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