To help optimize the kitchen’s function, you might find that a few outlets installed on the kitchen’s island might be the perfect solution. Today, we at Burley Electrical Services would like to offer a few steps on how to take on this project.
Are Electrical Outlets Required in Kitchen Island?
Islands are generally placed in the center of the kitchen, or at least the center of the work area. For design creativity in many of today’s kitchens, the kitchen island is a focal point. To help you to make the most of your counter space, adding an electrical outlet to your island enhances the efficiency of your kitchen. You need to determine the right type of outlet to meet your needs before you start the outlet installation process. Your options generally include the following.
Are USB Outlets Worth It?
To add a convenient charging station to your kitchen island, a USB outlet will provide this. To help match your island and kitchen décor., there are many finishes to choose from. For functionality without taking away from the look of your island, you can use a pop-up outlet with USB charging.
Recessed Outlet
The recessed outlet will prevent the unsightly appearance of protruding connectors and plugs with a faceplate that is set deeper into the island than a regular outlet. The kitchen island has streamlined look.
Pop Up Outlets
To keep a low profile until you need to use, this is an ideal option. The outlet lays flush against the island countertop when not in use. To gain easy access to the receptacle, you only have to push on the outlet.
How Electrical Outlets are Installed on a Kitchen Island
After you have the right outlet, below are the steps to install electricity to a kitchen island.
1) Where you need the electrical wiring, we use a cordless drill and a 3/8-inch drill bit to drill a hole through the kitchen floor. We then place a strip of masking tape over the tile and use a masonry drill instead to protect the surrounding tile, should you have ceramic tile.
2) Making sure to drill as close to the floor as possible we drill 3/8-inch holes through the floor joists between the hole we made in the floor and the closest electrical junction box from crawl space. You can better trace the circuit from the box to the electrical panel and replace the existing breaker switch with the necessary GFCI circuit breaker.
3) Run correct amperage 3-core wire from the junction box to the holes in the floor joists and then up through the hole in the kitchen floor. To secure the wire to the floor, we hammer insulated cable staples in two-foot intervals.
4) Where the electrical wire will go, we drill the holes in the island. Directly on the island, we measure and mark the hole for the GFCI outlet. With a saber saw, we drill ¼-inch holes in the corners and cut out a clear opening.
5) Through the island to the cutout, we thread the electrical wire up as you position the island as you want it, and the outside of the outlet opening, we secure the wire’s end with masking tape.
6) To secure the island to the floor, the kitchen island manufacturer’s instructions must be followed.
7) On the electrical panel, we install the GFCI circuit breaker and complete the connections between the junction box and the island’s GFCI outlet.
Electrical Fixture Installations, Upgrades & More in Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
Electricity can be extremely dangerous for those who do not have a basic background. If you have no experience in the field, call Burley Electrical Service, Inc and we will ensure it is done safely and efficiently. For more information, you can also visit www.burleyelectric.com.
