Switch over receptacle device serving a kitchen counter

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Jimmy7

Senior Member
Location
Boston, MA
Occupation
Electrician
I've got a customer who is adding new kitchen cabinets in their single family home. Due to the cabinet layout, they're asking me to change a switch and receptacle in a two gang box to a switch over receptacle in a single gang box (Due to space between a cabinet spacer and a window). The switch is on a 15 amp circuit, and the receptacle is on a 20 amp circuit. I'm not sure how many cables are in the box, as I have not seen the job yet, just some pictures. Is it even possible to do an installation like this? Meaning, do you have to simultaneously disconnect both circuits like a receptacle on a multiwire circuit (Two circuits feeding one yoke). I have two different amperages in this situation, so I couldn't use a two pole breaker. Could I use a handle tie between the two breakers (Not sure about the panel make, I think he said it was Eaton)? My other concern is box fill, but I'll know better about that when I see it.

Thanks!
 
It's possible. You'll have to have AFCI protection for the switch and Dual function protection for the receptacle.
Breakers and approved handle tie is probably the way to go.
 
If the cabinet/spacer is not already installed, could you use an offset mud ring like the ones below on a 4 inch box? If so, that should eliminate a possible box fill problem. Of course it all depends on the details of your situation.

One Gang Offset Device Rings

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You likely already know this but, in case, look at the switch over receptacle carefully. Some brands have a "tie" connecting the line side on and that tab would need to be removed, obviously.
(Otherwise smoke may leak out)
 
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