetry in this kitchen (D & E) has 42" of countertop. One outlet placed within 24" of either edge would have sufficed, but in a kitchen with such limited countertop space, a couple of extra outlets were warranted!
OUTLETS IN KITCHEN ISLANDS
This has caused quite a bit of controversy over the past years. We're happy to inform you that, per the 2023 NEC, outlets are no longer required in islands! If you decide not to install any outlets in your island, there must be provisions for future installation, but the NEC doesn't specify how it should be provided.
No outlet meant to service the countertop can be installed below the countertop. If an outlet is installed under the countertop, it has to be at least 24" below the countertop. An outlet with only USB ports may be installed anywhere below countertops.
Outlet with USB ports only
S-Box Mini kitchen pop-up outlet in prep island
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS IN BATHROOMS
As with new kitchens, bathrooms are also becoming more sophisticated. It’s essential to consider how you are going to use your space.
- All bathroom outlets are required to be GFCI protected
- Must include at least 1 outlet installed within 3ft of each sink, no more than 1ft below the sink
- One receptacle is permitted for an electronic toilet or bidet, but it can't be located in the space between the toilet and the bathtub/shower
We’ve seen a growing demand for more outlets in bathrooms - and for good reason. One big driver? Bidets. Even if you're not planning to install an electric bidet right away, we recommend adding an outlet near the toilet for future flexibility and added resale value. We’re also seeing more clients looking to tuck away everyday devices like hair dryers and electric toothbrushes. A built-in charging drawer is a smart, clutter-free solution that keeps everything powered and out of sight.
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN PLANNING YOUR OUTLET LOCATIONS
Communicate with your general contractor or electrician
Building codes are constantly changing and being modified, so it is crucial to collaborate with your entire team to create an electrical plan that accounts for current and potential future needs. Tell your general contractor and electrician what appliances you use and where you typically plug them in. An appliance checklist will help determine what appliances will be used in your new kitchen, now and in the future. Your electrician will factor in these items when creating your electrical plan.
Communicate with your designer
All design decisions about your home impact other design decisions, so always make sure that your designer is in the loop. Even if your designer isn't providing electrical plans, your designer will make sure that your electrician knows about any selections that may impact the electrical plan and vice versa.
Here are some examples:
- Pop-up outlets require additional holes in the countertop.
- Extending your countertop to your backsplash will also increase the fabrication cost of the countertop since holes will have to be cut in the backsplash for outlets.
- Selecting a 3-dimensional tile for the backsplash can pose a challenge for installing outlets.
Electrical outlet installed on 3D tile backsplash
Be prepared to bite the bullet
When planning to remodel an older home, remember that once an electrical contractor touches the system, they MUST bring it up to code. Depending on when your home was built or last updated, this could be expensive. Addressing the update now will be better in the long run for your wallet than going through a second remodel to bring your house up to code. It will also make your home safer and increase its resale value.
A turn-of-the-century knob & tube electrical system
Elevated Outlets
If we're being honest, we have to admit that we really don't like outlets. In fact, we try to cover them when styling a space for a photo shoot, and we edit out most of the outlets we can't cover. But there are lots of new, innovative products out there that make outlets less of an eyesore, and dare we say, even cute?
So what are the alternatives? One alternative to traditional outlets are pop-up outlets. Pop-up outlets are designed with built-in moisture protection to mitigate this risk. They are installed directly on the countertop, making them more accessible for everyday use. Better yet, pop-up outlets remain hidden when not in use, maintaining a clean and seamless look.
New technology in outlets and receptacles focuses on smart and connected features, including remote control, energy monitoring, and automation. This includes smart outlets that integrate with home automation systems, allowing users to manage power consumption and automate devices.
Wireless charging technology is one of the most exciting innovations in power outlet design. This technology allows users to charge devices without the need for cables or plugs, providing a seamless and clutter-free experience.
Elevate the look of your electrical outlets and switches by making them blend seamlessly into a space, offering a balance between function and aesthetics. There are numerous ways to make outlets “disappear”.
- Disguise and hide outlets behind faux cabinetry
- Place outlets and charging stations in drawers and vanities
- Install outlet strips under the upper cabinets
- Install pop-up or flush-mount receptacles
- Integrate outlets into furniture using matching wood plates and outlet covers
- Use paintable, screwless wall plates or cover outlet plates with wallpaper
As you plan your kitchen or bathroom remodel, don’t overlook the power of thoughtful outlet placement. From keeping countertops clutter-free to accommodating modern appliances and tech, the right electrical layout can make a big impact on how your space functions day to day. Whether you’re tucking outlets inside drawers, adding USB ports to your island, or installing GFCIs near the sink, a little planning goes a long way. Talk with your designer and electrician early in the process to ensure your outlets work as hard, and as seamlessly, as the rest of your design.