Electricians for Kitchen Renovation
Remodeling an outdated, inefficient kitchen is an exciting project. You can design the kitchen of your dreams, upgrade your appliances and create a space that works for you.
When you’re making those remodeling plans, don’t forget to include changes and possible upgrades to your electrical wiring. In today’s homes, kitchens use more electricity than any other room. Here are some pointers for each part of your renovation.
Outdated Wiring
If your home is more than 50 years old, it’s likely the wiring wasn’t designed to work for today’s appliances and devices. You probably don’t have enough outlets, and you may need to upgrade your circuits. Ask an electrician to inspect your existing wiring and recommend upgrades.
Appliances
Are you relocating or replacing your appliances? If your appliances are large and new, they will need dedicated circuits to run properly. Here are some suggested circuit and volt settings for each appliance.
- Refrigerator: Dedicated, 20-amp and 120-volt circuit.
- Microwave: Dedicated, 20-amp and 120-volt circuit with a grounding wire.
- Dishwasher: Dedicated, 15-amp and 120-volt circuit.
- Oven: Dedicated, 50-amp and 240-volt circuit.
- Small appliances: Your toaster, coffee pot, blender, slow cooker and other small appliances need two 20-amp, 120-volt dedicated circuits.
Lighting
Kitchen lighting is an important part of making your new space attractive and functional. Many people like to incorporate a mix of recessed lights, pendant lights, and task lights in their kitchens. Under-cabinet lighting is another upgrade most kitchens need. A dedicated, 15-amp, and 120-volt circuit will usually be enough to provide power to your lighting setup.
Kitchen Islands
A kitchen island is a popular upgrade that adds storage and work surfaces. Make yours work even better by adding outlets and a home smart hub. Ask an electrician about installing an electric box under the floor to make wiring to the island safer and more streamlined.
Know the Code
The National Electrical Code specifies certain safety requirements for homes. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, be sure your work meets these requirements. This will ensure your renovation is safe and code-compliant.
- GFCI-protected outlets: An electrician can tell you how many protected outlets you need for each circuit in your remodeled kitchen. According to the NEC, all outlets within 6 feet of a sink must have GFCI protection.
- Tamper-resistant outlets: These are a new requirement for newly built and remodeled homes. Tamper-resistant outlets are designed to protect children. They contain a shutter that only opens when two electrical prongs are pushed into an outlet with sufficient force. Most have a “TR” mark on the front.
- Countertops: The NEC code requires any countertop surface that’s 12 inches or wider to have a GFCI receptacle. Since most people use their countertops to run at least one appliance, this ensures it is properly protected. Outlets should be spaced 4 feet apart or closer on a countertop.
Rely on SESCOS for All Your Renovations
For almost 50 years, SESCOS has been helping Loudoun County residents and businesses get the most from their electrical power. Call us if you’re renovating or remodeling any room in your house.