Mother-in-Law Suite Small Appliance Branch Circuits

[paullmullen]

I'm wondering how the AHJs in your areas read the code requirements for a Kitchenette in a "mother-in-law suite." This Kitchenette will have a sink, disposer, a microwave and a small dorm-style refrigerator in it. Do the AHJs typically view this as a kitchen requiring two Small Appliance Branch Circuits? Or is this "something else"?

 

[NTesla76]

It could meet the definition of a kitchen in Article 100, depending on how someone views the microwave. Does it have an area for food prep?

 

[paullmullen]

A small counter top (2' x 2'). It's not urgent. I will just ask the local inspector to see how he sees it. And to put in two circuits is not going to break the bank.

 

[mtnelect]

This might help to explain.

 

[paullmullen]

This might help to explain.

Nice, but I'm not doing an ADU, this is designed into the main building. Nevertheless, the link should be helpful to others. Thanks for contributing.

 

[packersparky]

I'm wondering how the AHJs in your areas read the code requirements for a Kitchenette in a "mother-in-law suite." This Kitchenette will have a sink, disposer, a microwave and a small dorm-style refrigerator in it. Do the AHJs typically view this as a kitchen requiring two Small Appliance Branch Circuits? Or is this "something else"?

In Wisconsin, the State made the determination quite a few years ago that a microwave is not considered "permanent provisions for cooking".

 

[brycenesbitt]

I'm wondering how the AHJs in your areas read the code requirements for a Kitchenette in a "mother-in-law suite." This Kitchenette will have a sink, disposer, a microwave and a small dorm-style refrigerator in it. Do the AHJs typically view this as a kitchen requiring two Small Appliance Branch Circuits? Or is this "something else"?

In my area that's a kitchen, and creates a separate legal unit for rent control purposes, but not for building purposes. Perhaps you can call it a utility sink, and be fine for building code purposes.

 

[Eddie702]

I was told in our area is would be a sink in a finished area that would make it a kitchen. Not a laundry sink in the basement or utility room.

 

[kwired]

If it meets the NEC definition of a kitchen, then it must comply with all NEC requirements for kitchens. It will need minimum of 2 SABC's supplying the counter receptacles. A SABC can serve kitchens, dining rooms, breakfast rooms, pantry, etc. But I believe there is wording someplace that states a SABC can not supply more than one kitchen.

 

[PaulMmn]

In Wisconsin, the State made the determination quite a few years ago that a microwave is not considered "permanent provisions for cooking".

Not even if it's bolted in place over the vent hood??

 

[LarryFine]

Not even if it's bolted in place over the vent hood??

Why would there be a hood?

 

[PaulMmn]

Why would there be a hood?

DOH!