Kitchen counter and island outlets

elmaur

I will be extending the kitchen counter about 6 ft from the last of 4 outlets on a 20A circuit. I assume I must add another GFCI outlet. Can I have 5 outlets on this 20A circuit? I also need an outlet on the island. Can it be on the same circuit?

Jim Port

The NEC only requires a minimum of 2 20 amp circuits to serve the countertops.

If the extension will already be downstream of a GFI there is no need for an additional one.

Yes, the island will require at least one GFI protected 120 volt receptacle.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

elmaur

??? So are you saying I need to pull another 12/2 because I am adding the fifth oulet in which case I would put 2 outlets on one circuit and 3 on the other? Does the island outlet have to be on its own circuit?

Edit: I am not sure if you answered that the island can be on one of the 2 20A counter circuits?

Dierte

Jim said 2 circuits. Just extend your circuit for your ctop and island and call it a day

elmaur

hmm...that sure clears things up. There is just one 20A circuit now. If I extend it I still have one circuit. I don't think that is what you meant. I will run another 12/2 to add the 2nd circuit. I'll have 6 outlets total so I'll do 3 outlets on each and then call it a day... unless somebody objects.

rrolleston

If it's easy to do now then it may be a good idea.

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Dierte

Missed the part where you said only one circuit.

kevinp22

code requires 2 20a rec to serve kitchen/dining/pantry loads and both must be present at the kitchen counters (i dont have the code reference handy)

i would definitely pull a second circuit. and while you are at it, consider dedicated circuits for the microwave (if its an above the range model) and refrigerator

elmaur

I do appreciate everyones help here but as I read, some of the advice is unclear. Someone I was casually talking to about my renovation said something about the island outlet had to be on its own circuit. What you are saying kevinp22 seems to go along with that but maybe not. Do I need 2 20A circuits at the counters plus one for the island or can the 2 counter circuits include the island?
I have dedicated circuits for microwave and refrigerator. No confusion about that!

HouseHelper

The island receptacle may be shared with other countertop circuits, but must be GFCI protected. You need at least two 20A circuits that serve the countertops.

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elmaur

Well that seems to be clear enough, thank you.

kevinp22

Well said househelper. My response wasnt as intuitive as yours.