Receptacles in cabinets above kitchen counters

[roycebernard]

Is it allowable by NEC to have receptacles in cabinets above the kitchen counter off the same circuit as the kitchen counter (small appliance) receptacles?

We have 2 small appliance circuits as required.

Now they wish to add two receptacles for a toaster oven and microwave in the cabinet above the kitchen counter.

Can we just install the new receptacles in the cabinet and connect to the 2 small appliance circuits below.

Load wise we believe if we do this the circuit breakers will trip (due to the high load of the toaster oven), but the General Contractor will ask the question - does this meet Code.

From our interpretation (210.52(B)(3) Additional small appliance branch circuit can supply other receptacles in the kitchen) it does meet code, but is not advisable.

 

[goldstar]

Re: Receptacles in cabinets above kitchen counters

There isn't anything written in the code that prevents you from doing this. However, as you've already pointed out the small appliance circuit isn't going to be able to handle the load if both appliances are on at the same time (in addition you now have them on a GFI circuit). If you've used plastic 1-gang boxes you know that pushing the # 12 wire back into the box and attaching the receptacle is difficult enough and even more difficult if it happens to be the GFI receptacle. Now you're going to add 3 more # 12's to the box and attempt to push it back in after you've spliced them together. Not a good idea in my opinion.

I haven't seen a toaster oven that's a "built-in" type so I would leave that sitting on the counter top and plugged in utilizing one of the small appliance circuits. If the microwave is mounted above the cooktop or permanently installed elsewhere in the kitchen I would run a separate circuit for that unit and install the receptacle in the small cabinet above.

Hope this helps.

 

[joe tedesco]

Re: Receptacles in cabinets above kitchen counters

See the 2002 NEC

210.52(C)(5) Receptacle Outlet Location.

Receptacle outlets shall be located above, but not more than 500 mm (20 in.) above, the countertop.

See the exception for below the countertop.

 

[pierre]

Re: Receptacles in cabinets above kitchen counters

The two small appliance circuits that are installed in a kitchen 'shall have no other outlets' connected to them. If those receptacles are more than 20 inches above the countertop, they are not permitted to be connected to these 2 small appliance circuits.

Pierre

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Receptacles in cabinets above kitchen counters

Pierre,
Look at 210.52(B)(3).

(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).

Don

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: Receptacles in cabinets above kitchen counters

Yes this is allowable.