A newly constructed commercial kitchen requires two 20A, 120V small-appliance branch circuits to serve the countertop receptacles in the kitchen area. How many such circuits are required by the NEC for these specific receptacles?
- AFour
- BTwo
- CThree
- DOne
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Two
According to NEC 210.52(B)(1), in dwelling units, two or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits are required for all receptacle outlets specified in 210.52(B)(2) and (B)(3), as well as receptacle outlets in the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or similar areas. While this question mentions a 'commercial kitchen', the NEC definition of 'dwelling unit' is key here. However, 210.52 specifically applies to dwelling units. Let's re-evaluate the question for a commercial kitchen. For commercial occupancies, there isn't a specific NEC requirement for a minimum number of small appliance branch circuits like there is for dwelling units (NEC 210.52(B)). The question asks 'how many such circuits are required by the NEC for these specific receptacles'. Without the 'dwelling unit' context, the specific requirement for 'two or more' doesn't apply. However, the scenario states 'requires two 20A, 120V small-appliance branch circuits to serve the countertop receptacles'. This implies the design already dictates two. Let me re-think. If the question implies a dwelling unit kitchen, then 'two' is the direct answer. If it's a true commercial kitchen, then the NEC doesn't mandate 'two or more' in the same way. The phrasing 'requires two' suggests that the design calls for two. The question is a bit ambiguous without explicitly stating 'dwelling unit'. Given the options, and the common understanding of 'small-appliance branch circuits' in the context of the NEC, it usually refers to dwelling units. If it were truly commercial, the design would specify based on load, not a fixed number from 210.52(B). I will assume a dwelling unit context as implied by 'small-appliance branch circuits' in this specific phrasing. So, two is the minimum. This is a medium difficulty question due to the potential ambiguity between commercial vs. dwelling unit context and the direct application of NEC 210.52(B).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Four circuits are more than the minimum required.
- C. Three circuits are more than the minimum required.
- D. One circuit is insufficient for dwelling unit kitchen countertop receptacles.
Dwelling Unit Small-Appliance Circuits
Specific 20-ampere branch circuits required in dwelling units for kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, and similar areas to serve countertop and other small-appliance loads.
- Minimum of two 20A circuits (NEC 210.52(B)).
- Serve countertop receptacles and other specific outlets.
- No other outlets permitted on these circuits except certain clock outlets or gas ignition systems.
Memory trick: For kitchen power, think 'two' (circuits) for the countertop crew.