Counter receptacles every 24 in (so no point > 24 in from one); countertops ≥ 12 in wide
2025 RCNYS §E3901.4.1 Kitchen countertop receptacles — every 24 inDescription
On wall countertops + work surfaces 12 in or wider, receptacle outlets must be installed so no point along the wall line is more than 24 in (measured horizontally) from a receptacle. Receptacles must be located ON or ABOVE the countertop (not more than 20 in above), or in listed in-counter / in-surface assemblies. Receptacles behind a range / cooktop / sink are excluded from the count. At least 2 of the kitchen counter receptacles must be on small-appliance branch circuits (20 A); the small-appliance circuits may not serve other rooms.
Why this exists
Kitchens have the heaviest receptacle density in the home. The 24-in spacing means an outlet every 48 in along the counter wall. Architects designing islands should include receptacles in the island per E3901.4.2 — required if a peninsula or island has any work-surface use.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
maxSpacing | max | 24 | in | Max distance from any counter point to a receptacle |
countertopMin | min | 12 | in | Min countertop width requiring receptacle |
maxHeightAbove | max | 20 | in | Max height above counter for the receptacle |
Categories
Applies to
- Jurisdiction: New York State
Source
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
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- Smoke alarms must be 10 ft horizontal from cooking appliances (6 ft minimum where geometry forces it) · 2025 RCNYS §R310.3.1 Smoke alarm distance from cooking appliances
- New attached garages must have heat detection (interconnected to dwelling alarms) · 2025 RCNYS §R310.2.3 Heat detection in attached garages
- Carbon monoxide alarms required per Fire Code of New York State §915 · 2025 RCNYS §R311.1 Carbon monoxide alarms
- EV charging systems must be installed per NFPA 70 with disconnecting means per FC NY §611 · 2025 RCNYS §R317.6 Electric vehicle charging
Last reviewed 2026-05-15.