Kitchen Electrical Rough-In
Modern kitchens are electrical powerhouses. Between appliances, outlets, and lighting, you might need 10+ circuits. Getting the rough-in right is essential—it's much harder to add wiring after walls are closed.
Quick Summary
Timeline
2-5 days
Typical cost
$2,000-8,000
Circuits needed
7-12 circuits
Why Kitchens Need Dedicated Circuits
Your kitchen likely has the highest electrical demand in your home. Code requires dedicated circuits for many appliances to prevent overloads and ensure safe operation.
What is a dedicated circuit? A circuit that serves only one appliance or outlet. This prevents a high-draw appliance from tripping breakers or sharing power with other devices.
Required Dedicated Circuits
- Refrigerator (20-amp)
- Dishwasher (20-amp)
- Garbage disposal (20-amp, can share with dishwasher)
- Electric range/cooktop (50-amp, 240V)
- Wall oven(s) (40-50 amp, 240V)
Recommended Dedicated Circuits
- Microwave (20-amp)
- Garbage disposal (if not shared)
- Range hood (if high CFM)
- Ice maker/beverage center
- Instant hot water dispenser
Kitchen Circuit Requirements
| Circuit Type | Amps | Wire | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countertop outlets | 20A | 12 AWG | Minimum 2 circuits, GFCI required |
| Refrigerator | 20A | 12 AWG | Dedicated, behind fridge |
| Dishwasher | 20A | 12 AWG | Can share with disposal |
| Disposal | 20A | 12 AWG | Switch-controlled |
| Microwave | 20A | 12 AWG | Location depends on type |
| Electric range | 50A | 6 AWG | 240V, 4-wire circuit |
| Wall oven | 40-50A | 6-8 AWG | 240V, check appliance specs |
| Cooktop | 40-50A | 6-8 AWG | 240V, separate from oven |
| Lighting | 15A | 14 AWG | Separate from outlets |
Outlet Placement Requirements
The National Electrical Code (NEC) has specific requirements for kitchen outlet placement. These aren't suggestions—they're code requirements your electrician must follow.
Countertop Outlet Rules
- •4-foot rule: No point along the wall line can be more than 24 inches from an outlet. This effectively means outlets every 4 feet.
- •12-inch minimum: Any countertop space 12 inches or wider needs an outlet.
- •Island requirements: Islands and peninsulas need at least one outlet if the countertop is 12"x24" or larger.
GFCI Requirements
- •6-foot rule: All outlets within 6 feet of any water source must be GFCI protected.
- •All countertop outlets: Every countertop outlet should be GFCI regardless of distance from sink.
- •GFCI breaker option: You can protect multiple outlets with a single GFCI breaker at the panel.
Pro tip: Plan more outlets than code requires. Adding outlets during rough-in costs very little extra. Adding them after walls are closed is expensive and disruptive.
Electrical Rough-In Process
Plan Circuit Layout
Work with your electrician to map out every circuit. Share your appliance list, lighting plan, and any special requirements.
Information to Provide
- • Appliance specifications (voltage, amperage)
- • Cabinet and island layout drawings
- • Lighting fixture locations
- • Switch locations for disposal, lights
- • Any smart home requirements
Check Panel Capacity
Modern kitchens need significant amperage. Your electrician will verify your panel has capacity for the new circuits.
Panel upgrade may be needed: Older homes with 100-amp service often can't handle modern kitchen demands. A panel upgrade to 200-amp service costs $1,500-3,000 but may be necessary.
Run Wiring
With walls open, the electrician runs cables from the panel to each outlet, switch, and fixture location. Boxes are mounted at proper heights.
Install 240V Circuits
Heavy-draw appliances like ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens require 240V circuits with heavier wire and special outlets.
Electric Range
- • 50-amp, 240V circuit
- • 4-wire configuration
- • 6 AWG copper wire
- • NEMA 14-50 outlet
Wall Oven
- • 40-50 amp (check specs)
- • 240V circuit
- • Usually hardwired
- • Junction box behind cabinet
Pass Rough-In Inspection
Before drywall goes up, the electrical inspector verifies all work meets code. This is required—don't close walls without passing inspection.
What Inspectors Check
- • Proper wire sizing for each circuit
- • Correct box fill calculations
- • Proper cable support and stapling
- • GFCI and AFCI placement
- • Grounding and bonding
Common Electrical Mistakes
Not enough countertop circuits
Two circuits is the code minimum. Consider 3-4 for larger kitchens so you can run multiple appliances without tripping breakers.
Forgetting under-cabinet lighting
Running wire for under-cabinet lights is easy during rough-in but expensive after. Plan for it now even if you won't install lights immediately.
Wrong outlet placement for appliances
Know exactly where your appliances will be. A refrigerator outlet on the wrong side means an ugly cord draped across the wall.
No outlet in the island
Islands need outlets too. Running power to an island after flooring is installed is extremely difficult and expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many circuits does a kitchen need?
A modern kitchen typically needs 7-12 circuits: 2-4 for countertop outlets, plus dedicated circuits for refrigerator, dishwasher, disposal, microwave, and lighting. Electric ranges and wall ovens need additional 240V circuits.
How far apart should outlets be?
Code requires no point along the counter wall to be more than 24 inches from an outlet. This means outlets every 4 feet. Islands need at least one outlet if the countertop is 12x24 inches or larger.
Do all kitchen outlets need GFCI?
All outlets within 6 feet of water must be GFCI protected. In practice, all countertop outlets should be GFCI. Refrigerator outlets more than 6 feet from sink technically don't require GFCI, but many prefer it for safety.
Can I do kitchen electrical myself?
While homeowners can legally do electrical work in many areas, kitchen electrical is complex with many code requirements. Mistakes can cause fires. We strongly recommend hiring a licensed electrician—the safety is worth the cost.
Ready for the Next Step?
With electrical rough-in complete, it's time for plumbing rough-in—running supply lines and drains for your sink, dishwasher, and any other water connections.