One electrician told me that armored cable (BX) wiring must be used in a kitchen island cabinet. Another electrician told me that simple Romex is fine. Which is it? Does the NEC require BX in kitchen islands?
Wiring – Does the NEC require armored cable in kitchen islands
kitchenswiring
Related Topic
- Electrical – Does the NEC define a “dining room”? 210.52(B)(1)
- Wiring – GFCI outlet in cabinet above under-cabinet range hood
- Kitchens – mount kitchen island countertop supports to the cabinet back panel
- Electrical – run #14 armored cable behind baseboards
- Wiring – Do You Need to Use a Cable Connector for the Back of a Box?
Best Answer
The relevant NEC is 334.15B
This is more of a "It's a really good idea if you do this" area (with regards to the island). It depends a LOT on the design of the island itself. I've seen BX wires that were overkill and I've seen NM wires that were unsafe the way they were routed.
What I would do is find an electrician who isn't in the Always BX camp. Look at the design with them and figure out if there's anything that could cause damage to the wire. If it's always going to be in an inside corner, the risk is low enough you could get away with NM (and I would say most islands could). If the wire will have to run tight to, say, metal tracks for a drawer (where it could make contact), then run BX to be safe.