What is the NEC code for kitchen outlets?
In kitchens, electrical outlets should be placed no farther than 48 inches apart, so that no point on the countertop is more than 24 inches away from a receptacle. Any countertop 12 inches wide or more should have an outlet on the wall behind the countertop.
What kind of circuit is required for kitchen counter top receptacles?
Atop your counter-top you will need two dedicated 20-amp, 120/125-volt circuits to run your small appliance loads, including devices such toasters, electric griddles, coffee pots, blenders, etc. Two circuits are the minimum required by Code; you can also install more if your needs require them.
Am I required to have receptacles on a kitchen countertop?
Countertops require an electrical receptacle to be placed a minimum of 2 feet from a wall or end of the countertop and another no more than 4 feet from it, if the countertop is greater than 4 feet in length but less than 6 feet in length there must be 2 electrical receptacles.
Can you put an outlet in a countertop?
Pop up outlets are an alternative solution, and can be concealed in the counter where they are less noticeable. You can also put them in the bottom of your cabinets, they are hidden when not in use, but pop down when needed. Consider pop up outlets for ALL of your electrical needs.
Does every outlet in a kitchen need to be GFCI?
Kitchens: All receptacles serving countertop areas and any receptacle within 6 feet of a sink must have GFCI protection. Laundry, utility, and wet bar sinks: Where receptacles are placed within 6 feet of the outside edge of the sink, they require GFCI protection.
How many receptacles can be on a kitchen circuit?
two
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that kitchens have at least two separate 20-amp, 120-volt circuits for counter-top outlets, which must also be no more than 4 feet apart. If you’re remodeling, consult your electrician and decide where your appliances will go during the planning phase.
How many receptacles are required on a kitchen counter?
A countertop that is 4 feet wide requires only one receptacle outlet. Two receptacles must be installed if the counter space is wider than 4 feet. Unless the counter is less than 12 inches wide, the 2-foot rule is applicable.
How far above a counter should an outlet be?
between 15 and 20 inches
On countertop outlets, it is standard to install outlet boxes so the tops are between 15 and 20 inches from the countertop surface. Make sure all outlet boxes are set at exactly the same height, since these outlets will be highly visible.
What is the maximum height above a counter that a countertop receptacle may be located?
20 inches
Unless meeting this section’s exception, receptacle outlets must be located above, but not more than 20 inches (500 mm) above, the countertop. The maximum height for countertop receptacles was changed in the 2002 NEC.
How many outlets can 1 GFCI protect?
There’s no limit. A standard GFCI will protect up to 20 amps, drawn from any combination of receptacles, either the built-in one or any number of additional ones connected to its load terminals.
Does a kitchen island need a dedicated circuit?
There must be at least two dedicated circuits for these countertops and eating area outlets. Remember, the countertop outlets should not be farther than four feet apart. There is a minimum of two 20-amp, 120-volt dedicated circuits, wired with 12-2 and/or 12-3 cable.
How many receptacles can I put on a 20 amp kitchen circuit?
10 receptacles
One rule of thumb is to assign a maximum draw of 1.5 amps to each receptacle, which allows for 10 receptacles on a 20-amp circuit.
What is the maximum distance between 2 kitchen countertop receptacles?
The requirement for counter spaces can be thought of as the “2-foot rule.” Since the maximum distance to a countertop receptacle is 2 feet (600 millimeters), the maximum distance between two receptacles is doubled. Therefore, the maximum distance between two receptacles for counter spaces is 4 feet (1.2 meters).
Do all kitchen outlets need to be GFCI?
All countertop receptacle outlets must be protected by a GFCI device installed at the outlet or by GFCI circuit breakers. A kitchen must have two 20-amp circuits for countertop appliances. There should be countertop receptacles installed so that no point along the counter is more than 2 ft. from an outlet.
What is the standard height for outlets in a kitchen?
about 43 inches
Kitchen receptacles install above the backsplash of counter tops. This makes the correct height about 43 inches from the bottom of the box to the floor.
How high should a receptacle be from a countertop?
Can I put a GFCI anywhere in a circuit?
You can replace almost any electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet. While it’s common to find GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens, there are GFCI outlet requirements. The electrical code also requires GFCIs in unfinished basements, garages, most outdoor receptacles and places where construction activity occurs.
What size breaker do I need for kitchen appliances?
The size of the circuit breaker running the appliances in the kitchen is important. Most kitchen appliances should have their own dedicated 15-amp to 20-amp circuit. Some things that do not pull as much power, like small appliances plus lighting may be wired to a single circuit breaker.
Can you run Romex in cabinets?
The National Electrical Code requires that plastic-sheathed cable (commonly called Romex) be protected in areas where it’s subject to abuse. If you can run the plastic-sheathed cable high in the cabinets or behind drawers, you may not need conduit.
