Master Electrician Exam (NEC)Services, Feeders, and Branch CircuitsMedium
A residential kitchen requires a 20A, 120V small-appliance branch circuit. How many such circuits are required by the NEC for the kitchen area, excluding circuits for specific appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers?
- AFour
- BThree
- CTwo
- DOne
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Two
According to NEC 210.52(B)(1) and 210.11(C)(1), a minimum of two 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits are required to serve the receptacle outlets specified by 210.52(B)(1) in the kitchen and dining areas of a dwelling unit. These circuits are dedicated to small appliances and cannot serve other loads.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While four or more circuits could be installed, two is the minimum requirement.
- B. While three or more circuits could be installed, two is the minimum requirement.
- D. One small-appliance branch circuit is insufficient; NEC requires a minimum of two.
Dwelling Unit Small-Appliance Branch Circuits
A minimum of two 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits are required by the NEC to serve the kitchen, pantry, dining room, breakfast room, and similar areas of a dwelling unit, specifically for receptacle outlets.
- Minimum of two 20A circuits.
- Serves kitchen, pantry, dining, breakfast rooms.
- Cannot serve other outlets or permanently connected luminaires (with exceptions).
- Mandated by NEC 210.11(C)(1) and 210.52(B)(1).
Memory trick: Kitchen's Core: Two 20A circuits for small appliances, always on their own.