Kitchen small-appliance circuits

[jeff48356]

I know that the code requires two 20-amp small appliance circuits in the kitchen. But do these need to be on opposite legs in the breaker panel? I'm not talking about an MWBC, but simply two separate 12-2 feeds (one for each set of outlets).

 

[Ponchik]

yes that is OK. It does not have to be MWBC.

 

[ASG]

Are you asking if they have to be on different phases? If so, the answer is no.

 

[GoldDigger]

But do these need to be on opposite legs in the breaker panel?

There should be an attempt to provide a balanced load across the legs. If that can best be done by putting the two SABCs on opposite legs, then it would be good design, but not a code requirement. If the best way to get overall balance is to put them on the same leg, great.
If it is just a question of making the wiring in the panel neater, that is OK too....