Kitchen, Bathroom & Laundry Circuits
Kitchen counter receptacle spacing, split receptacles, small appliance circuits, bathroom GFCI, laundry circuit requirements, and dedicated appliance circuits.
- Apply kitchen counter receptacle spacing rules per the OESC
- Explain the requirement for two small appliance branch circuits in kitchens
- Describe split receptacle wiring and handle-tied breaker requirements
- Identify bathroom and laundry circuit requirements
- Determine which appliances require dedicated circuits
Leçon 1
Kitchen Circuits, Counter Receptacles & Islands
Kitchen Counter Receptacle Spacing
The OESC has specific rules for kitchen counter receptacle spacing that differ from general wall receptacle rules. Along kitchen countertops, no point on the counter surface can be more than 900 mm from a receptacle. This ensures every counter workspace has convenient access to power for small appliances.
Counter Receptacle Rules
- No point along the counter wall line shall be more than 900 mm from a receptacle
- Counter sections 300 mm or wider require a receptacle
- Receptacles must be installed on the wall above the counter or on the counter surface
- Counter receptacles must not be mounted face-up on the counter surface (to prevent liquid entry)
Island and Peninsula Counters
Kitchen islands and peninsulas with a long dimension of 600 mm or more and a short dimension of 300 mm or more require at least one receptacle. For islands longer than 1800 mm, two receptacles are required.
Exam Tip
Kitchen counter spacing uses 900 mm (not 1.8 m). Islands 600 mm x 300 mm or larger need at least one receptacle. These numbers are heavily tested.
Two Small Appliance Branch Circuits
The OESC requires a minimum of two 20-ampere small appliance branch circuits (T-slot or 20A receptacles) to serve kitchen countertop receptacles. These circuits must:
- Be rated at 20 amperes
- Serve only kitchen, dining room, pantry, and breakfast nook receptacles
- Not supply lighting, the refrigerator, or other fixed appliances
- Be split between the counter receptacles (alternating circuits)
Kitchen counter receptacles must be within 900 mm of any point on the counter. At least two 20A small appliance branch circuits are required. Islands 600 mm x 300 mm or larger need at least one receptacle.