Kitchen Counter Receptacles

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ASG

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Electrical Engineer, PE
We are currently designing a space that has a very small kitchenette area. The counter space is so small that only one area has a wall space over one foot that requires a counter receptacle. Underneath the counter is a receptacle that serves a small 115V hot plate.

Are 2 counter receptacles required to meet 210.52(B) even if only one receptacle is required per the counter space section of the code?

Does a receptacle that serves a counter top appliance count as an appliance circuit for this section if it is not above the counter?
 
Yes, it seems silly but the answer is still 2 SA required.
 
You need two circuits, but not necessarily two receptacles. You could supply each half of a duplex with separate circuits (with the breaker handles tied together), and meet the minimum requirement. I would suggest two duplex receptacle outlets (side by side if necessary, or spaced a few inches apart, whatever looks best), each being supplied by its own circuit. I do not think a receptacle under the counter would count as serving the countertop. But here again, the number of receptacles is not the issue, but rather the number of SA circuits.
 
He could get away with running only one new circuit by tapping the existing receptale (if its circuit qualifies) for the second countertop receptacle, or receptacle half. He'd still need to handle-tie the two breakers, of course.
 
You'll need to have both circuits connected to a 2-pole GFCI breaker in order to split-wire the receptacle. You need GFCI protection for kitchen countertop receptacles. What about Plugmold mounted to the bottom of the cabinet? I've had to wire 2 kitchens like that over the years. As long as the receptacle is within 20" of the countertop. (as per 2005 NEC)
 
A second SA circuit wouldn't be required for the above countertop outlets IF there were any other wall or floor receptacle outlets in the kitchen, pantry, dining or breakfast rooms.

Or you could use the first SA for the countertop outlet and the second SA for the refrigerator outlet.
 
david luchini said:
A second SA circuit wouldn't be required for the above countertop outlets IF there were any other wall or floor receptacle outlets in the kitchen, pantry, dining or breakfast rooms.

Or you could use the first SA for the countertop outlet and the second SA for the refrigerator outlet.
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Now I'm really confused. 210.52(B)(3) says specifically "to serve countertop surfaces." (Job is under NEC 2002 if it makes a difference).
 
ASG said:
Now I'm really confused. 210.52(B)(3) says specifically "to serve countertop surfaces." (Job is under NEC 2002 if it makes a difference).
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Good catch!

(3) Kitchen Receptacle Requirements. Receptacles installed in a kitchen to serve countertop surfaces shall be supplied by not fewer than two small-appliance branch circuits, either or both of which shall also be permitted to supply receptacle outlets in the same kitchen and in other rooms specified in 210.52(B)(1). Additional small-appliance branch circuits shall be permitted to supply receptacle outlets in the kitchen and other rooms specified in 210.52(B)(1).
 
You must have 2 circuits. Cheap way out is 12-3 to a 2 gang box with 2 gfi receptacles or 2 boxes near each other. Is the counter longer than 4 feet. Dont overlook the 2 foot rule
and it would be smart to cover that short counter anyways. When all you have is little then you must use it.
 
Jim W in Tampa said:
You must have 2 circuits. Cheap way out is 12-3 to a 2 gang box with 2 gfi receptacles or 2 boxes near each other. Is the counter longer than 4 feet. Dont overlook the 2 foot rule
and it would be smart to cover that short counter anyways. When all you have is little then you must use it.
Click to expand...

It is like 6" --- sink --- 1'-3" (where one receptacle is) --- hot plate --- 7"
 
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If you use two single-pole GFCI breakers to split-wire the receptacle, you'll need two 12/2 runs into the box so you won't be sharing the neutral. Or find some of that newfangled 12-2-2. I like the 2-gang box idea with 2 GFI receptacles. You can never have too many receptacles for kitchen countertops, no matter what the size!
 
So this is where a little common sense comes into practice.To satisfy the code I think we all agree there needs to be 2 circuits, but if the inspector requires 2 circuits here thats just dumb on a 15" counter between a sink and a grill! How many appliances are you going to have on this counter, plugged in and in use at the same time?
 
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