Before You Renovate Your Kitchen

Is it time to take your drab and outdated kitchen and turn it into the warm, comfortable center of your home that it deserves to be? While planning out the material of your countertops and the color of your cabinetry, do not forget to also make a plan for the electrical system. The work you do now to ensure that your electrical wiring is safe and your whole kitchen is up to code will make a big difference. Here are our top 6 electrical considerations that will make your kitchen safer and more user-friendly after your kitchen remodel.

What Does the NEC (National Electric Code) Say?

The first thing you should research is what the NEC says about your kitchen’s electrical system. There are a few basic requirements that you need to be aware of before you plan anything else. You’ll need to make sure you have at least two 20-amp 9120-volt) circuits for lighting and outlets. You have to make sure to have outlets no more than 4 feet apart. The number of outlets in your kitchen will vary depending on its size. You may need more circuits to accommodate your appliances, lighting, and electrical outlets.

Consider the Locations of Your Big Appliances

One of the most important parts of your kitchen is the large appliances such as your oven and your refrigerator. You’ll want to plan your entire kitchen and electrical system around where you want these appliances to be. This will help determine where to place outlets and how many circuits you install in your kitchen.

Plan for GFCI Outlets

The NEC requires GFCI outlets to be installed in rooms that have water. You may recognize these outlets by the test and reset buttons on them.  GFCI outlets, or Ground Fault Interrupters, are there to make sure the power is turned off when there is any variation in current. They are there to keep you or a family member from getting shocked. You will need to plan to install this type of electrical outlet in your kitchen. 

Make Sure Your Electrical Panel is Upgraded

Your electrical panel is your power source for the kitchen and the rest of your home. If you do not have a circuit breaker with enough amps, you will not be able to run all of your new kitchen appliances. You can have an electrician from Paul Macrina Electrical come out and help you determine what panel you need as a power source for the kitchen. You may need to install a new circuit breaker if you are planning on adding more lights, appliances, or outlets to your kitchen. 

Plan Your Lighting

Planning the lighting in your kitchen can help your electrician know how and where to install circuits and electrical wiring. Plan out where you want lighting fixtures. You may want to consider putting your lighting fixtures on different circuits so that when something in your kitchen trips a breaker, you won’t be without lighting. You may also want to consider recessed lighting to open up your kitchen.

Get the Help of a Professional Electrician

With any of these considerations, having an electrician to consult while you plan your kitchen remodel is a good idea. At Paul Macrina Electrical, we would love to help you every step of the way. We know the NEC  front to back and we can help you put every appliance exactly where you want it. Call our team today for more information about kitchen renovation (508) 359-7954.