Your kitchen takes a toll on your homes electrical system. It can account for up to 40% of your homes entire electrical use. Like it or not, Burbank is in the process of trying to reduce their use of the already strained California power grid by future-proofing homes with new electrical requirements.
The new code requires a dedicated 240-volt, 50-amp branch circuit labeled as 240V ready to be installed within 72 inches of the kitchen cooktop. This change will allow current and future homeowners to install more energy efficient electric ranges and cooktops. The end goal of this change being less strain on the current grid and future plans for solar energy which will reduce the overall cost of electricity. If you currently own gas appliances the requirement still applies so while you don’t have to change your appliances, in order for your kitchen to be up to code this is something that will have to be addressed if it hasn’t been already.
While a change in the overall circuitry of your kitchen is a pretty large project, there are smaller requirements that can’t be ignored such as;
The National Electrical Code requires at least two 20-amp small appliance circuits near all countertops for any small appliances homeowners might want to use like blenders, coffee makers, toasters and so on.
The NEC also requires that all 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere outlets near the kitchen (including countertops) and within 6ft of sinks must have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter protection or GFCI protection. Basically what it does is detect interruptions in the circuit and cut power off within milliseconds in order to prevent shock before blowing a fuse or your heart. You can find a detailed explanation here on How Stuff Works if your curious.
Once again, per the NEC, all 15-,20-amp 120V receptacles must be tamper resistant which basically means you need to have 2 prongs and/or a third grounding prong installed before the internal shutters will open and allow power through.
On your countertop, you’re required to have outlets every 24 inches (2 feet), and counter over 12 inches requires an outlets, and outlets are not allowed to be over 20 inches above the countertop. That pretty much sums up all your requirements for kitchen countertop electrical work in Burbank.
For the islands/peninsulas (no one ever installs archipelagos, capes, or isthmuses in their kitchens anymore) you’ll have to have one outlet per counter no more than one foot below the countertop surface. This is to prevent dangerous dangling cords and help reduce tripping hazards. It provides easy access to power without having to run cords throughout your kitchen and ‘figure it out’. It’s also much more chic when it comes to cable management.
All major appliances (the big mommas and poppas) such as your fridge, oven, range, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and the unassumingly named microwave all need dedicated circuitry . This requirement ensures consistent power to the most electrically demanding parts of your kitchen and avoids them overloading other lines and causing fuses to trip.
Kitchen lights usually require or at least are suggested to have their own dedicated circuit as well. Similar to the appliances lighting is a huge draw on the power of the home, unlike the appliances lighting tends to peak, drop and vary depending on the homeowners usage. Task lighting, LED recessed lighting, chandeliers, pendant lights, dimmers, and smart lighting options all contribute in their own ways to inconsistent and erratic power requirements which only a dedicated line can serve.
This covers what should be most things a homeowner needs to at least be aware of when it comes to ensuring your kitchen’s electrical system is up to code. If you want to know more detail you can visit the city of Burbank code requirement page here.
If you need a contractor who (obviously) knows the ins and outs of the NEC and all other California city codes. Click here to schedule an appointment with Perfect View Builders