Kitchen counter outlets (receptacles) on a switch?

[joecalvin]

Guys, I have a customer that is requesting we put all the kitchen counter receptacles on a switch. I thought they always had to be hot and I didn't think NEC code allowed that but I wanted to ask to make sure. is that permitted by code? if so, are there any stipulations to doing it?

Let me know.

Thanks
Joe

 

[LarryFine]

I know of no prohibition. I would recommend a good grade 20a switch.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

210.52(2) prohibits that unless you have enough non-switched receptacles to be in compliance with the the requirements of 210.52(C).

 

[James L]

1/2 switched would be ok

 

[Hv&Lv]

210.52(2) prohibits that unless you have enough non-switched receptacles to be in compliance with the the requirements of 210.52(C).

I still don’t see it. Probably missing something somewhere...

210.52(2) says in addition to 210.70(A)(1) exception 1, which states other than kitchens etc and pertains to lighting.

So as long as there is a switch to control the kitchen lighting, why can’t the required additional receptacles required in 210.52(C) be on an additional switch?

 

[joecalvin]

210.52(2) prohibits that unless you have enough non-switched receptacles to be in compliance with the the requirements of 210.52(C).

what is the code section where it says that a receptacle has to be half hot in order to be counted towards code required receptacles to neet spacing requirements?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I still don’t see it. Probably missing something somewhere...

210.52(2) says in addition to 210.70(A)(1) exception 1, which states other than kitchens etc and pertains to lighting.

So as long as there is a switch to control the kitchen lighting, why can’t the required additional receptacles required in 210.52(C) be on an additional switch?

Yes the section is poorly written and can be read differently. The substantiations and panel comments indicate that the intent is that the required receptacle outlets always have power, but the language does not match up.

 

[joecalvin]

I still don’t see it. Probably missing something somewhere...

210.52(2) says in addition to 210.70(A)(1) exception 1, which states other than kitchens etc and pertains to lighting.

So as long as there is a switch to control the kitchen lighting, why can’t the required additional receptacles required in 210.52(C) be on an additional switch?

I actually agree with him, but there is a code section that outlines that a receptacle must be half hot to count towards the code required plugs. Just need to know what code section that is in.

 

[Coppersmith]

Guys, I have a customer that is requesting we put all the kitchen counter receptacles on a switch.

It's going to have to be more than one switch unless that one switch is controlling a contactor. There are a minimum of two circuits for small appliances. I've seen kitchens with four.

 

[Frank DuVal]

Plus it's gonna play havoc with all the built in clocks in appliances.....
But, that is not your concern, it is the owner's concern.

And if you put the refrigerator on the SABC, oh well. I never do, and I try to put it not on a GFCI, depends on code cycle/placement.

 

[LarryFine]

It's going to have to be more than one switch unless that one switch is controlling a contactor. There are a minimum of two circuits for small appliances. I've seen kitchens with four.

How about a 2p switch?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I actually agree with him, but there is a code section that outlines that a receptacle must be half hot to count towards the code required plugs. Just need to know what code section that is in.

The section that I cited is the only one that comes close to saying you can't do this. I am not aware of any other code section that would apply here.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

How about a 2p switch?

It it is marked for 2 circuit operation, that is fine (assuming you are permitted to switch these receptacles). The UL Guide Information for Snap Switches (WJQR) says this:

Multi-pole, general-use snap switches have not been investigated for more than single-circuit operation unless marked "2-circuit" or "3-circuit."

 

[infinity]

I actually agree with him, but there is a code section that outlines that a receptacle must be half hot to count towards the code required plugs. Just need to know what code section that is in.

210.52(2)
If I remember correctly this code change came from one of our moderators.

 

[dkidd]

Yes the section is poorly written and can be read differently. The substantiations and panel comments indicate that the intent is that the required receptacle outlets always have power, but the language does not match up.

Could you post a copy or link to the substantiations and comments?

 

[wwhitney]

Seems easy to do if that switch is a 20A circuit breaker (possibly double pole for the two SABCs).

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Fred B]

My reading of 210.52(B) would indicate that the 2 required 20A SABC would have to be unswitched given the exception #1 specifically allows for the addition of switched receptacle(s) from a general purpose branch circuit.

 

[LarryFine]

My reading of 210.52(B) would indicate that the 2 required 20A SABC would have to be unswitched given the exception #1 specifically allows for the addition of switched receptacle(s) from a general purpose branch circuit.

That allowance is likely to allow for under-cabinet lighting or other non-SABC usage.

But, does that mean any switched receptacle can not be considered a required receptacle?

Must every switched receptacle be considered a lighting outlet?

 

[Hv&Lv]

210.52(2)
If I remember correctly this code change came from one of our moderators.

I addressed 210.52(2) above in post #5.
basically once I follow it around it says receptacles half hot for lighting.
But I can’t find anything that says these outlets can not be switched.

 

[Fred B]

That allowance is likely to allow for under-cabinet lighting or other non-SABC usage.

But, does that mean any switched receptacle can not be considered a required receptacle?

Must every switched receptacle be considered a lighting outlet?

That is not what I read (ie switched receptacle for garbage disposal), but the 2 SABC receptacles are not general purpose receptacles as required for the exception to be used.
Undercab lights I would not consider a receptacle outlet and I would have them on the lighting circuit.
Not sure why you'd want every receptacle switched in first place, split switched receptacles can raise havoc with the GFCI that is required by 210.8(A)(6) for countertop receptacles.