OK 210.52 B1 Means that a separate room called a formal dinning room on the plans must be 20 a circuit. correct? or can it be a seperate 15 a curcuit if not supplied by the 2 or more small appliance circuits?I think it should be 20 amp but myself and co worker need some clarification. Thanks

There are good arguments for reading the code either way.

I find it easier to use 20amp circuits everwhere.

A "dining room" should be on a small appliance circuit (20 with no other outlets other than receptacles in the designated rooms). There is nothing that says you can only have 2 of these, only that they have to be 20a. If they are not serving a counter top they don't have to be GFCI.

The same two 20 amp small appliance branch circuits used in the kitchen can be used for the dining room, or additional 20 amp circuits can be added. But it is clear that only 20 amp circuits may be used for receptacle outlets in the kitchen, dining room, breakfast nook or pantry. The only exception is the refrigerator receptacle outlet may be fed from an individual 15 amp (or larger) branch circuit.

Good catch, Reel! I think they meant to say that kitchen circuits COULD serve the eating and prep areas....but instead, they said that they SHALL. maybe it will get fixed next cycle!

It has been this way (dining rooms on 20 amp circuits) for decades. It is clear that the code making panels so far have all felt dining rooms need 20 amp circuits for receptacle outlets. Why? I never could find a valid rationalization. When I was an apprentice (30+ years past) I was told that this was because many homes had electric steam tables in the dining rooms that took a lot of current. Every steam table I have seen in home dining rooms was heated by oil lamps, candles or Sterno.

I don't do it but we still have families that eat in their dining rooms while using toasters, roasters and warming trays or coffee pots. Seems kinda old fashion but they do still do it.

Do you mean to tell me that your service staff doesn't need that outlet for the hot-plate for Bannanas Foster and Coffee Maker. What do you all do with the Catering Staff? Thats what I always thought that circuit was for. (Darling...)

Actually, our kitchen, dining room, nook, breakfast room and snack bar are all in one so - No problemo.

In my old notes I noticed an exception for switched outlets in diningrooms and such.

They only need to be 15amps.

Perhaps changed in newer codes.