The NEC (NFPA 70 2011 edition) requires GFCI receptacles in kitchens of dwelling units where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces. It does not mention a distance requirement in kitchens. The distance requirement of 1.8 meters (6 feet) is for sinks located in areas other than kitchens.
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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.
Thereof, 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.
Also to know is, What is code for outlets in kitchens? A receptacle outlet must be installed for every kitchen and dining area counter wall space 12 inches or wider. Receptacles must be installed so that no point along the counter wall space is more than 24inches (2 feet), measured horizontally, from a receptacle outlet.
Subsequently, question is, Do kitchens require special outlets? 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.
Also, What is code for GFCI outlets in kitchen?
Kitchen Countertop Surfaces: GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A 125V receptacles that serve countertop surfaces. Sinks: GFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A 125V receptacles located within 6 feet from the top inside edge of the bowl or sink.
When did GFCI become required in kitchen?
GFCI receptacles were required in houses starting in 1971. Originally they were only required at the exterior of the house and by swimming pool equipment. Over the years, GFCI receptacles have been required in more locations such as garages, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
How many receptacles can be on a kitchen circuit?
two outlets
How many GFCI do you need in a kitchen?
Requirement: Provide at least two 20-amp, 120-volt circuits to supply power to GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles for countertop and eating areas.
Are 20 amp outlets required in kitchen?
Kitchens, by code, are required to have at least two 20 amp, 120-volt circuits to be installed on every kitchen countertop. The main reason for this is so the outlet can handle enough amps to power simple kitchen cookware such as microwave ovens, toasters, and blenders.
How many GFCI are required in a kitchen?
Requirement: Provide at least two 20-amp, 120-volt circuits to supply power to GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles for countertop and eating areas. Why: The 20 amps are required (vs. 15 amp) for the higher power requirements found in kitchens. Think toaster ovens, blenders, and mixers.
Do all outlets in 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.
What type of receptacles are required in the kitchen?
Requirement: Provide at least two 20-amp, 120-volt circuits to supply power to GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles for countertop and eating areas. Why: The 20 amps are required (vs. 15 amp) for the higher power requirements found in kitchens. Think toaster ovens, blenders, and mixers.
Are GFCI outlets required in older homes?
Older homes are not required to have GFCI outlets unless the wiring is being updated, but it’s a good idea to install them anyway. The NEC requires GFCIs on all exterior and bathroom receptacles (another term for outlets). GFCIs are also required on all receptacles serving kitchen countertops.
What appliances require a 20 amp circuit?
Small Appliance Circuits 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.
How many appliances can be on a 20 amp circuit?
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.
Do you need GFCI in kitchen?
Per 210.8(A)(6), GFCI protection is required for all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles that serve kitchen countertop surfaces in a dwelling unit (Fig. 1 on page 54). GFCI protection is not required for receptacles serving appliances like dishwashers, or convenience receptacles that do not supply countertop surfaces.
Where are GFCI outlets required in a home?
The NEC mandates GFCI protection in many areas of the home: bathrooms, garages, outdoor receptacles, crawl spaces, basements, kitchens and anything within six feet of a sink or water source. While that may seem like a lot, the entirety of a home is not covered.
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