NEC Kitchen Definition - Need opinions

[SparkyAdam]

NEC defines a kitchen as " an area with a sink and permanent provisions for food preparation and cooking."

I am curious if you would classify the attached image as a kitchen, using the NEC definition of such. There is a sink, a mini fridge below the cabinet, and a microwave. I believe the microwave is NOT built-in; it just sits on the cabinet, as shown in the image.

 

[augie47]

Unless it;s been resoled by later Code editions if I recall correctly based on the '17 Code that is a forever debated subject and addressed differently by jurisdiction most often dependent on the micro being fastened or easily removed. It normally ends up being a AHJ call.

 

[rc/retired]

Unless it;s been resoled by later Code editions if I recall correctly based on the '17 Code that is a forever debated subject and addressed differently by jurisdiction most often dependent on the micro being fastened or easily removed. It normally ends up being a AHJ call.

You are correct, sir! My jurisdiction did not allow a microwave oven or hot plate to be considered as permanent cooking appliances.
I did agree with that assessment.

Ron

 

[charlie b]

I once worked on a project for which this was a key issue. It was a large personnel housing building on a military base. The presence or absence of kitchens in each unit had a huge impact on the service calculation. The concensus was that a microwave sitting on the countertop did not a kitchen make, but one in an upper cabinet did (even if it was not secured in place). The architect called for cabinet mounting.

My opinion is that your photo does show a kitchen, per the NEC definition.

Washington state expanded the definition to say essentially that if you will use the sink to wash your cereal bowl and spoon, you are in a kitchen.

 

[rc/retired]

My opinion is that your photo does show a kitchen, per the NEC definition.

I agree.

Ron

 

[gadfly56]

My opinion is you have a kitchen, but only if the microwave is built in. In analyzing, you have "provisions" which is modified by the adjective "permanent" and also the prepositional phrase "for food preparation and cooking" where "preparation" and "cooking" describe actions related to "food."

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I fail to understand the difference between a microwave sitting on the counter and a stove sitting on the floor for the purposes of the definition of a kitchen.

 

[charlie b]

Don, to me it's all about the amount of time that routinely elapses between the days that you move it out of the way so that you can clean under and behind it. It's not a matter of whether any screws or other fasteners are stopping you from moving it. I am not being facetious. The word, "permanent" applies more clearly to one than to the other.

 

[farmantenna]

I fail to understand the difference between a microwave sitting on the counter and a stove sitting on the floor for the purposes of the definition of a kitchen.

you can easily remove your micro on counter and walk away with your permanent cooking provisions.

 

[farmantenna]

it needs better definition but screw it to the cabinet and it's permanent. Crappy provisions for cooking but you use a microwave for cooking. Nothing is truely permanent because I could remove a microwave,dishwasher or a range by myself depending on if there are stairs. I've done all three.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Don, to me it's all about the amount of time that routinely elapses between the days that you move it out of the way so that you can clean under and behind it. It's not a matter of whether any screws or other fasteners are stopping you from moving it. I am not being facetious. The word, "permanent" applies more clearly to one than to the other.

I just don't see it that way, especially since the CMP that has this definition has a published panel comment that says "nothing is permanent".

 

[brycenesbitt]

NEC defines a kitchen as " an area with a sink and permanent provisions for food preparation and cooking."
I am curious if you would classify the attached image as a kitchen, using the NEC definition of such. There is a sink, a mini fridge below the cabinet, and a microwave. I believe the microwave is NOT built-in; it just sits on the cabinet, as shown in the image.

Ha.
Well in my work area that is not only a kitchen, but presence of that setup would render it a habitable unit as defined by our local rent control ordinance.
--
The duck test says it's a kitchen. Ask yourself "will this area be used in the way a kitchen is used"?