Kitchen & Laundry Circuit Planner

Size mandatory 20A small appliance circuits, laundry circuits, garage circuits, and dedicated appliance breakers per NEC §210.11(C).

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⚡ Test your knowledge
NEC Article 220 was renumbered in the 2026 code cycle. What is the new article number?
  • A. Art. 100
  • B. Art. 120
  • C. Art. 200
  • D. Art. 230
💡 NEC 2026 renumbered Article 220 (Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Calculations) to Article 120.
Energy Management Systems were moved from Article 750 to which article in NEC 2026?
  • A. Art. 100
  • B. Art. 125
  • C. Art. 130
  • D. Art. 150
💡 NEC 2026 moved Energy Management Systems from Article 750 to Article 130.
Which NEC standard size overcurrent device comes after 90A?
  • A. 95A
  • B. 100A
  • C. 110A
  • D. 105A
💡 Per NEC §240.6(A), the standard sizes are …90, 100, 110, 125… There is no 95A standard size.

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How it works & the NEC rules behind it

The National Electrical Code (NEC §210.11(C)) mandates specific 20-ampere branch circuits in dwelling units to prevent circuit overloads from high-wattage countertop appliances and laundry equipment.

Mandatory Dedicated 20A Branch Circuits (NEC §210.11(C)):

  • 1. Small Appliance Branch Circuits (§210.11(C)(1)): A minimum of two (2) 20-ampere circuits are required for kitchen countertops, pantry, and dining area receptacles. Each is calculated at 1,500 VA per NEC 2026 §120.52(A) (formerly §220.52(A)). Lighting and non-kitchen outlets are strictly prohibited on these circuits (§210.52(B)(2)).
  • 2. Laundry Branch Circuit (§210.11(C)(2)): At least one (1) 20-ampere circuit dedicated exclusively to laundry receptacle outlets (calculated at 1,500 VA per §120.52(B)).
  • 3. Bathroom Branch Circuit (§210.11(C)(3)): At least one (1) 20-ampere circuit supplying bathroom countertop receptacle outlets.
  • 4. Garage Branch Circuit (§210.11(C)(4)): At least one (1) 20-ampere circuit dedicated to garage receptacle outlets (outdoor receptacles permitted on this circuit).
  • 5. Common Kitchen Dedicated Appliance Circuits:
    • Dishwasher: Dedicated 15A or 20A circuit (120V)
    • Garbage Disposal: Dedicated 15A or 20A circuit (120V)
    • Built-in Microwave: Dedicated 20A circuit (120V)
    • Electric Range / Cooktop: 40A or 50A 120/240V circuit
    • Electric Clothes Dryer: 30A 120/240V circuit (§220.54 / §120.54).

Formulas & equations

Small Appliance Circuits ≥ 2 × 20A (1,500 VA each = 3,000 VA min) (§210.11(C)(1)) Laundry Circuit ≥ 1 × 20A (1,500 VA) (§210.11(C)(2)) Bathroom Circuit ≥ 1 × 20A (§210.11(C)(3)) | Garage Circuit ≥ 1 × 20A (§210.11(C)(4))

NEC reference table

Required Circuit NEC Reference Min Rating Standard Load (VA) Allowed Outlets
Kitchen Small Appliance (2+)§210.11(C)(1)20 A (120V)1,500 VA eachCountertops, pantry, dining receptacles only
Laundry Room§210.11(C)(2)20 A (120V)1,500 VALaundry area receptacles only
Bathroom Receptacle§210.11(C)(3)20 A (120V)120V loadBathroom basin receptacles
Garage Receptacle§210.11(C)(4)20 A (120V)120V loadGarage & outdoor receptacles only
Electric Clothes Dryer§120.54 / §220.5430 A (240V)5,000 VA minDedicated dryer outlet only
Electric Cooking Range§120.55 / §220.5540A – 50A (240V)8,000 VA minDedicated cooking appliance only

Worked example, step by step

Example: Planning Branch Circuits for a 3-Bedroom Single Family Home

Scope: Modern kitchen, laundry room, 2 bathrooms, 2-car garage, electric range & dryer.

  • 1. Mandatory 20A Circuits: 2 Small Appliance Circuits (Kitchen) + 1 Laundry Circuit + 1 Bathroom Circuit + 1 Garage Circuit = 5 dedicated 20A branch circuits.
  • 2. Kitchen Dedicated Appliances: 1 × 20A (Microwave) + 1 × 15A (Dishwasher) + 1 × 15A (Disposal) = 3 dedicated 120V circuits.
  • 3. 240V Major Appliances: 1 × 50A (Range, #6 AWG) + 1 × 30A (Dryer, #10 AWG).
  • 4. Total Dedicated Panel Space: 12 circuit spaces reserved for specialized appliances.

Frequently asked questions

YES. Under NEC §210.52(B)(1) Exception No. 2, an individual branch circuit rated 15A or 20A is permitted to supply a dedicated refrigerator outlet, provided the mandatory two 20A small appliance circuits are still provided for countertops.

NO! NEC §210.52(B)(2) explicitly states that small appliance branch circuits shall have no other outlets. Lighting fixtures and switched under-cabinet lights are strictly forbidden on small appliance circuits.

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