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Kitchen countertop circuits playbook

Goal​

Lay out kitchen countertop receptacles with required circuits, spacing, and protection.

Inputs you must know before you start​

  • Countertop lengths, islands, and peninsulas.
  • Circuit plan and panel capacity.
  • GFCI/AFCI requirements for the area.
  • Receptacle types and locations (damp/wet, TR, etc.).

The path (in order)​

  1. Determine required small appliance circuits.
  2. Apply countertop spacing rules to place receptacles.
  3. Assign circuits to countertop receptacles.
  4. Apply GFCI/AFCI protection requirements.
  5. Confirm device type requirements (TR, weatherproof if applicable).

This is​

A focused checklist for kitchen countertop receptacle planning and compliance.

This is not​

A complete kitchen appliance load or service sizing guide.

Inspection-ready checklist​

  • Minimum small appliance circuits provided.
  • Countertop receptacle spacing satisfied.
  • GFCI/AFCI requirements mapped to each receptacle.
  • Device types verified (TR/WR as required).

Worked example​

A kitchen with an island receives two small appliance circuits. Countertop receptacles are placed per spacing rules, GFCI protection is applied, and TR receptacles are installed per requirement.

Cross references​

  • Primary: 210.11(C)(1), 210.52(B)
  • Secondary: 210.8, 210.12

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