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It's highly recommended.
If you have two appliances that consume 1100 watts each, like a microwave and a coffee machine, that's already 20 amps right there (assuming North American voltage).
Don't forget to use outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) near any area that may get wet.
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Kitchen counters use a three wire split receptacle. The common tie bar on the hot side of the receptacle is removed. The red wire is connected to the top terminal and the black wire of the three wire cable it connected to the bottom terminal of the receptacle. The white wire is connected as in all receptacles to the silver coloured screws on the receptacle. The bare copper ground wire connects to the green ground screw This gives you a full 15 amps on the top half of the receptacle and a full 15 amps on the bottom of the receptacle. This is a dedicated circuit that goes directly back to the distribution panel. These types of outlet are spaced at six foot intervals along the entire kitchen counter.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThis is just a suggestion and depends on many factors.
1,) Two 20a utility outlet [small appliance branch] circuits for spaced conveniently around counter top and open wall receptacles every 12 ft. alternate outlets from the two circuits. in kitchen, dining room and pantry [NEC allows areas to share circuits-some inspectors differ]. Receptacle placement in rooms is as in remainder of habitable space [6-foot rule, 2-foot wall] Counter spacing is more complex than "convenient." [2-foot rule. 12-inch counter width rule, mounting height limitations, etc.] See NEC Article 210 (C).
2.) 20 A dedicated circuit for refrigerator. [not required-allowed on either 20-amp small appliance branch circuit OR dedicated 15-a circuit]
3.) 50A dedicated 220-240 volt service for electric stove. [If stove has 120-volt requirements (most common condition) it is necessary to install a cable with neutral and ground. It is no longer allowed to install new circuit using concentric shield conductor as neutral - only allowed to be used if existing feeder is reused to feed new appliance]
4.) Dedicated 20A circuit for microwave. [not required-good idea if exhaust type mounted abovve stovetop]
5.) One or two (Depending on size of kitchen) 15 A lighting circuits. [not required. Can be part of any general 15-amp circuit]
6.) Dedicated 20 A circuit for dishwasher. [may be shared with disposal under certain conditions-loading]
7.) Dedicated 15 or 20 A circuit for garbage disposal. [may be shared with dishwasher under certain conditions-loading]
8.) Dedicated 15 or 20 A circuit for trash compactor. [may be shared as above subject to loading]
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago7, 1 10A for lighting, 2 20A for small requiring outlets, 5 for large specific outlets
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Why are kitchens and bathrooms required to be on separate 20-amp receptacle branch circuits?
The NEC doesn't provide justifications for its requirements, but the likely reason is simply the amount of amps often drawn in kitchens and bathrooms because of all the appliances specific to these locations. NEC 210.11 requires a minimum of two 20 amp circuits for counter top receptacles in the kitchen, called Small Appliance Branch Circuits. It is my understand of the code that these small appliance circuits in the kitchen can also cover the dinning room, and similar areas in a dwelling, and while most electricians seem to frown on this, one of these circuits can be used for the refrigerator receptacle. One can also supply receptacles for any electrical stuff on gas-fired ranges. Dishwashers and waste disposals are not plugged in on counter tops so presumably need to be supplied by (a) circuit(s) other than these. On counter tops in the kitchen all receptacles must be GFCI protected. The bathroom circuit is intended to either a) serve a GFCI receptacle at the sink and can also serve another such receptacle in another bathroom, but in this case cannot serve other loads in the bathroom, or b) can serve the receptacle and other permissible loads in the same bathroom but no loads outside of it. Answer In real life, our kitchen circuit also serves the dining room. Because we did not increase the capability of the circuit when we added the microwave, the dining room light dims out when we use the microwave. There would be similar issues with kitchen and bathrooms sharing one circuit. It is funny how real life so often is "out-of-code". Following the current code, the lights in the dinning room would not dim because the two-small appliance circuit described above is only intended to serve receptacles in the kitchen and dinning room, and similar spaces in a dwelling, and so putting lights (any lights that are not lamps plugged into to wall receptacles) on them would not be permitted. In other words, your lights and your receptacles should not be on the same circuit, according to the NEC
Do you need a 20 amp circuit for microwave?
That depends on the amount of current that the microwave draws. Calculate the current draw of the microwave, then do not use more than 80% of the circuit breaker that you put in circuit. More information: In the United States, kitchen counter top receptacles are required to be fed from at least 2 - 20 amp "small appliance" circuits. You may have more and I know of no requirement that additional circuits must be 20 amps. With this in mind, consider what Redbeard has answered. However, in my experience the term "small appliance circuit" is usually ASSUMED to be 20 amps because very rarely are more than the 2 required circuits installed. Your inspecting jurisdiction may make this assumption. They are the final arbiter of what the code means.
Do you have to pin breakers together when sharing the neutral on branch circuits?
Pinning breakers is becoming a thing of the past. This is due to the manufacturing of two pole breakers with one common trip reset handle. The electrical code states that on a 240 volt breaker if one leg trips the other leg must be disconnected from the supply also. This is a safety factor so that if they weren't tied together and one leg tripped the other half of the breaker would remain "hot". Any one working on that circuit in the tripped position could get a nasty shock from the un-tripped leg. Pinning the breakers on 240 volts was done because it was convenient to use single pole breakers in the distribution panel. To abide by the code the two single pole breakers were common tied together. When the branch circuits share a neutral to a common box they have to be common tied for the same reason above. This type of circuit is found on kitchen counter receptacles. Two separate circuits that share a neutral and go to separate junction boxes do not need the breakers tied.
Gfci outlet feels warm to the touch?
It is normal for GFCI breakers and receptacles to feel warm to the touch while under load. They should not feel "hot". GFCI receptacles often protect other receptacles further down the line, so the load does not necessarily need to be plugged into the GFCI receptacle itself. AFCI breakers will also feel warm to the touch. Again the receptacles should not feel "hot". If they are hot or heat discolored, you should discontinue use and call a licensed electrician. C. P., Master Electrician
Why are kitchens and bathrooms required to be on seperate 20-amp receptacle branch circuits?
In today's homes, electrical appliances abound in the kitchen and bath, so you need different circuits if you want to be able to run things at the same time. For instance, your 1500 watt hair dryer is 12.5 amps (at 120 volts) and your toaster over might be another 1500 watts, meaning you'd overload a 20-A circuit if both were in use at the same time on the same circuit.
Why are kitchens and bathrooms required to be on separate 20-amp receptacle branch circuits?
The NEC doesn't provide justifications for its requirements, but the likely reason is simply the amount of amps often drawn in kitchens and bathrooms because of all the appliances specific to these locations. NEC 210.11 requires a minimum of two 20 amp circuits for counter top receptacles in the kitchen, called Small Appliance Branch Circuits. It is my understand of the code that these small appliance circuits in the kitchen can also cover the dinning room, and similar areas in a dwelling, and while most electricians seem to frown on this, one of these circuits can be used for the refrigerator receptacle. One can also supply receptacles for any electrical stuff on gas-fired ranges. Dishwashers and waste disposals are not plugged in on counter tops so presumably need to be supplied by (a) circuit(s) other than these. On counter tops in the kitchen all receptacles must be GFCI protected. The bathroom circuit is intended to either a) serve a GFCI receptacle at the sink and can also serve another such receptacle in another bathroom, but in this case cannot serve other loads in the bathroom, or b) can serve the receptacle and other permissible loads in the same bathroom but no loads outside of it. Answer In real life, our kitchen circuit also serves the dining room. Because we did not increase the capability of the circuit when we added the microwave, the dining room light dims out when we use the microwave. There would be similar issues with kitchen and bathrooms sharing one circuit. It is funny how real life so often is "out-of-code". Following the current code, the lights in the dinning room would not dim because the two-small appliance circuit described above is only intended to serve receptacles in the kitchen and dinning room, and similar spaces in a dwelling, and so putting lights (any lights that are not lamps plugged into to wall receptacles) on them would not be permitted. In other words, your lights and your receptacles should not be on the same circuit, according to the NEC
Should I put in an island counter or a peninsula counter when I renovate my kitchen?
You need to study the circulation pattern of your kitchen to make that choice. Do you need or want people to circulate through the kitchen. A peninsula will limit the circulation through the kitchen. There is something nice about not having traffic in a kitchen when working. If your kitchen is big enough it may accommodate both.
Do you need a 20 amp circuit for microwave?
That depends on the amount of current that the microwave draws. Calculate the current draw of the microwave, then do not use more than 80% of the circuit breaker that you put in circuit. More information: In the United States, kitchen counter top receptacles are required to be fed from at least 2 - 20 amp "small appliance" circuits. You may have more and I know of no requirement that additional circuits must be 20 amps. With this in mind, consider what Redbeard has answered. However, in my experience the term "small appliance circuit" is usually ASSUMED to be 20 amps because very rarely are more than the 2 required circuits installed. Your inspecting jurisdiction may make this assumption. They are the final arbiter of what the code means.
What receptacles will except a 15 amp attachment plug?
Many receptacles will. First you need to tell us if you are in north America, UK or Australia.
How to figure sq. ft. for kitchen counter-top?
To calculate square footage you need to multiply the length by the width. L x W = Sq.Ft.
What equipment do you need to cut a kitchen counter top?
I usually use a circular saw to size up the length and a jigsaw to cut out the basin sink cut-out.
What size circuit breaker do you need for kichen counter outlets?
Two 20 Amp circuits with the outlets staggered so a different circuit is on two adjacent outlets. Should be GFCI protected.
What are the best prices on waste receptacles?
The price will depend on whether or not you need it for commercial or personal use. Commercial receptacles normally range anywhere from $80.00 to $500.00. Personal receptables will be less.
What do you get when you cross a baby with a computer?
A: Short Circuits
How much to install kitchen counter top?
Need more info... Material type,style specs
Why do you need circuits?
i dont know why is it
What are some good quality outdoor garbage cans?
Rubbermaid makes a wide variety of garbage containers that you can use, they are study enough for outdoor use and also reasonably priced if it happens to blow away again.Mistral is also a decent brand, if a little less well known.
