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gammajo
Aug 9, 2012, 12:27 PM
If I want to run a 20 amp circuit with a mixture of lighting and receptacles--how many of each can I put on each branch circuit?

tkrussell
Aug 9, 2012, 12:41 PM
Is this is a dwelling?

gammajo
Aug 9, 2012, 04:40 PM
No, this is a retirement community clubhouse.

mike 165278
Aug 9, 2012, 06:46 PM
What are you putting in for lighting? Do you have an idea of how many outlets you want?

tkrussell
Aug 10, 2012, 02:41 AM
While it is not specifically required by Code to separate lighting from receptacle outlets, it is a much better design, and standard trade practice to not have lighting on same circuits as receptacles, in other than dwelling units.

Tripping a circuit breaker due to a coffee pot, vacuum, etc, will cause the lighting to go out.

gammajo
Aug 10, 2012, 12:27 PM
Ok, you've convinced me not to mix lights and receptacles. Now, in a kitchen with 20 amp receptacles.- how many are permitted per circuit? Also, which is better -- to use individual GFI receptacles or a GFCI breaker per circuit?
Thanks, guys! (whoops--and maybe gals!)

mike 165278
Aug 10, 2012, 01:12 PM
I'm not sure there is a specific number by code. You probably want. In a kitchen you need 2 - 20a circuits, usually you alternate every other outlet on the same circuit. So no 2 outlets next to each other are on the same circuit. Use a GFCI receptical, you only need 1 per circuit, just make sure you feed that first, and everything downstream (fed from it) will be protected from that original GFCI. How many outlets do you want?

mike 165278
Aug 10, 2012, 01:14 PM
I'm not sure there is a specific number by code. You probably want. In a kitchen you need 2 - 20a circuits, usually you alternate every other outlet on the same circuit. So no 2 outlets next to each other are on the same circuit. Use a GFCI receptical, you only need 1 per circuit, just make sure you feed that first, and everything downstream (fed from it) will be protected from that original GFCI. How many outlets do you want?
If you figure 180w per outlet, you are limited to 13, don't know if that helps...

tkrussell
Aug 11, 2012, 04:23 AM
In a kitchen that is not part of a dwelling, should have a design that knows or assume where the various appliances will be located. Then size the circuit for each appliance. Many appliances, such as coffee makers, toasters, microwaves, each should have dedicated circuits with only one receptacle on that circuit.

I do not think 13 outlets on a circuit in a commercial kitchen would work out for you.

In addition to the dedicated circuits and outlets for appliances, you may have a general purpose circuit with several receptacles for small appliances such as radios, hand mixers, etc.

hfcarson
Aug 11, 2012, 05:18 AM
Along with the advice of TK, also be aware "all" 125V, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles in a kitchen are required to be GFCI protected... NEC 210.8(B)(2)