When it comes to renovating kitchens, homeowners usually try to take as much care of their external appearance as possible. This might involve installing innovative gadgets, adding advanced lighting solutions, or choosing the perfect countertops and cabinetry. But sometimes people forget to consider the behind-the-scenes of their culinary place — a network of electrical systems that power every single appliance, light, and gadget.
Everyone who plans to renovate a kitchen should be aware of the local electric code for the kitchen, not only in order to obtain permits and approvals but also to ensure the safety of their home and family. Yes, kitchen electrical code isn’t only about making the inspector happy or getting an “approved” stamp for legal requirements.
In this article, we’ll discuss all you need to know about kitchen electrical codes and offer safety tips to help you keep your kitchen running safely and smoothly.
In simple terms, the kitchen electrical code is a regulation from the local authorities about the way electrical systems should be installed and maintained in the kitchen. Usually, the codes are different for various regions and states, but they are all based on one common principle — to ensure the safety and functionality of your kitchen’s electrical infrastructure. And to do so, it’s important to cover all the electrical aspects of the kitchen, including different types of outlets and circuits, the placement and protection of wiring, and the specifications for electrical appliances.
Most of the local codes operate according to the National Electrical Code (NEC), or NFPA 70, both of which are standards for safe electrical wiring. The purpose of their guidelines is to protect people and their properties from electrical hazards. For example, according to the NEC guidelines, it’s mandatory to use GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in kitchens, particularly near sinks and countertops.
However, this is just one kitchen outlet code among the various electrical requirements that can save your house from risks and help you avoid expensive repairs.
In general, the requirements of the kitchen electrical code apply to different types of kitchen counter electrical outlets. But regardless of what kind of electrical system you have in your kitchen, you need to keep these requirements in mind to make sure your house is protected and to avoid getting fined after your renovations.
Here are some of the most common types of kitchen counter outlets and relevant NEC requirements:
The capacity and safety of your outlets and circuits directly depend on the specific amps and voltage. That’s why you should be aware of the requirements related to this factor. Usually, the standard is using either a 15 amp vs 20 amp outlet. Among these two options, 15 outlet amps are suitable for lighter appliances we use generally, such as lamps and toasters. Unlike them, 20 amp outlets are more efficient for heavier kitchen appliances, such as microwaves and blenders.
This means that when it comes to kitchen appliances, you should choose between a 15 amp outlet vs 20 amp outlet based on their strength. That way, you can easily avoid overloading circuits, which can lead to electrical fires or damage to appliances.
One more important electrical code requirement is to have a proper Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter or GFCI in kitchen. The reason is that GFCI outlets in kitchen play an important role in protecting your kitchen from serious accidents where electrical faults could lead to fires. As a result, the National Electrical Code (NEC) demands GFCI protection for all types of kitchen outlets near water sources, such as sinks and countertops.
Therefore, according to kitchen GFCI requirements, whether it’s 15 amp vs 20 amp GFCI, it must be in line with the kitchen GFCI code, so that the power can be shut off immediately when a ground fault is detected.
If you plan to install a kitchen island in your house, you should be extra careful because it includes a counter space running alongside a wall. As a general rule, all types of kitchen islands must have at least one 20-amp kitchen receptacle to accommodate the power needs of various appliances. That’s exactly how you can ensure that your kitchen counter electrical outlets are suitable for cooking and preparation activities.
The distance between GFCIs is a no less important factor when it comes to being in line with the kitchen electrical code requirements. Based on the NEC mandates, the distance between countertop receptacles shouldn’t be more than 48 inches. This, in turn, means that no point along the kitchen countertops can be more than 24 inches from a receptacle.
Are tamper-resistant outlets required in the same way as GFCI outlets in kitchens? Yes, the National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates for all 15 amp and 20 amp outlets to be tamper-resistant. This means that they should include built-in safety shutters that automatically block foreign objects from the receptacle.
One of the main reasons for having such a kitchen electrical code is to protect children and reduce the risk of electrical shocks in general, which are quite common in modern kitchen electrical systems.
Note that having tamper-resistant outlets is mandatory in the following areas: kitchen countertops, kitchen islands, walls, hallways, and small appliance circuits.
You should also be careful when adhering to kitchen electrical codes when it comes to dishwashers. Similar to most other kitchen appliances, dishwashers also require either a 15-amp or 20-amp circuit. Here as well, it’s mandatory to have GFCI protection, as well as AFCI protection, which means the circuit must be protected against both ground faults and arc faults. The main purpose of this dual protection is the same — to prevent electrical shocks and potential fire hazards.
Note that the standard type of cable for 15-amp circuits is 14/2 cable and therefore, if you prefer 20-amp circuits, you should use 12/2 cable to handle the increased load effectively.
Wiring for large appliances is a little bit different from that for smaller kitchen devices. Major kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves, require circuits known as “dedicated” circuits, which means that they are meant for a specific large appliance in your kitchen. For instance, a refrigerator should have its own dedicated circuit to handle its power needs without sharing the load with other devices. As a result, all large appliances will work effectively, without any risks.
Naturally, these dedicated circuits come with both GFCI and AFCI protection.
Considering that there are a lot of requirements regarding the kitchen electrical code, it’s natural to wonder why you need to follow these regulations at all and what the costs of ignoring them are. The main reason why the local authorities demand being in line with the National Electrical Code is that otherwise installing various electrical appliances might pose certain safety risks. Therefore, they serve the homeowners and protect them from the dangers associated with improper electrical installations.
Here are some of the most common risks of ignoring the electrical code for kitchen:
Now, as you already know the demands of the electric code for the kitchen, it’s time to learn how to take precautions and avoid unwanted accidents. Here are some safety tips for kitchen electrical safety that you shouldn’t miss if you want to keep your kitchen safe:
If you find it hard to follow these tips and require professional assistance for your kitchen remodels, don’t hesitate to contact Prada Builders Group. Our expert kitchen remodeling contractors will make sure your electrical system is in line with the national code.
