How Many Countertop Outlets Is Recommended?

Last Updated on November 3, 2021 by Kravelv

A kitchen, whether big or small, requires several lighting circuits. Since the kitchen is home to various appliances like the refrigerator, toaster, oven, and more, you have to think of ways to accommodate enough lighting circuits to amplify the convenience of using devices. But here comes the challenge—too many lighting circuits could cause fire instantly. That is why understanding exactly how many countertop outlets are safe is essential.

countertop outlets

Generally, kitchen outlets are functional enough to deliver more than one 20 amp 120-volt circuit to supply GFCI outlets. Let us take a look at this article below for more detail on the same.

Also, do not forget to see more here if you want to check out the latest black countertop designs.

Is 20-amp Ideal For Every Kitchen Space?

Every kitchen must have two outlets for 20 amps. Generally, a 20 amp circuit helps supply power for toasters, ovens, and other significant kitchen appliances. So, the outlet must be strong enough to provide that. Generally, everyday kitchens require around 20 amps for the kitchen appliances to function correctly. Two 20 amps help spread the outlets properly around the kitchen countertops and provide ease while using the kitchen appliances at any time. This makes sure that there is no possible crowding of any kitchen appliance in a single outlet. As a result, accidents and fire can be prevented easily.

What Is A Circuit Breaker?

Most people do not have any idea what a circuit breaker is. Well, don’t worry. The circuit breaker is the electrical panel in your home that helps provide electricity. It also acts as a safety device in your home. So, using a safe circuit breaker is essential in any home.

The main job of a circuit breaker is to disconnect the power to the outlet if the current passing through the circuit breaker increases. If the home is using several appliances at once, the breaker can get overloaded. Thus, any 20 amp wiring system should draw a total current of 16 amps. This helps the breaker to manage its task without any workload. As a result, the power supply is proper and works fine.

Now, during the decision of the number of receptacles to add into the 20 amp wiring system, one must be sure of plugging into each of them. We have already discussed above why it is essential to draw only 16 amps for utmost safety. This indicates that 1920 watts of a power draw using a 120-volt voltage supply.

Generally, in typical kitchens, not more than one outlet is used at a single time. So, you can permit drawing around 1.5amps to each receptacle. So, you can use up to 10 cases in a 20 amps circuit without any inconvenience. If you have smaller appliances, 15 amp outlets are used for those purposes.

What Amp Outlets Should You Ideally Purchase?

The most commonly available outlet after a 20 amp outlet is the 15 amp outlet. But these may not be very efficient for big appliances. As discussed above, 15 amp outlets are only used for smaller devices appropriately. These are usually good for ceiling fixtures too.

Contemporary kitchens require more than one wiring system. They also need GFCI and AFCI protection. Although GFCI has been a prominent kitchen demand for the longest time, the latter is a new addition. So, both 15 amp and 20 amp outlets require AFCI protection.

Now, let us take a peek into the most commonly used kitchen appliances-

1.     Garbage Disposal Circuit

These units require either a 15 amp or 20 amp circuit.

2.     Lighting Circuit

Generally, the power requirements are 15 amp circuits. This is for the small appliances and ceiling fixtures, so it fits well. It may include canister lights, strip lights, and more. They usually have GFCI protection.

3.     Refrigerator Circuit

Generally, they require a 20 amp circuit. The homeowner must use around 120 to 1250 volts of the circuit during the kitchen remodelling.

4.     Electric Range Circuit

These typically demand 240 volts or 50 amp circuits for utmost convenience and safety.

5.     Gas Range Appliance Circuit

Anyone demands around 120 to 125-volt circuits to supply a gas range appliance. This much power is enough for controls and vent hoods.

Why Is A Pop-Up Outlet Crucial In The Kitchen?

1.     Charging Convenience

You do not have to keep using the pop-up outlets to fuel the food appliances and other kitchen-related electronics merely. When in need, you could also use them to charge your phone, speakers, and more. This will help the cook conveniently charge their phone in the kitchen and keep accessing it without going from one room to another. A wireless Q-R charging top can also be of utmost convenience to the cook in the kitchen. Such plugin systems are becoming more crucial in kitchen spaces these days.

2.     Keep Dangerous Cords At Bay

Having children at home means added workload. But this also means that you have to ensure safety and always keep your eye out for anything dangerous. Since the kitchen is a space with the most hazardous items like fire, sharp knives, and electrical appliances, you have to be more cautious of everything. A pop-up outlet can help you keep the cords away and out of reach from children to keep them protected.

3.     Outlet Free BackSplashes

Most people spend numerous hours trying to figure out the perfect backsplash for their kitchen. But it would be so painful to have your perfect backsplash be cluttered with unappealing sockets everywhere. That is why pop-up outlets could come in handy to conceal them and make them less noticeable. So, you can have the dream of your perfect backsplash unharmed forever.

The Bottom Line

Make sure you pay attention to the circuit breaker and amps while remodelling your kitchen the next time. You can consult experts to help you out with the same and make sure that there is utmost safety in this area. We promise; you will not be disappointed. So, why keep waiting? Opt for it now before it is too late.

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