Remodeling projects and home upgrades have a lot of components to them, and many of these components must follow specific codes and guidelines to ensure the safety of the residents within the home. Electrical upgrades are one such element.
So, what are the electrical codes for home upgrades?
Residential electrical components must adhere to the rules and regulations outlined in the National Electrical Code (NEC) put forth by the National Fire Protection Agency (NEPA). These codes refer to the specific amperages, outlets, boxes, grounding, and protective elements, and as different rooms of the house generally use different amounts of electricity, these codes do change depending on the home area.
The NEC is revised every three years, so continue reading to learn more about the residential electrical requirements as of 2023.
Kitchens
Kitchens consistently house refrigerators, microwaves, ovens and on various occasions coffee pots, crock pots, mixers, air fryers, and a variety of other devices that use electricity. Out of any room in a home, kitchens use the most electricity by far. As such, they have the most stringent rules regarding electrical components. Below is a general outline of the electrical codes for kitchens:
• Circuits – Minimum of 8.
• Lighting – Must be on a separate circuit with an amperage of 15 to 20.
• Require GFIC protection.
o Appliances with cord and plug
o Wall- and counter-mounted cooking units (ovens, microwaves, etc.)
• Appliances
o Dishwashers – 120-volt branch circuit with circuit amperage of 15 or 20.
o Garbage disposals – 120-volt branch circuit with circuit amperage of 15 or 20.
o Refrigerators – 120-volt branch circuit with circuit amperage of 20.
o Built-in microwaves – 120-volt branch circuit with circuit amperage of 20.
• Kitchen wall receptacles
o Unless over 5 feet and 6 inches above the ground and not blocked by another appliance, must be tamper resistant.
• Countertops
o At least two 120-volt branch circuits with an amperage of 20, each 4 feet or less apart.
o Circuits must be GFCI and AFCI protected.
o If more than 4 feet long, ust have a GFIC receptacle with no area of the counter more than 5 feet from it.
o Outlets are no more than 4 feet apart.
• Kitchen islands
o If more than 2 feet, a receptacle must be in the first 9 feet and another in each additional 18 feet.
o Countertop receptacles cannot be under the edge. They need to be pop-ups on top of the countertop.
Bathrooms
Bathroom electricity requirements can be high as well. This is due to the use of numerous appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, electrical razors, and more. Below are the requirements for bathroom electrical installation:
• Receptacles
o At least 1 of 120 volts within 3 feet of sink basin.
o Must be GFCI protected with a circuit of 20 amps.
o Outlet Receptacles: If it services no other areas and the room does not contain a heater, can be serviced by 1 circuit of 20 amps.
• Vents with heaters – Branch circuit of 20 amps.
• Lighting
o If horizontal and within 3 feet of the bathtub or shower, must be rated for damp locations.
o If vertical and within 8 feet of the bathtub or shower, must be rated for damp locations.
o If can be sprayed with water, must be rated for damp locations and wet locations.
o Must be sealed so that moisture cannot get inside.
Laundry Rooms
Laundry rooms vary in their need for electricity. This depends on if the dryer has an electrical hookup or a gas hookup.
• Receptacles
o At least 1 with a 20-amp circuit for washing machine or gas dryer.
o Lighting circuit cannot be attached to the laundry circuit.
o Must have GFCI protection.
• Electrical dryer
o Requires a 240-volt circuit of 30 amps with 4 conductors.
o The circuit must only be for the dryer and not connected to anything else.
Bedrooms, Standard Living Areas, and Other Rooms
These rooms typically use less electricity than kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms due to the appliances requiring less power. Electrical usage typically only comes from television sets, lighting, sound systems, and computers. Here are the regulations for various other rooms:
• Circuits
o 120 volts circuits of 15 or 20 amps.
o Multiple rooms can be serviced.
• Living rooms
o Switches are required next to entry doors to control lighting.
o Receptacles must be on any wall that is more than 2 feet wide.
o Receptacles must be no farther than 12 feet from each other.
• Dining rooms
o Need a 20-amp circuit separated from other rooms to be used for appliances.
• Stairways
o Three-way switches are required at both the top and bottom of each flight for lighting.
• Hallways
o Must have outlets if more than 10 feet long.
o Three-way switches must be at either end for lighting.
• Closet Lighting
o If LED or incandescent bulbs, lighting must be at least 12 inches away from clothing.
o If CFL bulbs, lighting must be at least 6 inches away from clothing.
o Recessed lighting must be at least 6 inches away from clothing.
• Garages
o Must have 1 circuit of 120 volts and 20 amps at least.
o Circuits must be GFCI protected.
o Must have at least 1 switch for lighting not attached to the circuit above.
In Sum
As the regulations outlined above were revised for the year 2023, the next revision will be in 2026, so for any future residential projects, be sure to stay up to date on new laws. Also, these are national regulations. Some local governments may have different requirements, so check with your local municipality for any different regulations and follow those first. When in doubt, contact your local electrical professional to walk you through the process.
Bratcher Electric in Wayne provides unparalleled electrical services to the residents of Michigan with a commitment to complete customer care and satisfaction. Our electrical firm has an extensively trained and skilled team that puts safety first. Speak with one of our electricians about your home’s electrical needs including code and service upgrades, surge protection and a Standby Generator installation and service. It’s always a good idea to be prepared with backup power, especially here in Michigan!