What is electrical code for kitchen sink outlets?

Kitchen Outlets
The NEC requires that any kitchen countertop that’s at least 12 inches wide and 24 inches deep must be equipped with electrical outlets. This applies even if there isn’t a nearby sink, such as on a bar or island.

How far does an electrical outlet need to be from a sink?





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.

Is GFCI required near sink?

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 appliances require a 20 amp circuit?

Large consumers, especially kitchen appliances, such as microwaves, blenders and toasters, need a dedicated 20 amp circuit, to ensure a constant energy flow, which means they cannot share the circuit with other devices.

Can an outlet be behind A kitchen sink?

Receptacles along the back of a kitchen countertop around a sink must placed so that no point along the back of the countertop is more than two feet from a receptacle, but the area directly behind the sink is excluded.

How close can A switch be to A sink?





National Electrical Code says that the receptacle must be within 3′ of the outside edge of the basin, but not more than 12″ below the top of the basin (210.52(D)). It also states that the receptacle can be installed in the countertop, but must not be in the face-up position (406.5(E)).

Are GFCI receptacle required in a kitchen if they are not on a countertop?

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.

Where are GFCI outlets required in a kitchen?

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.

What is the standard height for kitchen counter outlets?

between 15 and 20 inches



On countertop outlets, it is standard to install outlet boxes so the tops are between 15 and 20 inches from the countertop surface. Make sure all outlet boxes are set at exactly the same height since these outlets will be highly visible.

Should kitchen outlets be 15 or 20 amp?

It’s recommended that you use 20 amp outlets to power your kitchen appliances properly. The other most common type of electrical outlet is the 15-amp outlet. If the outlet is not 20 amp, there’s a good chance it’s providing a 15 amp circuit.

Can garbage disposal and dishwasher be on same circuit?

Wiring a garbage disposal and dishwasher into the same circuit requires a 20-amp circuit breaker, like this one. You’ll also need to make sure the total amperage of the two appliances combined does not exceed 80 percent of the circuit amperage rating.

Does a countertop microwave need a dedicated circuit?



Microwave ovens often demand dedicated circuitry, but this isn’t always a necessity. The National Electrical Code requires it for all fixed equipment, so a circuit must be set aside for any built-in oven. Small or older countertop models draw less power than modern full-size units.

Can you have an electrical socket under a sink?

Having sockets under the sink is perfectly normal. We had a new kitchen installed a few years ago and the company who installed it put a double socket under the sink. I think it’s pretty standard practice.

How close can an outlet be to a water pipe?

According to the National Electric Code, any receptacle within 6 feet of a water source needs to be protected with a GFCI.

How close can a spur be to a sink?

30cm horizontally



​To avoid water coming into contact with electricity, make sure that your sockets or switches are fitted at a safe distance (at least 30cm horizontally) from the sink.

Can you have a socket behind a dishwasher?

You cannot normally put a socket behind a dishwasher, you can with some washing machines and some ff. Better to put it in an adjacent cupboard and then it can be tested easily in the future.

Does a dishwasher require 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.

Do you need isolation switches for kitchen appliances?

Local Isolation in Kitchens. Local isolation is generally required for all items of electrical equipment for maintenance, service & repair.