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Eliot Portland Kitchen Remodel Electrical Code: GFCI Circuits + Lighting Guide

Eliot Portland kitchen remodels require two 20A small appliance branch circuits (SABC), GFCI protection on all countertops, dedicated appliance circuits, and tamper-resistant receptacles per NEC 210.52 and Portland BDS Title 26 Electrical Code.

NEC Kitchen Electrical Requirements for Eliot Remodels

Kitchens need minimum 8 circuits: two 20A SABC circuits serving countertop receptacles only (no lights/appliances), dedicated 15-20A for refrigerator, 40-50A for range/oven, 20A dishwasher/microwave. Countertops require outlets every 48″ maximum, 12″ minimum from edges, all GFCI-protected. Tamper-resistant receptacles mandatory throughout (NEC 406.12).

Eliot Kitchen Appliance Circuit Specifications

Appliance

Circuit Amps

Wire Size

GFCI Required

NEC Reference

Refrigerator

15-20A dedicated

#12 Cu

No

210.52(B)

Electric Range

40-50A

#6 Cu

No

210.19(A)

Dishwasher

20A dedicated

#12 Cu

Yes (near sink)

422.10

Microwave (OTR)

20A dedicated

#12 Cu

No

210.23(A)

Garbage Disposal

20A (SABC shared)

#12 Cu

Yes

422.5

Portland BDS Kitchen Outlet Spacing Rules

  • Countertops: Receptacle every 48″ max, 20″ min from corners.
  • Islands/Peninsula: ≥12″ wide requires outlet (pop-up permitted).
  • Sink Splash Zone: GFCI 12″ either side of sink.
  • Below Counter: 12-18″ AFF for small appliances.
    BDS violations delay occupancy 30+ days.

Signs Your Eliot Kitchen Needs Electrical Upgrade

  • Single circuit serving entire kitchen.
  • No GFCI at countertop outlets.
  • Shared fridge/dishwasher circuit.
  • Aluminum wiring to receptacles.
  • Inspector flags during remodel permit.

Complete Eliot Kitchen Electrical Remodel Process

  1. Load Calculation: NEC 220.55 range demand + 3VA/sqft lighting.
  2. BDS Permitting: Electrical permit required ($190 minimum).
  3. Rough-In: SABC homeruns, appliance circuit conduit.
  4. Dedicated Circuits: Range 40A, fridge 20A before drywall.
  5. GFCI Installation: Countertop receptacles, sink area.
  6. Lighting Layout: LED recessed, under-cabinet, hood fan.
  7. Trim-Out: Tamper-resistant devices, AFCI breakers.
  8. Inspection: BDS verifies spacing/grounding.

Essential Modern Kitchen Electrical Features for Eliot

  • Under-Cabinet LEDs: 5W/ft strips, dimmable.
  • Smart Lighting: WiFi motion sensors, Alexa integration.
  • EV-Ready Conduit: Garage kitchen pass-through.
  • Tankless Prep: 45A double-pole spare breaker.
    Induction cooktops demand 50A service-rated circuits.

Lighting Guide: Eliot Portland Kitchen Illumination Standards

Area

Foot-Candles

Fixture Type

Control

Task (Counter)

50-70

Under-cabinet LED

Dimmers

General

20-30

Recessed 4″

Occupancy sensor

Accent

10-20

Pendant/track

Scene switches

Portland BDS Kitchen Inspection Checklist

  • Two 20A SABC circuits identified.
  • Countertop spacing verified.
  • All GFCI outlets labeled/tested.
  • Appliance circuits dedicated.
  • Tamper-resistant receptacles throughout.

Electric Avenue LLC: Eliot Kitchen Electrical Specialists

Family-owned Electric Avenue LLC coordinates Eliot kitchen electrical with your contractor. Master electricians deliver BDS-compliant installations with zero rework, from our family to yours.

Power your Eliot Portland kitchen remodel with code-perfect electrical that passes inspection first time. Contact Electric Avenue LLC today for FREE circuit planning and permit-ready installation that delivers flawless kitchen functionality.