Electrical Outlet...

[Donna D.]

Has anyone ever asked for an electrical outlet be added to the top of the countertop? Humm, I really dislike dangling cords and my coffeemaker resides on the counter while camping. I was thinking of maybe one like is put on the outside...

[thoer]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Has anyone ever asked for an electrical outlet be added to the top of the countertop? Humm, I really dislike dangling cords and my coffeemaker resides on the counter while camping. I was thinking of maybe one like is put on the outside...

Donna -- do you mean flush on the surface of the countertop? I would think that a potential problem would be the ease of water getting into it?

[Vermilye]

I've replaced them in homes multiple times - they fill with crud, water when the counter is cleaned, etc. Eventually the homeowners ask to have them covered and replaced with undercounter receptacles. Not a good idea, although I do agree that cord can be a pain...

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by thoer

Donna -- do you mean flush on the surface of the countertop? I would think that a potention problem would be the ease of water getting into it?

No, not necessarily flush... but an exterior outlet type kinda like this:

[thoer]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

No, not necessarily flush... but an exterior outlet type kinda like this:

Seems like that could work, as long as it had a ground fault interrupter type outlet in it. If it is in the outside wall I think the box would have to be inside.

[Donna D.]

The problem is appliance cords cannot be longer than 2'. And, I really, really dislike extension cords. I'm just thinking out loud here. Since Escape mounts the countertop after the cabinet is put in, seems like that would be the time to cut the hole. Seems to me I remember seeing this type of thing in a mega-5th wheel....

[thoer]

You could have one in the cabinet above the countertop with the receptacles facing downward. The box would protrude into the cabinet though.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by thoer

You could have one in the cabinet above the countertop with the receptacles facing downward. The box would protrude into the cabinet though.

I thought about that too. Wonder what the distance is between the countertop and the bottom of the upper cabinet? If it's more than 2', then it wouldn't work for me. Hummm

[islandr]

Consider a flush floor mounting plug. i have seen them with covers that will possibly keep out the crud.

[Donna D.]

I found a couple of interesting fixtures. Popup from the counter, specifically designed for kitchens, laboratories, medical offices; any place liquids could spill. It's also $127. Ouch.


Then a powerstrip designed for the bottom of cabinets.

[cpaharley2008]

I asked Reace for one when I ordered my 19', he said no due to code regs and exposure to liquids. Similar to putting the window over the stove, he no can do. Instead he moved the outlet to the edge of the countertop and front kitchen cabinet. That means a short cord and you are fine. What you do later, after delivery is up to you, I have one on my mod list.

[Donna D.]

Thanks Jim. I guess I'll wait to see what you come up with!

[techfan]

We had Escape put two outlets under the counter top on both sides for our toaster oven, rice cooker and kettle, all of which have cords less than 2 feet. Works great! Escape also must comply with electrical codes. A surface mounted outlet in a kitchen is not something you see, even with a GFI.

[cpaharley2008]

I'm thinking of a surface mounted box, back at the back splash, painted to match the countertop, mounted vertical against the back, attached to the countertop with screws, access hole inside down underneath the counter wire to tap into the rear of the outlet factory front mounted outlet. It will be GFCI of course and maybe an outlet with USB also.

[Jim Bennett]

It is against code to have them mounted into countertops like you want, Donna. After you buy it you could do what you want, and if care is taken, you would have no problem with it. I would think in front would work nice too, or on the end of a cabinet run.

I only guess, as the only thing that has ever been plugged in on the inside of our trailer is a cube heater, and it goes under the dinette usually.

[ChuckS]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Has anyone ever asked for an electrical outlet be added to the top of the countertop? Humm, I really dislike dangling cords and my coffeemaker resides on the counter while camping. I was thinking of maybe one like is put on the outside...

Donna the factory will put plugs where ever you like. It is a good idea to route cords and have plug close.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by ChuckS

Donna the factory will put plugs where ever you like. It is a good idea to route cords and have plug close.

Yeah, within reason and within code Chuck. Like Jim says, even if Escape can't do it during the build, I can do what I like. As long as I don't incur the liability with my insurance company! I still like the popup connection....

[cpaharley2008]

post that link, Donna, can't find it

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

post that link, Donna, can't find it

Kitchen Power Grommet

Be sure to check out the ones at the bottom of the page Jim!

[cpaharley2008]

Thanks, Donna,
Expensive, but nice. I'm going to email them tomorrow and see if they have a 120v/usb combo available, similar to the new 120v outlets here you can plug in your devices to charge.