This limit is set at 20″ above the countertop by NEC 210.52(C)(5): (5) Receptacle Outlet Location. Receptacle outlets shall be located on or above, but not more than 500 mm (20 in.) above, the countertop.

How close can an electrical outlet be to a stove top?

In a kitchen where the countertop extends to the sink, there will be a receptacle within 24 inches of the sink, and in a kitchen with an electric stove, there will be a receptacle within 24 inches of the stove.

How close can outlet be to kitchen sink?





Kitchen Outlets

This applies even if there isn’t a nearby sink, such as on a bar or island. Additionally, no point on the wall should be farther than 24 inches from an outlet in either direction (meaning 4 feet total between outlets), so you must have an outlet within 2 feet of the kitchen sink.

How far should outlets be from countertop?

Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 24 inches measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space. Receptacle outlets serving the countertop shall be located above the counter top, but not more than 20 inches above the countertop.

How far does GFCI need to be from sink?

6 ft.





Generally, all 15 or 20-amp, single phase, 125-volt receptacles “within 6 ft.” of a sink, tub or shower must be GFCI protected. For a sink, the measurement starts “from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink”. For a bathtub or shower, the measurement starts at “the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall”.

What is the code for kitchen countertop 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.

How far does an electrical outlet have to be from a water source?

6 feet

According to the National Electric Code (NEC), GFCIs are required to be installed to protect any receptacles within 6 feet of a water source.

Should outlets near A sink be GFCI?



Not all your kitchen outlets need to be the GFCIs, but they are required to be if they’re within six feet of a kitchen sink or if they serve a countertop. Near laundry room sinks. Any receptacles within 6 feet of a sink or washing machine should be GFCIs. Near your water heater.

Should outlet under kitchen sink be GFCI?

210.8(A) requires receptacles serving the kitchen countertop to be GFCI protected. It also requires GFCI protection for receptacles within 6′ of a sink, but only sinks not in a kitchen.

Where do you put A GFCI in A kitchen?

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).

Do dishwashers need a GFCI outlet?



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.

What is code for GFCI outlets?

GFCI protection is required on dwelling unit outdoor outlets* supplied by single‐phase branch circuits rated 150‐volts or less to ground, and 50‐amperes or less. NEC 210.8(F) is only applicable to readily accessible outdoor equipment outlets.

Does a stove need to be GFCI protected?

Does this mean that every electric range receptacle outlet needs to be GFCI protected? No, the same rules apply to 250-volt receptacles that we have been used to for years with 125-volt receptacles. However, if the range receptacle is within six feet of the kitchen sink, then it will require GFCI protection.

Do kitchen outlets need to be AFCI?

In 2014, the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) introduced AFCI requirements for kitchens and laundry rooms. The code had previously required that these locations needed only GFCI protection, but for added safety they are now required to have both AFCI and GFCI protection.

What type of receptacles are required in the kitchen?



Must kitchen outlets be 20 amp? Kitchens must have at least two 20 amp outlets. These outlets are used to power high voltage appliances such as toasters, blenders, and microwave ovens. The best way to identify a 20 amp outlet is to find the horizontal slot extending from the vertical slots.

Where are GFCI outlets required 2020?

The NEC mandates GFCI protection in many areas of the home: bathrooms, garages, outdoor receptacles, crawl spaces, basements, kitchens and anything within six feet of a sink or water source. While that may seem like a lot, the entirety of a home is not covered.

Does a refrigerator need a GFCI?

In a dwelling unit (residential), GFCI protection is only required for kitchen receptacles that serve the countertop surfaces. There’s no requirement to GFCI protect receptacles that serve a refrigerator. Unless the fridge is plugged into a countertop receptacle.

Does a microwave need a GFCI?

Moderator. IMO, the ’17 Code clarified this situation. In 210.8(A) GFCI is required for kitchen receptacles that are installed to serve the counter-top surfaces.