How close can an electrical outlet be to a kitchen sink?

Category: home and garden home appliances
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2 feet



Furthermore, how far does a GFCI have to be from a kitchen sink?

The NEC (NFPA 70 2011 edition) requires GFCI receptacles in kitchens of dwelling units where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop surfaces. It does not mention a distance requirement in kitchens. The distance requirement of 1.8 meters (6 feet) is for sinks located in areas other than kitchens.

Similarly, how close can an outlet be to a stove? That means that for a kitchen in which the countertop extends to the sink (as most do), there will be a GFCI protected receptacle within 24" of a sink, and where the countertop abuts an electric stove, there will be a receptacle within 24" of the edge of the stove.

Just so, what is the maximum distance between outlets on a kitchen counter?

In the kitchen, countertop outlets should be no farther than 48 inches away from each other. This spacing is based on the average length of electrical cord found on most small kitchen appliances.

Is GFCI required under sink?

There are no requirements in National Electrical Code (NEC) that a residential disposal must be GFCI protected. It also requires GFCI protection for receptacles within 6' of a sink, but only sinks not in a kitchen. The 2014 edition added 210.8(D), which requires dwelling unit dishwashers to be GFCI protected.

27 Related Question Answers Found

Can the outlets in a bathroom be on the same circuit as the lights?

If it's not, the answer is no. You want to avoid wiring the fixtures and the receptacles on the same electrical circuit. ZenFixIt says this changes when a 20A circuit powers a single bathroom. “Outlets for other equipment within the same bathroomcan then work on that same circuit.

How many outlets can one GFCI protect?

Re: number of outlets after gfci
Using 220.14, a maximum of 13 receptacle outlets are allowed on a 20A circuit. They can be single or dulpex and still only counts as one receptacle.

Can you have more than one GFCI on a circuit?

You only need 1 GFCI outlet per circuit (assuming it's at the beginning of the line and the rest of the outlets are loads). They are correctly wired in parallel - if they were in series, you wouldn't get the correct voltage at the other outlets when there is any type of load present. It is possible.

What is the min/max distance for switches and outlets near a bathtub?

Outlet Receptacles
You should keep the receptacle at least 6 feet away from the edge of a bathtub or shower and at least 1 foot away from sinks.

Does a refrigerator need to be on a GFCI?


All commercial buildings/kitchens are required to have GFCI for refrigerators. If the circuit feeding the refrigerator outlet is a dedicated individual circuit, than it can be either 15-A or 20-A. In a garage or an unfinished basement of a Dwelling unit, the refrigerator must have a GFCI circuit.

Does every outlet in a kitchen need to be GFCI?

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.

How high should outlet be above countertop?

Outlets can be mounted just above the standard 4-inch countertop backsplash in the wall and up to a height of 18 inches above the countertop surface, according to the National Electric Code.

What is the code for kitchen outlets?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that kitchens have at least two separate 20-amp, 120-volt circuits for counter-top outlets, which must also be no more than 4 feet apart. If you're remodeling, consult your electrician and decide where your appliances will go during the planning phase.

Can I wire lights and outlets on the same circuit?

An option for you if you don't want two switches is just to use a blank face plate (check this question). Basic answer to your question of can a mixture of lights and receptacles be installed on a single circuit is yes. The neutral will be white but some switches are wired up with a white wire that is not a neutral.

How many outlets can be on a 15 amp breaker?


for a 15 amp circuit this allowed for 10 outlets and on a 20 amp circuit 13 outlets were allowed.

How many plugs should be in a kitchen circuit?

Your kitchen must have at least two outlets, each on separate circuits, so that if one breaker trips, you still have power.

Where should outlets be placed in a kitchen?

Where should you put kitchen outlets?
  • 1) Under cabinet plugs. When your backsplash is the special feature of the kitchen (think marble slabs or a tile pattern you don't want to interrupt), under cabinet plugs will keep it looking uniform.
  • 2) Color coordinated wall outlets.
  • 3) Group outlets with switches.
  • 4) Always add an outlet to your island.

Should I use 15 or 20 amp outlets?

You can use a device that has a 15-amp plug with either a 15- or 20-amp receptacle. Standard 15-amp receptacles are suitable for typical household appliances, lamps and other accessories. A 20-amp receptacle is for heavy-duty appliances and power tools, such as air compressors.

How high should sockets be above kitchen worktop?

standard worktop height is 36", so sockets above worktops generally 4" -6" above that.

How do you install an outlet in a kitchen island?


Adding electrical outlets to your island expands the functionality of your room and opens up the types of projects you can complete on the island.
  1. Measure the length and width of the receptacle box.
  2. Cut a hole in the wall of the kitchen island with your jigsaw.
  3. Find the nearest electrical circuit in your kitchen.

How often should outlets be replaced?

Most GFCI outlets will last for about 15 to 25 years, but in certain circumstances, they can fail after 5 years. Here a few common signs that it's time to replace your electrical outlets.