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Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Question:
I have the required two 20A small appliance circuits in a remodeled kitchen, and the receptacle outlets on the small appliance circuits meet all code requirements on their own (20A small appliance receptacle outlets serve all of the required countertops and wall spaces, and are spaced according to code). So is it a violation to leave an existing (additional) receptacle outlet serving the kitchen counter if it is wired with 14AWG NM on an existing 15A branch circuit? Or must the additional receptacle outlet be removed or covered? The 15A branch circuit now supplies only the receptacle outlet and the over-sink lighting outlet, if that matters. Seems like it would help, not hurt.
Thanks, Wes Nichols
A
Answer:
Hey Wes thanks for your question. Yes it would seem that way but it also violates 210.52(B)(1) which requires all wall and floor receptacle outlets in kitchens to be supplied by the 2 or more 20 ampere small appliance branch circuits. Other outlets, such as lighting, are not allowed as stated in 210.52(B)(2).Possibly you can comply with the conditions of Exceptions 1 or 2 to 210.52(B)(1).