In kitchens, all outlets that serve countertop surfaces should be equipped with GFCI outlet protection. That would include any outlets on walls, behind wet areas (sinks, etc.) that have features such as countertop breakfast bars (open counter surfaces above sinks used to sit at on the opposite side).
As a general rule, any spot on the counter shouldn't be more than about 24 inches from an outlet, which is the length of average counter appliance cords. Kitchen countertops should have one outlet installed for the first 9 square feet of space, and an additional outlet for every additional 18 square feet of counter.
Code requirements for GFCI outlets in the kitchen state that outlets must be located no more than 4 feet apart from each other. The NFPA updates the code every three years to meet the increasing requirements of the modern kitchen.
(All Outlets have to be GFCI in Bathrooms and Kitchen) NEC requires AFCI in all Living Areas.
If your home doesn't have GFCI outlets, they aren't required by law unless you have a wiring upgrade. However, we recommend you have them installed no matter what.
GFCI Outlets in the Kitchen: Code Requirements & Safety
The NEC requires all outlets within six feet of a sink, dishwasher, wet bar, or another water source to have GFCI protection for proper kitchen electrical safety. GFCI protection in kitchens can prevent accidents from: Water spills and splashes.
Receptacles can be mounted below the countertop but not more than 12 inches below the surface with a maximum inset from the countertop edge to the support base of 6 inches.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are the exact same device under slightly different names. Though GFCI is more commonly used than GFI, the terms are interchangeable.
Kitchen dishwashers installed in dwelling units require GFCI protection whether hard wired or cord and plug connected. Code Change Summary: A new subsection was added regarding dwelling unit kitchen dishwashers. Now, outlets that supply dwelling unit kitchen dishwashers must have GFCI protection.
On a regular basis, most people will almost exclusively use 15 amp outlets. However, there are situations where 20 amp outlets are necessary. This is because 20 amp outlets are designed to handle devices that need more power. This usually means powerful kitchen equipment like refrigerators or electric stoves.
Countertop receptacles near the kitchen sink have been required to be GFCI-protected since 1987; just how close those receptacles have to be near the sink have changed over time.
a) A receptacle shall be installed for any counter that is 12 inches wide or greater; and, b) No point on the kitchen counter, measured at the wall may be more that 24 inches away from a receptacle. Also known as the 2ft. / 4ft. rule (See Figure 2 for explanation).
Common in modern kitchens is receptacles(outlets) have a required placement on any kitchen countertop that is foot wide or more should have a receptacle. There should be no space along the countertop that should exceed two feet to a receptacle… hence the 2 and 4 rule.
Per 210.8(A)(6), GFCI protection is required for all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles that serve kitchen countertop surfaces in a dwelling unit. GFCI protection is not required for receptacles serving appliances like dishwashers, or convenience receptacles that do not supply countertop surfaces.
According to the National Electric Code, you should have at least two 20-amp, 120-volt dedicated circuits on your countertop. When installing countertop outlets, make sure they are less than four feet apart. The NEC also recommends GFCI outlets for areas such as kitchens, garages, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces.
Now the NEC will require GFCI protection for all kitchen receptacles; including the wall space receptacles required by 210.52(A), and the kitchen countertop surfaces covered in 210.52(B). includes the contiguous countertop or work surface that contains the sink.
Typically, refrigerators should not be plugged into GFCI outlets. This is another appliance with a motor that can be prone to a little current leakage. Using a standard outlet saves nuisance tripping and the potential of waking up to a refrigerator full of warm food.
GFCI protection is required on branch circuits or outlets for electric ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, microwave ovens as well as clothes dryers.
Another reason why a refrigerator or freezer should not be on a GFCI outlet is because GFCI outlets are often “daisy chained.” This means that one GFCI circuit can be connected to multiple outlets in the kitchen or garage.
GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present. The 2023 update of the National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection in all kitchen receptacles, expanding the GFCI requirements.
Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) work in the same way as GFCI/GFI devices, but protect users from a slightly different electrical hazard. Now that we have cleared that up, we will refer to the outlets as GFCI for the purposes of this article.
You may use two or more GFCI rated outlets on one circuit if you like. However, if one trips or goes bad, all the outlets/GFCIs down the line will be affected. That's why you should test your GFCI's monthly to ensure proper operation.
Do all of the outlets in my kitchen need to have ground-fault circuit interrupters? In kitchens, all outlets that serve countertop surfaces should be equipped with GFCI outlet protection.
A: Receptacles must be installed higher than 24 inches above the countertop. B: If a required receptacle cannot be installed in the wall areas shown in Figure 210.52(C)(1), the receptacle is permitted to be installed as close as practicable to the countertop area being served by the receptacle.
There are many places in 210.8 requiring GFCI protection, but the 6-foot rule only applies when sinks, tubs or showers are involved. Generally, all 15 or 20-amp, single phase, 125-volt receptacles “within 6 ft.” of a sink, tub or shower must be GFCI protected.