Kitchen Electrical

The kitchen requires more electrical power than any other room in the house. A remodel is a chance to add CFCI outlets to your older home and bring your electrical system up to code. At a minimum, you’ll need a circuit to power ceiling fixtures, recessed lighting fixtures, and task lights. You may also want to dedicate a circuit or two for the range, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, and garbage disposal. Finally, add at least one circuit for the toaster, coffee maker, and other countertop appliances.

Think Safety!

The kitchen is the place in your home where you use a wide range of appliances. That’s why it is important that you are aware of all the ways you can practice electrical safety, whether you are using your microwave, your electric stove, or your fridge. Here is a list of safety-related tips for the electrical aspect of your kitchen.

1. Use GFCI Outlets

GFCIs, or ground-fault circuit interrupters, are meant to protect you and your family from electrical shock. If you are using an appliance plugged into a GFCI outlet and your appliance is exposed to a lot of water, the GFCI will sense this and shut off the circuit in less than a second.

A GFCI outlet can literally save your life, so be sure to plug your appliances into GFCI outlets. If you don’t have any in your kitchen, contact an electrician and have GFCI outlets installed. If you do have GFCIs, be sure to test them every month—you can do this by pressing the “Test” button on the outlet.

2. No Extension Cords – Please!

Don’t Use Extension Cords or Power Strips Permanently.

While extension cords are great for plugging in appliances at a distance, make sure you don’t use them permanently. All your kitchen appliances must be plugged directly into grounded outlets to protect you from electrical fires and electrocution. Extension cords and power strips are meant for temporary use.

3. Unplug Appliances Not in Use

Countertop appliances like coffeemakers, blenders, and electric kettles should be unplugged immediately after use. Leaving them plugged in can increase your energy bill and is not good for the environment. Many appliances consume energy even when not in use if they are plugged in.

In addition, if you have your appliance plugged into a non-GFCI outlet and it is exposed to water or falls into the sink, you might risk electrocution.

4. One Appliance Per Outlet

Ideally, you should only plug one appliance into an outlet. This might seem burdensome, but plugging in more than one appliance can overload your outlet or circuit breaker. If you don’t have enough outlets, have an electrician install more.

5. Don’t Leave Appliances Unattended

This is an important tip, especially for those with little children. Once you have an appliance in use, keep your small children away from the appliance. Children have been known to tamper with appliances by putting objects or utensils in outlets and toasters, or by touching a device that is still hot.