The Complete Guide to Kitchen Island Power Strips
Kitchen islands are immensely popular in modern home designs. They provide extra prep space, storage, and seating while defining the kitchen zone. However, a constant frustration for many homeowners is the lack of convenient electrical outlets in island locations. This often leads to unattractive and potentially dangerous power cord clutter. Fortunately, purpose-built kitchen island power strips provide a safe and aesthetically-pleasing solution.
You'll learn the different types available, important features to look for, complete installation instructions, creative design ideas to integrate them seamlessly into your kitchen, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Types of Kitchen Island Power Strips
Island power strips come in several styles to suit different layouts and preferences.
Compact Power Strips
Compact power strips are thin, streamlined options designed to fit in small spaces. They usually have 2-4 outlets and 1-2 USB ports. The compact and versatile design works well for minimalist kitchen islands without much surface area. However, they offer less power expansion compared to larger strips.
Under Cabinet Power Strips
Under cabinet strips mount to the bottom of an island counter to hide the strip when not in use. They feature a flip-down panel to access 4-6 outlets and multiple USB ports. While convenient for keeping cords hidden, under cabinet strips offer limited outlet access since appliances need to be placed near the island edge.
Corner Power Strips
Corner power strips are L-shaped to neatly fit a kitchen island corner. They generally include rotatable outlets and ports that you can orient based on appliance locations. Corner strips maximize island real estate since they don't occupy much linear space, but often cost more than basic models.
Other Power Strip Styles
Some other island power strip options include pop-up strips that emerge from drawers, pull-out strips incorporated into cabinetry, and strips with pendant lighting fixtures to disguise dangling cords. These innovative styles cater to a range of design preferences and island configurations.
Key Features to Consider
With many power strip varieties available, keep these factors in mind when selecting one for your kitchen island:
Number and Types of Outlets
Consider how many electrical and USB outlets your require based on intended island appliance usage. Most standard strips offer 4-6 AC outlets and 2-4 USB ports. This accommodates several countertop appliances like mixers, microwaves, and coffee machines while charging mobile devices. Plan outlet quantity based on your unique needs.
Power and Safety Features
Select a strip with essential power features like surge protection and GFCI outlets. Surge protectors prevent voltage spikes from damaging appliances. GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets provide electrocution and shock protection in kitchen environments. Also choose strips with cord management features to eliminate tripping hazards.
Dimensions and Mounting
Consider the shape and size of your island when selecting a strip scale. Measure the usable counter depth and length to calculate space for outlets. Also factor in overhead cabinets when choosing strip heights, ensuring enough clearance. Most strips include mounting hardware for installing below counter surfaces.
Aesthetics and Design
Today's power strips cater to a range of design aesthetics. Choose options in finishes like stainless steel, black, bronze, or white that complement other kitchen decor and hardware. Also consider strips with curved shapes, decorative backsplashes, or dimmable outlet lighting for design appeal.
Installation Guide
When correctly installed, an island power strip blends seamlessly into kitchen design. Use this guide for proper setup:
Planning and Preparation
Consult your local building codes regarding kitchen electrical requirements before installing your strip. Have needed tools on hand like drills, screwdrivers, and mounting hardware. Carefully measure the underside of your counter to mark an accurate cutout for wire access. We recommend having an electrician connect wiring to ensure proper electrical load support and GFCI protection.
Mounting the Power Strip
First, turn off power at the main electrical panel. Make necessary cutouts then secure the strip chassis using provided or recommended mounting brackets. Feed electrical wires from the supply through the cutout to be connected. Connect the ground first, then neutral wires, then live wires to complete circuitry. Ensure no bare wire is exposed.
Completing the Installation
Finish by testing each outlet individually with a multimeter to verify correct wiring. Use adhesive cord guides beneath the counter to neatly channel appliance cords. Confirm GFCI functionality and reset buttons are easily accessible after mounting. Verify correct polarity, grounding, and torque all electrical connections before use.
Style Ideas and Inspiration
Design your island power strip installation to complement your kitchen motif with these creative ideas:
Matching Kitchen Aesthetic
Select strip sizes, shapes and finish colors to effortlessly blend with existing kitchen hardware and style from vintage to contemporary. Curved strips help soften modern designs while rectangular outlets fit cleanly into minimalist rooms.
Creative Cord Management
Use clever techniques like pendant lights or removable custom covers to mask dangling appliance cords. For permanent concealment, install cord ducts inside cabinetry to discretely guide wires. Under-lit glass shelves and recessed power cubbies also discretely supply island outlets.
Gallery of Example Setups
We've curated a photo gallery showing island power strips incorporated using suggested tips like matching finishes, mounting orientation and discreet cord management tailored to kitchen layout and cabinetry.
FAQ
Review common questions about safety considerations, installation challenges, design ideas and power strip features:
Is it safe to install an island power strip myself?
For safety, an electrician should connect wiring. However, safely mounting your purchased strip just involves basic tools and following manufacturer guidelines.
What's the best way to mount strips under stone or marble countertops?
Use a diamond core drill bit to cut holes through dense surfaces without cracking. This allows cleanly routing cords from bottom-mounted strips through the cutout opening.
Can I incorporate wireless charging into a power strip?
Select strips are now available with built-in wireless charging pads. Or install standalone charging pads nearby to eliminate device cables around your kitchen.
How do I hide power strip cords?
Use tape cord guides mounted under cabinets, outlet covers like brushed aluminum boxes, or conduit inside cabinet builds for hidden wire management.
Adding a kitchen island power strip during remodeling or new construction is a worthwhile investment. The safety, convenience and design options covered here allow you to seamlessly incorporate power outlets and USB charging into your dream kitchen. Just be sure to assess your family's outlet and charging needs and consult electrical experts when installing to safely unleash full island potential.