A kitchen in a dwelling unit contains a permanently installed dishwasher, a trash compactor, and a microwave oven. How many 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits are required, at minimum, to serve the receptacle outlets for these appliances, according to NEC 210.52(B)?

Correct answer: D. Two

NEC 210.52(B)(1) requires at least two 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits for receptacle outlets in dwelling unit kitchens, pantries, dining rooms, and similar areas. These circuits must serve all wall and floor receptacle outlets covered by 210.52(A) and (C), and countertop receptacles. Dishwashers, trash compactors, and microwave ovens are typically considered part of the kitchen load requiring these circuits, but they can't be the *only* load on these circuits if they are permanently installed. However, the question asks for the minimum number of small-appliance branch circuits for the *receptacle outlets* for these appliances. The key is 'receptacle outlets'. The NEC mandates a minimum of two 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits for the kitchen and related areas, specifically for receptacle outlets. These general-purpose small appliance circuits cannot be used for fixed appliances like a permanently wired dishwasher or trash compactor if they are the sole load. But if these appliances *plug into* receptacle outlets, they are part of the small appliance load. The question is specifically about the *receptacle outlets* for these appliances. The NEC requires at least two small-appliance branch circuits, regardless of the number of specific appliances, to serve the general-purpose receptacle outlets in the kitchen. So, even if there are three appliances, they must be served by at least two such circuits. The small-appliance branch circuits are for the 'receptacle outlets' and cannot supply other outlets or equipment except as specified. So, the minimum is two.