Kitchen remodel circuit planner
A remodeled kitchen needs at least two 20-amp small-appliance circuits (NEC 210.11(C)(1)) plus a circuit for each fixed appliance, so a typical induction kitchen with a dishwasher, disposal, microwave drawer, hood, refrigerator, island receptacles and new lighting comes to 10 circuits and 11 panel spaces. Under the 2025 California Electrical Code (2023 NEC), every kitchen receptacle plus the range, ovens, cooktop, dishwasher and microwave need GFCI, and every 120-volt kitchen circuit needs AFCI.
Your kitchen
Cooking
Appliances
Refrigeration
Island and counters
Lighting
Circuits you need
Countertop receptacles
- Small-appliance circuit 120 A · 120 V
Every countertop, wall and floor receptacle in the kitchen, pantry and dining area. Nothing else rides on these: no lights, no hood, no disposal.
210.11(C)(1), 210.52(B) · 210.8(A)(6) · 210.12(A)
- Small-appliance circuit 220 A · 120 V
Countertop receptacles must be split across at least two of these.
210.11(C)(1), 210.52(B) · 210.8(A)(6) · 210.12(A)
- Island small-appliance circuit20 A · 120 V
A third 20 A circuit for the island so a mixer and a blender at the island don’t share with the back counter.
210.8(A)(6) · 210.12(A)
Cooking
- 30-inch electric or induction range40 A · 240 V40 A class; use 50 A if the guide says so
A cord-and-plug range on a 240 V receptacle needs GFCI too: 210.8(A)(6) covers kitchen receptacles up to 250 V.
GE Profile PHS930: 40 A, 12.5 kW · 210.8(D) (electric ranges)
Appliances
- Dishwasher20 A · 120 VBosch: 15 or 20 A
GFCI and AFCI both apply, so this is usually a dual-function breaker.
Bosch install guide: dedicated 15 or 20 A · 210.8(D) (dishwashers) · 210.12(A)
- Disposal20 A · 120 V
A 3/4 hp InSinkErator Evolution draws 8.1 A. Plugged into the sink-cabinet receptacle it needs GFCI; hardwired, it isn’t on the 210.8(D) list.
Aliso Viejo: separate circuit may be required per the maker · 210.8(A)(6) if corded · 210.12(A)
- Microwave drawer15 A · 120 V
Usually in the island. Plan the receptacle location with the cabinet drawings.
Wolf Design Guide: 120 V, 15 A dedicated · 210.8(D) (microwave ovens) · 210.12(A)
- Range hood15 A · 120 Vper the hood’s install guide
Hood lights are exempt from JA8 and from the dimmer rule (Compliance Manual pp. 6-1, 6-8).
Aliso Viejo handout: dedicated circuit for cord-and-plug hoods · 210.8(A)(6) if corded · 210.12(A)
Refrigeration
- Refrigerator15 A · 120 V
Sub-Zero calls GFCI “not recommended” indoors, but the code puts every kitchen receptacle on GFCI. The inspector’s reading of the code wins.
Sub-Zero: 115 V, 15 A dedicated · code allows a small-appliance circuit or its own 15 A+ (210.52(B)(1) Ex. 2) · 210.8(A)(6) · 210.12(A)
Lighting
- Kitchen lighting (recessed, pendants, under-cabinet)15 A · 120 V
Lights can’t share the small-appliance circuits, so they need a circuit of their own. LED loads are small; one 15 A circuit usually carries the whole kitchen.
210.52(B)(2): small-appliance circuits serve no other outlets · 210.12(A) · Title 24 §150.0(k)
Rules that aren’t circuits
- Wall counters: a receptacle at every counter space 12 in or wider, with no point along the wall more than 24 in from one.210.52(C)(1) · Required by code
- Island and peninsula receptacles go on or above the counter, no more than 20 in up, or in the countertop as an assembly listed for countertop use. Below-counter receptacles are no longer allowed.210.52(C)(3) (2023 NEC) · Required by code
- Every light JA8-certified, a wall dimmer for the kitchen lighting, and under-cabinet lights on a control separate from the ceiling lights.Title 24 §150.0(k)1A, 2F · Compliance Manual pp. 6-1, 6-8 · Required by code
- Aliso Viejo’s handout also asks for tamper-resistant receptacles, the GFCI reset in a readily accessible spot, and working smoke and CO alarms before final.City of Aliso Viejo kitchen remodel handout, 03/10/2026 · Required locally
Planning list under the 2025 California Electrical Code (2023 NEC), in effect since January 1, 2026. Breaker sizes for appliances come from published install guides for the models named; yours may differ, and the guide for the appliance you buy decides. Wire sizes are typical copper for short runs. Your inspector has the final word.
A 48-inch dual-fuel kitchen with column refrigeration and an island
The appliance list: a 48-inch dual-fuel range, dishwasher, disposal, microwave drawer, range hood, a refrigerator column and a freezer column, a beverage fridge, an island with pop-up receptacles, and recessed, pendant, under-cabinet and toe-kick lights.
Code minimum: two 20 A small-appliance circuits for the counters, and a lighting circuit because lights can’t share them. The install guides add a 50 A circuit for the range (Wolf lists 10,200 VA for the double-oven dual fuel), a dedicated circuit for the dishwasher, the microwave drawer and each of the three Sub-Zero-style refrigeration units. Aliso Viejo adds a dedicated circuit for a cord-and-plug hood. We’d add an island small-appliance circuit and a disposal circuit.
Totals: 12 circuits (11 single-pole, 1 double-pole), which is 13 panel spaces. Of those, 8 need both GFCI and AFCI. The known nameplate load is 17,122 VA before adding the rating plates for 5 more items; the panel load calculator turns that into a yes or no for your service.
Countertop receptacles
- Small-appliance circuit 120 A · 120 V
Every countertop, wall and floor receptacle in the kitchen, pantry and dining area. Nothing else rides on these: no lights, no hood, no disposal.
210.11(C)(1), 210.52(B) · 210.8(A)(6) · 210.12(A)
- Small-appliance circuit 220 A · 120 V
Countertop receptacles must be split across at least two of these.
210.11(C)(1), 210.52(B) · 210.8(A)(6) · 210.12(A)
- Island small-appliance circuit20 A · 120 V
A third 20 A circuit for the island so a mixer and a blender at the island don’t share with the back counter.
210.8(A)(6) · 210.12(A)
Cooking
- 48-inch dual-fuel range (double oven)50 A · 240 V
Gas line to the burners, 240 V to both ovens.
Wolf DF48850 / Design Guide: 50 A dedicated, 42.5 A, 10.2 kW · 210.8(D)
Appliances
- Dishwasher20 A · 120 VBosch: 15 or 20 A
GFCI and AFCI both apply, so this is usually a dual-function breaker.
Bosch install guide: dedicated 15 or 20 A · 210.8(D) (dishwashers) · 210.12(A)
- Disposal20 A · 120 V
A 3/4 hp InSinkErator Evolution draws 8.1 A. Plugged into the sink-cabinet receptacle it needs GFCI; hardwired, it isn’t on the 210.8(D) list.
Aliso Viejo: separate circuit may be required per the maker · 210.8(A)(6) if corded · 210.12(A)
- Microwave drawer15 A · 120 V
Usually in the island. Plan the receptacle location with the cabinet drawings.
Wolf Design Guide: 120 V, 15 A dedicated · 210.8(D) (microwave ovens) · 210.12(A)
- Range hood15 A · 120 Vper the hood’s install guide
Hood lights are exempt from JA8 and from the dimmer rule (Compliance Manual pp. 6-1, 6-8).
Aliso Viejo handout: dedicated circuit for cord-and-plug hoods · 210.8(A)(6) if corded · 210.12(A)
Refrigeration
- Column unit 115 A · 120 V
Side-by-side columns are separate appliances. Each gets its own circuit.
Sub-Zero Designer guide: 15 A, a separate circuit serving only this unit · 210.8(A)(6) · 210.12(A)
- Column unit 215 A · 120 V
Side-by-side columns are separate appliances. Each gets its own circuit.
Sub-Zero Designer guide: 15 A, a separate circuit serving only this unit · 210.8(A)(6) · 210.12(A)
- Wine or beverage refrigerator15 A · 120 V
Other brands may allow a small-appliance circuit. Check the install guide before the rough-in.
Sub-Zero/Wolf/Cove: every appliance on a dedicated circuit · 210.8(A)(6) · 210.12(A)
Lighting
- Kitchen lighting (recessed, pendants, under-cabinet, toe-kick)15 A · 120 V
Lights can’t share the small-appliance circuits, so they need a circuit of their own. LED loads are small; one 15 A circuit usually carries the whole kitchen.
210.52(B)(2): small-appliance circuits serve no other outlets · 210.12(A) · Title 24 §150.0(k)
Kitchen circuits by appliance
Breakers are from the published install guide for a representative model (named in the sources); the guide for the appliance you buy decides. “Typical wire” is copper sized from the 60 °C column for a short run. GFCI and AFCI are per the 2023 NEC as adopted in California.
| Circuit | Volts | Breaker | Typical wire | GFCI | AFCI | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small-appliance circuits (two minimum) | 120 V | 20 A single-pole | 12 AWG copper | Required | Required | Required by code |
| 30-inch electric or induction range | 240 V | 40 A double-pole (40 A class; use 50 A if the guide says so) | 8 AWG copper | Required | No | Required by the install guide |
| 30- or 36-inch pro induction range | 240 V | 50 A double-pole | 6 AWG copper | Required | No | Required by the install guide |
| 48-inch induction range (each of two) | 240 V | 50 A double-pole | 6 AWG copper | Required | No | Required by the install guide |
| 30- or 36-inch dual-fuel range | 240 V | 30 A double-pole | 10 AWG copper | Required | No | Required by the install guide |
| 48-inch dual-fuel range | 240 V | 50 A double-pole | 6 AWG copper | Required | No | Required by the install guide |
| Gas range or cooktop | 120 V | 15 A single-pole (per the install guide) | 14 AWG copper | Required | Required | Required by the install guide |
| 30-inch induction cooktop | 240 V | 40 A double-pole | 8 AWG copper | Required | No | Required by the install guide |
| 36-inch induction cooktop | 240 V | 50 A double-pole (Wolf 50 A; Samsung CC70F36S2D 40 A. The guide decides) | 6 AWG copper | Required | No | Required by the install guide |
| Single wall oven | 240 V | 30 A double-pole | 10 AWG copper | Required | No | Required by the install guide |
| Double wall oven | 240 V | 50 A double-pole (GE table: 40 A for 7.3–9.6 kW, 50 A for 9.7–12 kW) | 6 AWG copper | Required | No | Required by the install guide |
| Speed oven | 240 V | 15 A double-pole | 14 AWG copper | Required | No | Required by the install guide |
| Steam oven | 240 V | 20 A double-pole | 12 AWG copper | Required | No | Required by the install guide |
| Dishwasher | 120 V | 20 A single-pole (Bosch: 15 or 20 A) | 12 AWG copper | Required | Required | Required by the install guide |
| Disposal | 120 V | 20 A single-pole | 12 AWG copper | If it plugs in | Required | Recommended practice |
| Over-the-range microwave | 120 V | 20 A single-pole (GE: 15 or 20 A) | 12 AWG copper | Required | Required | Required by the install guide |
| Microwave drawer | 120 V | 15 A single-pole | 14 AWG copper | Required | Required | Required by the install guide |
| Refrigerator | 120 V | 15 A single-pole | 14 AWG copper | Required | Required | Required by the install guide |
| Column refrigerator or freezer (each) | 120 V | 15 A single-pole | 14 AWG copper | Required | Required | Required by the install guide |
| Range hood | 120 V | 15 A single-pole (per the hood’s install guide) | 14 AWG copper | If it plugs in | Required | Required locally |
| Kitchen lighting | 120 V | 15 A single-pole | 14 AWG copper | No | Required | Required by code |
In 5 steps
- Pick the cooking setup first: range, or cooktop plus wall ovens. It decides how many 240-volt breakers you need.
- Tick every appliance that will be built in or plugged in behind a cabinet, including column refrigeration and a beverage fridge.
- Choose the island option. With the 2023 code, receptacles there are optional, but provisions for one aren’t.
- Read the circuit list with the appliance spec sheets in hand. Where a guide asks for a bigger breaker than we’ve shown, the guide wins.
- Take the load and panel-space totals to the panel load calculator before anyone starts demo.
Why nearly every kitchen breaker is now GFCI, AFCI or both
California’s electrical code has been the 2023 NEC since January 1, 2026. Under it, every kitchen receptacle up to 250 volts needs GFCI (210.8(A)(6)), and 210.8(D) puts electric ranges, wall ovens, cooktops and microwaves on the GFCI list next to the dishwasher. AFCI already covered 120-volt kitchen circuits. A 120-volt dishwasher or microwave circuit needs both, which is why dual-function breakers show up all over a kitchen panel schedule.
Not everyone’s a fan. The home builders’ association (NAHB) asked states to strike the cooking-appliance GFCI rule over nuisance tripping, and Sub-Zero’s own install guide calls GFCI “not recommended” on its refrigerators. We found no California amendment, and Aliso Viejo’s March 2026 kitchen handout enforces the rule as written. The code wins over the appliance guide; ask your inspector.
Breaker sizes vary more than you’d expect. Two 36-inch induction cooktops can want 40 A (Samsung) or 50 A (Wolf), and a 48-inch induction range needs two 50 A circuits. Pick the models before the rough-in, even if you haven’t bought them yet. For the lighting half of the plan, use the recessed lighting layout tool.
Kitchen circuit planner: common questions
How many circuits does a kitchen remodel need?
At least three: two 20-amp small-appliance circuits (NEC 210.11(C)(1)) and a lighting circuit, since lights can't share them. Each built-in appliance usually adds one more. A typical induction kitchen with a dishwasher, disposal, microwave drawer, hood, refrigerator and island lands at 10 circuits and 11 panel spaces.
Does an induction range need a 50-amp circuit?
It depends on the model. GE’s 30-inch Profile PHS930 is rated 12.5 kW and calls for 40 A. Wolf’s 30- and 36-inch induction ranges call for 50 A, and its 48-inch needs two separate 50 A circuits. The install guide for the range you buy sets the breaker.
Does a kitchen island need an outlet under the 2023 code?
No, but it’ll need provisions for adding one later (NEC 210.52(C)(2)). If you do install receptacles, they go on or above the counter, no more than 20 inches up, or in the countertop as a listed countertop assembly such as a pop-up. Below-counter receptacles are no longer allowed.
Does the refrigerator need GFCI protection in California?
Under the 2025 California Electrical Code, yes: 210.8(A)(6) covers every kitchen receptacle. Sub-Zero’s install guide calls GFCI not recommended for its indoor units, so the manufacturer and the code disagree. The inspector’s going to enforce the code.
Does a dishwasher need its own circuit?
Most install guides say yes. Bosch calls for a dedicated 120-volt circuit on a 15 or 20 A breaker. Under the 2023 NEC it also needs GFCI (210.8(D)) and AFCI (210.12(A)), so it’s usually a dual-function breaker.
Can kitchen lights go on the countertop circuits?
No. The 20-amp small-appliance circuits serve receptacles only (210.52(B)(2)), so lights need their own circuit. LED lighting draws little, so one 15-amp circuit usually covers a whole kitchen.
Where these numbers come from
- ICC — 2025 California Electrical Code, Title 24, Part 3"A fully integrated code based on the 2023 National Electrical Code," effective January 1, 2026 (read Sep 22, 2026).
- California Building Standards Commission — 2025 Title 24 California Code Changes2025 Title 24 published July 1, 2025, effective January 1, 2026. The Part 3 errata we read (dated January 1, 2026) shows no Article 210 changes (read Sep 22, 2026).
- City of Aliso Viejo — Residential Kitchen Remodel handout (03/10/2026)A South County building department applying the 2025 code: all 15/20 A receptacles GFCI, AFCI and tamper-resistant; GFCI for dishwashers, electric ranges, wall ovens, cooktops and microwaves; dedicated circuit for cord-and-plug range hoods; island future provisions; 20 in above-counter limit; rough and final inspections (read Sep 22, 2026).
- Mike Holt forum — small-appliance circuit exceptions (NEC 210.52(B) quoted)210.52(B)(1): the 20 A small-appliance circuits serve all wall, floor and countertop receptacles and refrigeration; Ex. 2: refrigeration on an individual 15 A or larger circuit; (B)(2) exceptions for a clock and gas-range supplemental equipment (read Sep 22, 2026).
- Mike Holt forum — dedicated circuit for a refrigerator (NEC 220.52(A) quoted)"1500 volt-amperes for each 2-wire small-appliance branch circuit" (read Sep 22, 2026).
- InterNACHI — Kitchen receptacle requirements, 2024 IRC and 2023 NECTwo 20 A small-appliance circuits; no point along the counter wall more than 24 in from a receptacle; island receptacles now optional with provisions for the future; 20 in above-counter limit; below-counter outlets no longer permitted (read Sep 22, 2026).
- NEC 210.52(C)(2) and (3), 2020 vs 2023 text (Electrical License Renewal)2023 removed the 2020 square-footage island rule and the below-countertop option; receptacles in countertops must be listed assemblies (read Sep 22, 2026).
- NEC 210.8(D) text comparison (Electrical License Renewal)2023 list: dishwashers, electric ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, clothes dryers and microwave ovens, among others, 150 V to ground and 60 A or less (read Sep 22, 2026).
- NAHB — Suggested amendments to the 2023 NECConfirms the cooking-appliance GFCI rule was "newly added in 2023" and argues for deleting it over nuisance tripping; also opposes the island "provisions" wording and kitchen AFCI. California did not adopt these amendments in anything we found (read Sep 22, 2026).
- WireRef — Kitchen GFCI requirements, NEC 2023 210.8(A)(6)All kitchen receptacles 125 through 250 V need GFCI, range receptacles included; AFCI required on kitchen branch circuits (read Sep 22, 2026).
- Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove — Wolf Design Guide (rev. 7/2025)Induction ranges 50 A; induction cooktops 30 in 40 A, 36 in 50 A; built-in ovens single 30 A / 5.4 kW, double 50 A / 10.8 kW; dual fuel single 30 A / 5.2 kW, double 50 A / 10.2 kW; microwave and warming drawers 120 V 15 A; speed oven 240 V 15 A; steam oven 240 V 20 A / 4.2 kW (read Sep 22, 2026).
- Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove — induction range electrical requirements240 V, 50 A dedicated; "two separate 50 amp dedicated circuits" for the 48-inch IR48751; not designed for 208 V (read Sep 22, 2026).
- Wolf DF48850 48-inch dual fuel range quick reference sheet240/208 V, 50 A dedicated circuit (read Sep 22, 2026).
- Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove — units requiring a dedicated circuit"All Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances require a dedicated electrical circuit" (read Sep 22, 2026).
- Sub-Zero Designer Series refrigeration installation guide115 V, 15 A dedicated; "a separate circuit servicing only this appliance is required"; GFCI "not recommended" for indoor models, which conflicts with the code's kitchen GFCI rule (read Sep 22, 2026).
- GE Profile PHS930 30-inch induction range specifications12.5 kW at 240 V (10.4 kW at 208 V); 40 A breaker; "check local codes for required breaker size" (read Sep 22, 2026).
- Samsung CC70F36S2D 36-inch induction cooktop specifications240 V, 40 A, 8.9 kW total. Wolf's 36-inch induction cooktop calls for 50 A (read Sep 22, 2026).
- GE Appliances — 27 in and 30 in electric built-in wall oven installation instructionsBreaker by nameplate kW at 240 V: up to 4.9 kW 20 A; 4.9–7.2 kW 30 A; 7.3–9.6 kW 40 A; 9.7–12.0 kW 50 A (read Sep 22, 2026).
- Dacor Modernist 30-inch wall oven installation manualSingle 5.6 kW on 30 A; double 11.2 kW on 50 A, used to check GE's table in our tests (read Sep 22, 2026).
- Bosch dishwasher installation instructions120 V, dishwasher-dedicated circuit, 15 or 20 A breaker, 1,450 W max; 14 AWG minimum if hardwired (read Sep 22, 2026).
- InSinkErator Evolution Series manual (ManualsLib)120 V, 3/4 hp, 8.1 A (read Sep 22, 2026).
- GE Appliances — microwave electrical requirements and breaker size120 V individual branch circuit, 15 or 20 A; over-the-range models always on a dedicated circuit (read Sep 22, 2026).
- Dacor PCOR30 over-the-range microwave spec sheet120 V, 15 A, 1.56 kW total connected load (read Sep 22, 2026).
- Wikipedia — American wire gauge (NEC Table 310.16 ampacities, 2014 edition)Copper at 60 °C: 14 AWG 15 A, 12 AWG 20 A, 10 AWG 30 A, 8 AWG 40 A, 6 AWG 55 A, used for the "typical wire" column (read Sep 22, 2026).
- California Energy Commission — 2025 Single-Family Residential Compliance Manual, Chapter 6Kitchen lighting: JA8 light sources (p. 6-1), wall dimmer and separately controlled under-cabinet lighting (p. 6-8); range-hood lights exempt (pp. 6-1, 6-8) (read Sep 22, 2026).
Last reviewed . This tool is general information for planning, not a design or a permit document — your inspector and the code edition your city has adopted have the final word. Spot something wrong? Text Shane at (949) 702-0385 and it gets fixed.
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