Dedicated Kitchen Circuits

Power Your Kitchen with Confidence

Modern Power for the Heart of Your Home

Modern kitchens need more power than ever, and they need it safely. Whether you’re remodeling or just wondering why your breaker trips when you use the toaster and microwave together, it’s likely time to look at your dedicated kitchen circuits.

At BTE Electric, we help homeowners install kitchen circuits that meet code, power appliances correctly, and protect your home from overloads or hazards.

What Is a Dedicated Kitchen Circuit?

A dedicated circuit is an electrical line that runs directly from your panel to a single appliance. No other outlets or devices share the power.

In kitchens, this is especially important because appliances often have high electrical demands. Running them all on shared circuits is a recipe for:

Tripped breakers
Flickering lights
Overheated wires
Fire hazards
Code violations

The National Electrical Code (NEC) has very specific rules about dedicated circuits in kitchens because of these risks.

Common Questions About Dedicated Kitchen Circuits

Q. Which Kitchen Appliances Need Dedicated Circuits?

ANSWER: Most homeowners are surprised to learn just how many appliances require their own circuit. Here’s a breakdown of what typically needs one:

Refrigerator – Even modern energy-efficient models should be on their own circuit.
Microwave – Required if it’s built-in, over-the-range, or draws over 1,200 watts.
Electric Range or Oven – Usually needs a 40–50 amp circuit.
Dishwasher – Needs its own circuit and GFCI protection.
Garbage Disposal – Should not share power with the dishwasher.
Instant Hot Water or Tankless Units – Often overlooked but draw significant power.
Coffee Machines or Commercial-Grade Appliances – If used daily, they may warrant a dedicated line.

Additionally, your kitchen requires at least two 20-amp small appliance circuits to power countertop outlets for blenders, toasters, and mixers. These are also required by code.

Q. Why Are Dedicated Circuits Are Required in Kitchens?

ANSWER: Kitchens are unique because they combine water, heat, and high energy use in a small space. That’s why the NEC has strict rules for:

GFCI and AFCI protection
Appliance separation
Load balancing
Proper circuit sizing

If you don’t have the correct number of dedicated kitchen circuits, you might not pass inspection, and worse, you may unknowingly create a fire hazard in your own home.
We install kitchen wiring that’s safe, efficient, and always up to code.

Signs Your Kitchen May Need More Dedicated Circuits

You might need to upgrade or add kitchen circuits if:

You’ve added a new appliance and keep tripping a breaker
You’re using extension cords or power strips regularly
Lights dim when certain appliances turn on
You’re remodeling or upgrading your kitchen layout
Your panel is outdated or short on space
You’re failing home inspections or insurance evaluations

We’ll assess your current system and identify what’s missing and what’s essential.

Q. What’s the Process to Add or Upgrade Kitchen Circuits?

ANSWER: Here’s how we handle it:

Evaluate your panel’s capacity – Is there space for more circuits? Is the panel sized right for your needs?
Determine load requirements – We’ll calculate what each appliance actually draws.
Install the new wiring – We’ll run new lines, install breakers, and ensure clean, safe terminations.
Test everything thoroughly – Including grounding, GFCI/AFCI protection, and outlet performance.

If needed, we can upgrade your electrical panel or install a subpanel to give you the power your kitchen deserves.

Q. How Much Does It Cost?

ANSWER: Here’s a general idea of costs:

New dedicated 15–20 amp kitchen circuit: $350–$700
Heavy-duty 30–50 amp oven/range circuit: $600–$1,200
Adding multiple circuits in a remodel: Priced as a custom estimate
Panel upgrade (if required): Starting at $2,500

We’ll give you a clear scope of work before anything begins. No surprises, just safe, code-compliant results.

Q. Why Is It Worth Doing Right?

ANSWER: With kitchen circuits, “good enough” usually isn’t. Trying to run a modern kitchen on outdated wiring is like trying to tow a boat with a compact car. Sooner or later, something’s going to give.

Upgrading or installing dedicated kitchen circuits helps you:

Prevent overloads and nuisance trips
Keep your appliances protected
Get the most out of your renovation
Meet code and pass inspections
Sleep better knowing your home is safer

We’ll give you a transparent, detailed estimate so you know exactly what you’re paying for and why.

Do It Once. Do It Right.

Running a high-powered appliance on a shared circuit is like plugging a treadmill and a fridge into the same outlet. Eventually something’s going to quit.

A dedicated circuit helps you:

Avoid power interruptions
Protect your appliances from damage
Extend the life of your wiring
Meet code and pass inspections
Keep your family safe

It’s not just about convenience. It’s about doing things the right way from the start.

Let’s Power Your Kitchen Safely

Whether you’re in the middle of a remodel or just need to bring your kitchen up to modern code, we’re ready to help. We’ll make sure your appliances get the power they need without compromise. Reach out to BTE Electric today to schedule an estimate or inspection. We’ll keep your kitchen working as hard as you do.

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