How Many Circuits Do You Need When Remodeling Your Kitchen?

Your kitchen is a busy room. And not just for foot traffic. It’s the workhorse of your house. You heat, you cool, you clean, you store, you prepare, you dispose – you do a lot in your kitchen!

Many homeowners choose to remodel their kitchens for the increased value to their homes, but also for the added ease of life. If you’re remodeling a kitchen, one priority will be installation of proper lighting and appliances. One of the things that you should be considering is how to rewire your kitchen, be sure to include these eight electrical circuits:

Lighting circuit

First off, you need the appropriate circuit to control lighting. One 15-amp circuit can handle all the hard-wired lighting for your kitchen. This includes recessed can lighting, hanging fixtures, or under-cabinet lights. These small appliances draw so little power, especially given today’s lighting technology – that you can install multiple lights on the single circuit.

Small appliance circuits

Kitchens are synonymous with small appliances. Coffee makers, toasters, grinders, blenders, food processors, counter-top grills, you name it. These appliances don’t draw much power individually, and rarely would you have them all plugged and running at once. To accommodate these kitchen necessities, you’ll need two 20-amp branch circuits – allowing each circuit to handle multiple outlets. Remember to install the outlets evenly and in easy-to-reach areas, so there’s no hassle plugging in appliances while you cook.

Large appliance circuits

The next five circuits are dedicated to one piece of equipment each. The general rule of thumb is that if the appliance has a motor, it deserves its own circuit. These are for larger appliances that require higher voltages, and typically include:

• The electric oven requires a 50-amp, 250-volt circuit
• The dishwasher requires a 15-amp, 125-volt circuit
• The refrigerator requires a dedicated 20-amp, 125-volt circuit
• The microwave requires a 20-amp, 125-volt circuit
• The garbage disposal requires a 15-amp, 20-volt circuit

Your exact number of dedicated circuits will vary. If you have a gas range, of course, you don’t need an electrical circuit. Or if you’re installing multiple ovens, you’ll need one for each of them. You’ll want to consult one of our electricians to determine exactly what circuits are needed for your large appliances.

As you renovate your kitchen, make sure you’ve wired it sufficiently to provide for all of your needs. The last thing you want to is complete your kitchen and find you’re not able to use all of your equipment. These eight circuits, for lighting, small appliances, and bigger pieces, will keep your kitchen operating according to code. For questions about kitchen wiring, feel free to contact us today!