We are remodeling a kitchen. On one wall, we have counter tops that are 36″ above the floor. On the other side, facing the counter top will be a bar. So the bar and counter top share opposite sides of a stub wall. The recommended height for breakfast bars seems to be 42″. That means there is 6″ from the top of the bar to the top of the counter. If I take away the 1 3/4″ that makes up the bar, the 1 1/2″ that is the top of the stub wall, that leaves 2 3/4″ in which to squeeze an outlet box above the counter. Outlets are about 2 1/4″ wide if placed horizontally, leaving about 1/2″ above the counter. Is that far enough above the counter?
Thanks,
Joe
Replies
you are putting too much importance into recomendations. 36" is fine for a breakfast bar. You just buy kitchen stools which are made for a 36" counter and not bar stools which are made for 42". You could also make the counter 40" which should be fine.
There’s not really a requirement for height (at least not in my area). Just needs GFCI protection, but all the plugs on kitchen counter require that regardless of height.
Those receptacles would also need to be AFCI protected if they are replacing existing or new. Its been a requirement of the NEC since 2014 that any replacement receptacle in a area that requires GFCI and or AFCI to be replaced with GFCI and or AFCI.