Do Kitchen Outlets Need to be on Their Own Circuit?
The kitchen is the heart of a home and the center of daily activity, especially in today’s fast-paced world where time is of the essence. Kitchen appliances like refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers have become larger and more powerful, adding more electrical demands on existing circuits. Therefore, it’s crucial to have dedicated circuits installed in the kitchen to prevent electrical overloading that can cause short circuits, electrocution, and even fire hazards.Importance of Dedicated Circuits in the Kitchen
Dedicated circuits in the kitchen are essential because they separate the high electrical demands of appliances and prevent power overloading. High electrical demands cause circuits to trip, resulting in power loss to appliances. This means that the refrigerator may stop cooling, and the oven may cease working, leading to food spoilage, waste, and inconvenience. A dedicated circuit solely powers one appliance and supplies the necessary amount of power that appliance requires to operate, preventing power surge or fluctuations.How Electrical Codes Have Changed for Kitchen Outlets
Historically, the kitchen outlets were wired to handle ten amps of power. That was sufficient for the small appliances used in cooking and cleaning, such as a blender, toaster, or coffee maker. However, with modern appliances, such as electric cooktops, convection ovens, and built-in microwaves, these appliances require high amounts of power and continuous voltage supply. The National Electric Code (NEC) now requires separate receptacle circuits specifically for refrigerators, dishwashers, and garbage disposals. Furthermore, they recommend having additional electrical circuits for countertop outlets. Newly built homes must have dedicated circuits for every major kitchen appliance, per NEC standards.The Dangers of Overload on Kitchen Circuits
Overloading a circuit can cause major hazards such as fire and electrocution. An electrical overload often happens due to too many appliances connected to one circuit, causing the circuit breaker to trip. When this happens, people may be tempted to reset the breaker continually, not realizing that the wiring might have become hot and damaged the circuit, making it a potential fire hazard. Moreover, an overloaded circuit can cause electrical currents to flee from the circuit, leading to electrocutions. Did You Know? According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), cooking appliances are the primary causes of home fires, accounting for over 30% of them.Understanding the Difference Between a General Circuit and an Appliance Circuit
A general circuit is one that supplies power to a wide range of electrical outlets or fixtures in a given area, whereas an appliance circuit is a dedicated electric circuit that supplies power to only one appliance. An appliance circuit protects the appliance from being damaged by providing a consistent amount of power that the appliance needs, and nothing more. General circuits’ main purpose is to provide power to low electricity appliances, such as lights and fans; they are not designed to handle the high electrical demands of appliances like stoves or dishwashers. Did You Know? According to experts, installing an appliance circuit can reduce energy loss and increase the appliance’s lifespan by operating at a consistent power supply.Benefits of Having Separate Circuits for Kitchen Appliances
Having separate circuits for kitchen appliances offer numerous benefits such as;- Preventing power surges and fluctuations.
- Minimizing circuit trips and overloading.
- Reducing energy consumption, helping homeowners save money on their utility bills.
- Enhancing safety by reducing the risk of short circuits, electrocution, and fire hazards.
