ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Kitchen counter circuits

I know the code requires 2 dedicated 20 amp circuits for kitchen counter recepts. Is there any reference in the nec as to how many plugs can be protected down stream of a gfi recept? This kitchen has 15 recepts, and I am bringing in 3 circuits and 3 gfi's. That is 4 recepts protected by each gfi. I know this is probably a stupid question, but i dont do alot of new homes, and it seems to me i have heard some rule that applies to this.
Any response would be much appreciated.
Thanx John

Whatever rule you may have heard falls under the heading of "Rumors & Propaganda." There is no requirement in the NEC that limits the number of downstream receptacles on a GFI & there is no UL listing requirement that I could find that limits the number.

Tom

here's the real answer:

use my "real" kitchen appliances......
espresso coffee maker is 1250w
the blender is 450w
can opener is 180w
coffee-maker, drip/brew cycles 1500w
convection oven 1600w
crockpot is 70w
countertop microwave is 1000w
food processor is 480w
frying pan 1200w
hot plate 1250w
portable mixer is 125w
popcorn popper 660w
toaster is 1000w
toaster oven is 1500w
waffle iron is 800w
clothes iron is 1100w [which i usually do in the kitchen]
radio is 100w
television is 150w

take the worst case of one dumb blonde [male of course], 50 coffee addicted relatives staying over for breakfast the day after thanksgiving, 4 duplex recepacles on one countertop s.a.b.c....... 1600+1500+1500+1250+1250+1200+1100+1000=
!@#$%^&* 10,400w / 125v = 83.2amps......
so you should probably wire the kitchen somewhere around 3 or 4 awg cu

Thats no kitchen.... That's a restaurant!

OK, someone had to post this to go with Cindy's list... http://www.voltnet.com/cook/

Don't forget
Delicious Cajun Blackened Bologna!

Minor technical aside… pauluk's thread at: Non-US Electrical Systems & Trades has discussed European kitchens with 400Y/230V 4-wire service{!}

John,

The NEC minimum requirement for a standard dwelling kitchen is two 120 V 20 A small appliance circuits. These two 20 A circuits can catch all the counter receptacles, the gas range outlet, the refrigerator (varify manufacturer's electrical requirements), clock outlet, wall outlets, breakfast nook outlets, dining room outlets and pantry outlets. See 210.52(B) and especially the Exhibit 210.25 in the NEC Handbook.

This is what can be done. . .may take a little getting used to for the cook(s). What you are proposing sounds like a more robust assembly.

Al

I swear I read in some GFCI literature that you could only protect 6 recepts. per each GFCI. But, I haven't seen it since nor has anyone I've asked heard that.????

To SCJOHN: I've been meaning to ask that question about max. # of recepts. protected by one GFCI for months and I was going to tonight but I see you did. Thanks!!

Woof,

Checking back I realize I completely misread John's Question.

I agree with Tom.

Going back to sleep,
Al

I am absolutely sure that I have read on that little sheet of paper that comes in the GFCI box that there should be no more than 6 other outlets after the GFCI. But I don't know who's GFCI's or how long ago I read this.

But I know I've seen it!!!