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#1 |
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New Guy
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Northeast OK
Posts: 19
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Kitchen Circuits
Is there a limit on the number of outlets in a kitchen on a circuil for normal backsplash outlets? I think codes says there must be at least 2 circuits for the kitchen area (outlets and refrig I believe), but I can't find anything yet on how many backsplash outlets can be on a circuit. I generally use the rule of thumb of 8-10 on a non-kitchen circuit - but haven't done many kitchen additions so want to make sure. Thanks for helping me be lazy today
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#2 |
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Thom
Trade: General Contractor/Homebuilder
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 3,194
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
You didn't state the code you use so I will assume IRC.
To answer your question, "Is there a limit....?" Yes, there is a limit. Your other assumption about the two circuits, one receptacles and one refrig is wrong. There are a whole bunch of rules about electric in kitchens. You really need to read the rule book on this one. Last edited by thom; 04-15-2007 at 08:51 PM. |
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#3 |
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New Guy
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Northeast OK
Posts: 19
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
Thanks Thom - I realize there are bunch of rules, but at this time I am only concerned with Outlets in the backsplash. Hopefully someone can answer ... back to reading the code (NEC 2005) for now.
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#4 |
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DGR,IABD
Trade: Electrical; Commercial and Residential Service
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Central PA
Posts: 9,680
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
The IRC and the NEC are mute on the number of receptacles along the kitchen countertop. Different under the CEC, if you happen to be up there.
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#5 |
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Thom
Trade: General Contractor/Homebuilder
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 3,194
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
Once again you are correct MD. We have some very specific requirements. They are local (state) additions.
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#6 |
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New Guy
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Northeast OK
Posts: 19
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
I think I found what I needed in 210.52 ... Receptacles installed in a kitchen to serve countertop surfaces shall be supplied by not fewer than two small-appliance branch circuits.
So you are correct that the number of outlets on a given branch is silent, but at least 2 circuits are required. I will check local requirements as I have heard that only 2 outlets are allowed on a branch. Problem with this remodel is the kitchen is huge and will require around 16 outlets - so that might be 8 seperate branch circuits depending on local code requirements. |
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#7 |
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Service & Repairs
Trade: Electrician
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Rahway, New Jersey
Posts: 3,998
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
Two, 20 AMP small appliance branch circuits for the kitchen countertop receptacles is the bare minimum. As is the entire NEC for that matter. You say this is a big kitchen. Why do it on the cheap? Perhaps you can run 3, or 4 circuits to the countertop and avoid any possible overloads after the walls are closed up. I would also suggest separate 20 AMP circuits for the microwave, refridgerator, and any other neat things that demand alot of current. You will most likely need a few ckts for a dishwasher and garbage disposal too. Also, some of the new vent hoods require their own separate 20 AMP circuit as well.
Good luck! |
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#8 | |
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Service & Repairs
Trade: Electrician
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Rahway, New Jersey
Posts: 3,998
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Re: Kitchen CircuitsQuote:
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#9 |
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Thom
Trade: General Contractor/Homebuilder
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 3,194
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
And, check for local additions to your code. Our additions include:
Max 4 recepts per circuit Min 2 circuits Countertop recept circuits may not extend elsewhere Dedicated circuit for dishwasher/disposal Dedicated circuit for microwave (if built in) Dedicated circuit for any other built-ins (compactor,???) Refrig on another circuit (not kitchen stuff), I just do dedicated Lights may not be run off circuits listed above. |
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#10 |
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Pro
Trade: GC/ Interior & Exterior Remodeling
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bergen County, NJ
Posts: 1,878
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
Every counter top needs a GFI . no more than 2 ft apart. IRC E3801.4.1
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#11 |
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DGR,IABD
Trade: Electrical; Commercial and Residential Service
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Central PA
Posts: 9,680
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Re: Kitchen Circuits |
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#12 |
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Pro
Trade: GC/ Interior & Exterior Remodeling
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bergen County, NJ
Posts: 1,878
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
No point on the counter is more than 24" in any horizontal direction from a receptacle or 4' apart. With exceptions for corner sinks and ranges. Hows that MD?
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#13 |
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DGR,IABD
Trade: Electrical; Commercial and Residential Service
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Central PA
Posts: 9,680
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Re: Kitchen Circuits |
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#14 |
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Union Electrician
Trade: Inside Wireman
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Salt Lake City
Posts: 1,217
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
There is no limit to number of outlets, only common sense. But 2 small appliance circuits are required......
Just remember that kitchens use a lot of power . And that 2 circuit minimum rule is based on the smallest kithchen around. |
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#15 |
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New Guy
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Northeast OK
Posts: 19
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
Thanks everyone for the posts. This is a large kitchen and I am working with the electrician on how many circuits. We'll get it right - I don't like skimping on electrical outlets and its much easier/cheaper to add more circuits now than once this is finished up.
Appreciate all the looks and posts. |
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#16 | |
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Service & Repairs
Trade: Electrician
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Rahway, New Jersey
Posts: 3,998
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Re: Kitchen CircuitsQuote:
And instead of a receptacle needed at every wall space more than 24", for a kitchen countertop the rule is 12". That's the best way to remember the rule, IMHO. |
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#17 |
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Union Electrician
Trade: Inside Wireman
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Salt Lake City
Posts: 1,217
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
That was a very simplified way to remember something Mag
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#18 |
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Pro
Trade: residential (marine) piers
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Tidewater Virginia
Posts: 205
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
deleted
Last edited by bill r; 04-18-2007 at 03:17 PM. |
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#19 |
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MFWIC
Trade: house painter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: alta california
Posts: 490
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
Ham,
I'd get the client involved, too... I oncegave all my builtins proper circuit & split two to each side of a kinda smaller kitchen and was called back in for tripping breakers... Client dumped ALL their plug in stuff at one place AND proceeded to use it all at once. I was very lucky... buildup and also service were right below. r |
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#20 |
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New Guy
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Northeast OK
Posts: 19
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Re: Kitchen Circuits
Solution is 2 outlets per circuit for the kitchen. Local code mandates it and I think it is reasonable given the potential load of appliances and I want to be sure I don't have tripped breakers
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