Counter Top Receptacles

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erdy7821

Member
If you have a dedicated circuit for a microwave on the counter top, with a single receptacle, does it have to be GFCI protected?
 

charlie

Senior Member
Location
Indianapolis
Re: Counter Top Receptacles

210.8(A)(6) states, "Kitchens ? where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces" Therefore, IMO this receptacle is there to serve the countertop mounted microwave oven and it must be GFCI protected. If the microwave was built in and direct wired, a GFCI would not be required.

The AHJ may have a different opinion. Considering the low cost of a GFCI today, when in doubt, put one in. :D
 

charlie b

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Lockport, IL
Occupation
Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Counter Top Receptacles

I agree with ?the other Charlie.? Nothing prevents the owner (or a future owner) from getting rid of the microwave or moving it to a different location. It is more correct to say that the circuit in question is dedicated to a ?single receptacle,? rather than to a microwave, whatever the owner has in mind at present. Therefore, the receptacle serves the countertop, and falls under the rule cited above.
 

steve66

Senior Member
Location
Illinois
Occupation
Engineer
Re: Counter Top Receptacles

I assume the receptacle is in a residential kitchen. If it were in a commercial kitchen, it would also have to be GFCI (if the AHJ has adopted the 2002 code). If it is in a break room in a business, IMO it would not have to be GFCI.

Steve
 

ctroyp

Senior Member
Re: Counter Top Receptacles

Does a residential kitchen counter receptacle have to be GFCI protected if it is in an appliance garage?

210.8(A)(6) Kitchens ? where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces
210.52(C)(5) Receptacle Outlet Location. Receptacle outlets shall be located above, but not more than 500 mm (20 in.) above, the countertop. Receptacle outlets rendered not readily accessible by appliances fastened in place, appliance garages, or appliances occupying dedicated space shall not be considered as these required outlets.
I would think so, can anyone confirm?
 

electricmanscott

Senior Member
Location
Boston, MA
Re: Counter Top Receptacles

While it can't be considered as meeting the minimum requirements, it is certainly there for countertop use. Therfore gfci is required.
 
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