What does NEC consider a kitchen?
The NEC defines a “Kitchen” as “an area with a sink and permanent provisions for food preparation and cooking”. Now, at least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet is required in every habitable room, kitchen, and bathroom.
Do commercial kitchens need to be GFCI?
For new installations, are ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) required for protection of receptacles in commercial kitchens? Answer 1: Yes. Note: “GFCI protection for personnel” has specific meaning within the context of the NEC and is distinguishable from “GFCI protection of equipment”.
What needs to be GFCI-protected in a commercial kitchen?
According to the National Electric Code Article 210.8, there must be GFCI protection on 15 amp, 20 amp, and 125 volt receptacles located in bathrooms and kitchens as a safety feature for personnel. GFCI is required in mostly in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors, where contact with water is most likely.
Do kitchen lights need to be GFCI-protected?
Although in most jurisdictions, GFCI protection is not necessarily required for circuits that supply only lighting fixtures, you may have to consider it for wall switches located near the sink. AFCI protection, on the other hand, is required for all lighting circuits.
When did GFCI become code in kitchens?
Receptacles in the kitchen were first required to be GFCI-protected by the 1987 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC), and initially only for counter receptacles within 6 feet of a sink. That was expanded to include all kitchen countertop receptacles with the 1996 NEC.
What appliances require GFCI?
The NEC requires GFCIs on all exterior and bathroom receptacles (another term for outlets). GFCIs are also required on all receptacles serving kitchen countertops. In laundry rooms and utility rooms, GFCIs should be installed on outlets within six feet of sinks, washing machines, and water heaters.
How many amps does a commercial kitchen need?
Most heavy-duty commercial microwaves like Midea makes will have a selectable 208- or 230/240-volt supply and will require a 20-amp outlet. The higher the watts, the more power and output. This is not always dependent on amps and voltage, though. Sometimes, higher voltages can result in higher wattage with lower amps.
Does a commercial refrigerator need a GFCI?
All commercial buildings/kitchens are required to have GFCI for refrigerators. See NEC 210.8(B)(2). In a Dwelling Unit (house or apartment) refrigerators located inside the kitchen do NOT have to have a GFCI.
How many electrical circuits are needed for a kitchen?
7 electrical circuits
A kitchen requires at least 7 electrical circuits to properly handle the basic elements. Something to keep in mind is if an appliance has a motor, it should have its own electrical circuit.
What is the code for kitchen outlets?
In kitchens, electrical outlets should be placed no farther than 48 inches apart, so that no point on the countertop is more than 24 inches away from a receptacle. Any countertop 12 inches wide or more should have an outlet on the wall behind the countertop.
Can I use 15 amp GFCI in kitchen?
Tamper-Resistant Outlet Code Requirements Requirement: All 15 amp and 20 amp outlets, whether GFCI or not, must be tamper-resistant in the following kitchen-related places: small appliance circuit, countertop space (including island countertops), wall, and hallway space.
Are Gfcis required in kitchens?
Kitchens: All receptacles serving countertop areas and any receptacle within 6 feet of a sink must have GFCI protection. Also, the receptacle supplying a dishwasher should be GFCI-protected.
When is a countertop receptacle required in a dining area?
When this occurs, 210.52 (A) (1) requires receptacles on the back of the peninsula or island in order to accommodate the dining area. In previous NEC editions, the required countertop receptacle could be used to satisfy this requirement, provided the receptacle wasn’t higher than 5½ ft above the floor [210.52 (4)].
What electrical codes apply when remodeling a kitchen?
If you remodeling your kitchen or building a new one, same codes from the international electrical code (NEC) will apply.
When did GFCI receptacles become required in commercial kitchens?
GFCI protection of all 125V, single-phase, 15A and 20A receptacles located in commercial kitchens became a requirement with the 2002 NEC ( Photo 2 ). This information is found in Sec. 210.8 (B) (3).
Is the National Electrical Code (NEC) being revised?
It’s no secret that many electrical professionals have a love/hate relationship with the National Electrical Code (NEC). The good news is it’s revised on a three-year cycle.