20-amp ktichen circuit, 15-amp GFI okay?

Question

I am adding two 20-amp circuits to provide a total of 6 above-the-countertop receptacles. I will be wiring them so that every other receptacle is on a different circuit -- so two sets of 3 receptacles per circuit. And, the first receptacle for each circuit will be a GFI with the remaining two receptacles on each circuit being covered by the GFI at the beginning of that circuit.

My question is, can the two GFI's be 15-amp rated GFI receptacles, or do they have to be 20-amp rated GFI's?

I am thinking that the GFI's and the remaining receptacles can all be 15-amp rated receptacles, but I wanted to check here in case I am wrong about that.

jamesgangnc · Accepted Answer

Two 20 amp circuits is over kill iif you only have enough counterspace for 6 outlets mho.  But you are correct, you can place multiple15 amp receps on a 20 amp circuit.

RBM · Answer

RBM · Answer

Two 20 amp circuits is over kill iif you only have enough counter space for 6 outlets mho. But you are correct, you can place multiple

15 amp receps on a 20 amp circuit.

A minimum of 2 -20 amp circuits is required by the Nec for kitchen counter outlets

N8N · Answer

yes, so it's not really overkill now is it.I believe that many "15A" GFCIs are actually rated at 20A for the GFCIportion if you read the label, so that would be OK, but read thelabel.nate

The Daring Dufas · Answer

Personally, I would install 20 amp rated because I own electrical plug-in appliances that draw a lot of current like electric grillsand large toaster ovens.TDD

Wayne Whitney · Answer

The only difference between a 15 amp receptacle and a 20 amp receptacle of a given grade(*) is the face plate, the 20 amp receptacle has the extra slot to accept 20 amp plugs. The innards are the same and are rated for 20 amps pass through.

Cheers, Wayne

(*) 20 amp receptacles may not be available in the cheapest grades, but I only use the better grades that provide back pressure-plate connections.

The Daring Dufas · Answer

I certainly wouldn't use 59 cent receptacles. I will often install a

20 amp plug on something that I don't want anyone plugging to a 15 amp receptacle. One of the problems I often come across in commercial settings is a receptacle burning up. An industrial or commercial grade 20 amp receptacle solves the problem. If I have a situation where items are being plugged in and unplugged a lot, I install a hospital grade receptacle.

TDD

Jeff Thies · Answer

I'm about to wire up my kitchen counter. What I'd like is two pairs of two duplex outlets. That would be a total of 8 outlets in two groups.

Should I:

A) split wire all the duplex outlets.

B) wire each duplex in the same box to a different circuit/phase.

C) wire each double duplex all to the same circuit.

It's an L counter and these outlets will be in each side of the corner. I'll have the MW, toaster oven and coffee maker plugged in, who knows what else. Outlets will be in the wall, a few inches over the backsplash.

Stove on the left, sink to the right, and a duplex outlet on each end of the L.

Does the fridge need to be on a separate circuit?

Jeff

gfretwell · Answer

Go with a double gang box and a duplex in each box on each circuit.

RBM · Answer

RogerT · Answer

Thanks everyone for the replies.  Looks like what I want to do will work and will meet the code requirements.

20-amp ktichen circuit, 15-amp GFI okay?

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