What’s the Buzz on Kitchen Electrical Code Requirements?
The electrical codes are updated every three years to match the modern kitchen requirements. Always check with the local authorities for the electrical code requirements.
A kitchen consumes the most electricity than any other room in the house. It has several electric appliances requiring proper wiring and outlet installation by a professional electrician for their safe operation. When a homeowner builds a new kitchen or remodels the existing one, they have to follow the electrical code requirements to ensure their new kitchen is up to the code.
Electrical codes are general guidelines meant to protect the homeowners and ensure safe electrical practices. Most states and municipalities follow the National Electrical Code (NEC), created and updated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Some individual communities can also have their standards. The electrical codes are updated every three years to match the modern kitchen requirements. Always check with the local authorities for the electrical code requirements.
GFCI circuits for small appliances
The code requires the electrician to provide two 20-amp, 120 volts circuits for powering GFCI outlets for eating areas and countertops. The kitchen has higher power requirements due to the multiple kitchen appliances. If there is only one circuit, it will have to bear the entire load. The NEC ensures that the home has sufficient outlets to eliminate the need for power cords. The electrical outlet should not be more than 4 feet apart, and the height should not be more than 20-inch from the surface counter.
Lighting circuit
Minimum one 15-amp, the 120-volt circuit should be there to ensure the kitchen has a permanent source of artificial light. Light fixtures require less amperage. Increase the amperage if the kitchen needs more lighting. The code does not require the lighting circuit to be on GFCI.
Distance between GFCI and countertops
The space should not exceed 48 inches. Homeowners can install more GFCI outlets at a height of fewer than 48 inches. It prevents the homeowner from stretching a cord too much to plug in small appliances.
Code requirements for tamper-resistant outlets
All the 15 and 20-amp outlets need to be tamper-resistant on the countertops, walls, small appliance circuits, and hallway space. These outlets have the initials TR on the outlet’s front yoke for easy identification. The requirement for installing these outlets with a strong shutter inside was to prevent the young kids from getting an electrical shock due to putting conductive items into these outlets.
Dishwasher circuit
A dedicated GFCI circuit is required for dishwashers. For example, a 15-amp 120-volt circuit needs a 14/2 cable. Those who require a higher amperage circuit can change the outlet and cable accordingly. A separate circuit is required so that when it trips off, it does not cut the power supply to other appliances.
Microwave circuit
A microwave has a higher power requirement and needs a 20-amp, 120-volt circuit, and a 12/2 cable for wiring.
Electric range circuit
Electric ranges are one of the highest power drawers in the kitchen. For them, a 50-amp, 120/240-volt dedicated circuit is required with an appropriately wired cable. The circuit need not be GFCI.
Garbage disposal circuit
It requires a similar circuit as a dishwasher, a 15-amp, 120-volt dedicated circuit. The garbage disposals need a high initial surge, and if used with other appliances, it can trip the breaker, turning them off.
Get the kitchen up to date
Local electrical contractors are aware of the kitchen electric code requirements. Hire an electrician to ensure the electric system is safe and up to code.
Kennedy Electric is a reliable full-service electrical company serving residential and commercial customers in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties. We offer electrical repairs, boat lift wiring, remodels, low voltage lighting, generator hookups, RV power, electrical inspections, fan installation, home lighting, new circuits, panels, and more. Call today at 352-251-2795.
