ᐅ Kitchen Island – with Power! A Thought Experiment...

How did you solve the problem of supplying power to the island?

Let me run through my idea.

The island consists of two cabinets measuring 80cm x 60cm (31.5 inches x 24 inches) and behind them two more at 80cm x 37cm (31.5 inches x 15 inches). This creates a work surface of about 1.60m x 1m (5.25 ft x 3.3 ft).

My idea would be to install built-in electrical boxes on the left and right in the 60cm (24 inches) deep cabinets, positioned at the upper rear side panels ("sidewalls"). Behind them would be a tall drawer to allow enough space for the electrical boxes.

Or…

I could space the back panels 10cm (4 inches) apart, fastening them at that distance with perforated metal strips, creating a total surface of 1.60m x 1.10m (5.25 ft x 3.6 ft). In the resulting gap, I could neatly install electrical boxes on both sides (again, inside the side panels) and arrange the drawers as I want.

Unfortunately, IKEA side panels wouldn’t fit this setup, but since my kitchen is glossy red, black side panels that I can get in one piece at the hardware store, with edge banding applied, also look quite good.

Am I missing something?

I don’t understand. Stringers are the sides, but that doesn’t fit the context—how is it meant? What do you mean by a flush-mounted box? What is the electricity needed for?

Hello,

I think these are supposed to be power outlets, for example for a hand mixer or similar. I would consider installing a pop-up socket in the countertop instead, as I find that more practical.
I’m not sure about the safety aspects of using hollow wall boxes alongside standard flush-mounted boxes inside a piece of furniture (protection against electric shock)...
Regards,
IKEA-Freund

I don’t understand. "Wangen" means the sides, but that doesn’t fit the context—how is it meant?
What do you mean by a mounting box?
What is the electricity needed for?

Hello IKEA expert, sorry for the confusion.

By "Wangen" I mean the side panels that I screw on additionally. In my case, a high-gloss side or a board from the hardware store.

By mounting box, I mean this:

You can always use electricity. When you’re chopping something on the island, you’ll need a mixer or something like that.
Do you have another idea?

Hello,

I think these are meant to be power outlets, for example for a hand mixer or similar. I would consider installing a retractable outlet box in the countertop instead, as I find that more practical.
I’m not sure about the safety aspects of using shallow electrical boxes combined with standard flush-mounted boxes inside a piece of furniture (protection against accidental contact)...
Best regards,
IKEA-Freund

I don’t want to cut anything into the countertop. First, it’s stone, and second, dirt...
If something spills, it shouldn’t be able to seep in. The best place would be on the side. A friend of mine is an electrician and will take another look at it, and I’m professionally allowed to work with up to 1000 V.

I don’t understand. Stringers are the sides, but that doesn’t seem to fit the context. Or how is it meant?

I would basically NOT screw the island back to back, but leave about 10cm (4 inches) of space between and secure it firmly with longer perforated metal strips. The gap created allows for easy installation of cables and electrical boxes. Especially the boxes require a good 7-8cm (3-3¼ inches) of space (diameter).