Good morning! I understand your situation. Let's break this down and address your contractor's claim and your proposed alternative solutions.

Regarding Receptacles Under Overhangs



NEC and Countertop Receptacle Placement

The NEC does have specific requirements for receptacle placement above countertops in dwelling units (residential kitchens, etc.). These requirements are primarily found in

NEC 210.52(C). However, you're dealing with a commercial kitchenette. While the spirit of some residential rules can apply to commercial spaces sometimes, the exact wording and requirements of 210.52(C) typically do not directly apply to commercial settings. No General Prohibition



There is no blanket prohibition in the NEC that says receptacles cannot be placed under an overhang greater than 6 inches in a commercial kitchenette. Contractor's Reasoning

Your contractor might be concerned about a few things (and you should ask them directly to clarify their interpretation):

Accessibility

They might be thinking that if the overhang is too deep, it becomes difficult or awkward to plug in appliances. This is a valid practical concern, but not a strict code requirement. The goal is to have receptacles that are readily accessible.

Cord Strain/Damage

A very deep overhang could potentially create a situation where a cord is sharply bent or pinched as it comes out of the receptacle, potentially damaging the cord over time.

Moisture

The overhang provides a degree of moisture protection, which is great as these are often in close proximity to a sink.

NEC Requirements that Might Be Relevant (but are not specifically about overhangs)



210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel

Likely very relevant in a commercial kitchenette, especially if there's a sink nearby. GFCI protection is critical.

110.3(B) Installation and Use

Electrical equipment must be installed and used according to its listing and labeling. This means following any manufacturer's instructions that could relate to mounting locations.

Article 406 Receptacles, Cord Connectors, and Attachment Plugs (Caps)

This article has general requirements for receptacles, including mounting and installation, but it doesn't contain specific restrictions related to overhangs.

Analyzing Your Design and Alternatives



Your Image

I reviewed the drawing you linked. The overhang appears to be a reasonable size.

Wing Wall Receptacles



Challenges

You're right – running conduit/MC cable to receptacles in the wing walls presents a challenge. You need a pathway for the wiring.

Solutions



Hollow Cavity

This is a good idea, but you MUST coordinate VERY closely with the cabinet maker to ensure they provide adequate space and that the cavity is accessible for wiring. They should provide access panels.

Knee Wall

A knee wall is another good option. This gives you a dedicated space for the electrical boxes and wiring. It might affect the aesthetics of the design.

Surface-Mounted Conduit/Raceway

If aesthetics are less of a concern, you could potentially use surface-mounted metal or non-metallic conduit or a raceway system. This is often a more economical and easier-to-install option.

Recommendations and Next Steps


Talk to Your Contractor

Don't just accept their statement at face value. Ask them to specifically cite the NEC section they are interpreting and explain why they believe it applies to your situation. Politely challenge them to show you the code. Their reasoning may be based on local amendments, which are more strict.2.

Review the NEC Yourself

Familiarize yourself with the sections I've mentioned (210.8, Article 406). Knowing the basics of the code will help you have a more informed discussion.
3.

Consider Accessibility

Even if the NEC doesn't prohibit the receptacle placement, consider how easy it will be for users to plug in and unplug appliances with the overhang in place.4.

Think About Cord Management

How will cords be routed to avoid strain or damage?5.

Coordinate with Cabinet Maker

If you go with wing wall receptacles, get detailed* drawings and specifications from the cabinet maker to ensure the wiring cavities are adequate.6.

Consider a Local Electrical Inspection

Have a discussion with a local electrical inspector. They will have the final say on what is acceptable in your jurisdiction. They can offer guidance and clarify any local interpretations of the NEC.7.

Documentation

Document all decisions, including code references, discussions with the contractor, and agreements with the cabinet maker.

In summary: The NEC does not have a specific restriction on receptacle placement based solely on the depth of an overhang in a commercial kitchenette. However, accessibility, cord management, and potential for moisture are all valid concerns that should be considered. The key is to have an informed discussion with your contractor, understand the NEC requirements, and find a solution that meets both code and practical needs.I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions. Good luck! Flag for review