Kitchen Counter Plugs Code

The nec code requires at least two separate circuits to the kitchen counter top receptacles.

Kitchen counter plugs code.

A 20 amp receptacle is designed to accept the special plug on heavier use appliances and if such an appliance plugs into a 15 amp circuit there is a danger of drawing too much power and. Islands with counter spaces separated by a cooktop or sink need two outlets one on either side. Small kitchen appliance cords such as coffee pots toasters and mixers rarely have a power cord that is more than 24 inches long. Counter area receptacles may be no more than 20 inches above the countertop.

Electrical code basics and recommended practices for kitchen renovation often seem like pointless rules cooked up in an office boardroom as electrical code eventually does get hammered out across conference tables. Since it is not desirable to use an extension cord on these devices most electrical codes require a higher number of electrical outlets above a kitchen counter than anywhere else in the home. When a kitchen island is present and the countertop is more than 24 inches wide or long the island must have at least one receptacle. The kitchen code rules you need to worry about and those that local building inspectors will cite are the local codes but the model codes are helpful guides.

If installed in the side of the island cabinet it can be no lower than 12 inches below the countertop surface. The following is an explanation of the electrical code requirements for kitchen counter top receptacle circuits. Dedicated circuit required for electric range or oven must be a 40 amp 240 volt circuit or have a. Electrical code requirements for kitchen counter top receptacle circuits.

There is no danger to installing 15 amp outlet receptacles on a 20 amp circuit in fact this is the standard practice but under no circumstances should a 20 amp receptacle be installed on a 15 amp circuit.