How many electrical circuits does a kitchen need?

A modern kitchen typically requires 7-12 circuits minimum: two 20-amp small appliance circuits for countertop outlets, dedicated circuits for the refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, range/oven, and lighting. Larger kitchens with additional appliances like wine coolers or instant hot water dispensers may need more.

Do I need GFCI outlets in my kitchen and bathroom?

Yes. Wisconsin code requires GFCI protection for all kitchen countertop outlets (within 6 feet of a sink) and all bathroom outlets. This applies to both new construction and renovations. GFCI protection prevents electrical shock in areas where water and electricity may come into contact.

Do I need a permit for kitchen or bathroom electrical work in Wisconsin?

Yes, in most cases. Adding circuits, moving outlets, upgrading wiring, or any work beyond simple fixture replacement typically requires an electrical permit under Wisconsin SPS 316. Your electrician will handle the permit process and ensure the work passes inspection.

Kitchen and Bathroom Electrical Requirements in Wisconsin

The Quick Answer

Kitchens and bathrooms have the most demanding electrical requirements of any rooms in your home. Both involve water proximity, high-draw appliances, and strict code requirements for safety. A kitchen remodel typically requires 7-12 dedicated circuits, while bathrooms need GFCI-protected circuits separate from other rooms. Most kitchen and bathroom electrical work in Wisconsin requires a permit.

Kitchen Electrical Requirements

Required Circuits

Wisconsin follows the NEC, which requires these minimum circuits for kitchens:

Two 20-Amp Small Appliance Circuits

These serve all countertop outlets in the kitchen and dining area
No other outlets or lights can be on these circuits
Must be 20-amp circuits (not 15-amp) to handle toasters, blenders, coffee makers, and other countertop appliances
Both circuits must be GFCI-protected

Dedicated Appliance Circuits

Refrigerator: Dedicated 15 or 20-amp circuit (recommended even though not always required by code)
Dishwasher: Dedicated 15-amp circuit, GFCI-protected
Garbage disposal: Dedicated 15-amp circuit (can share with dishwasher if using a split circuit, though dedicated is preferred)
Microwave: Dedicated 20-amp circuit (built-in and over-the-range microwaves draw significant power)
Range/Oven: Dedicated 40 or 50-amp 240V circuit for electric ranges; 15-amp circuit for gas range ignition and clock
Range hood: Can share a circuit with kitchen lighting in some cases

Lighting Circuit

Separate circuit for kitchen lighting (general, task, and under-cabinet)
Consider dimmer-compatible wiring for ambiance control

Countertop Outlet Spacing

NEC requires outlets along kitchen countertops so that no point on the countertop is more than 24 inches from an outlet:

Any countertop space 12 inches or wider needs an outlet
Outlets must be within 24 inches of the countertop edge (measured horizontally)
Island countertops 24 inches or longer by 12 inches or wider need at least one outlet
Peninsula countertops follow the same rules as islands
All countertop outlets must be GFCI-protected and on 20-amp small appliance circuits

Common Kitchen Remodel Electrical Needs

Moving the refrigerator: May need a new outlet location (and potentially a new circuit)
Adding an island: Requires at least one outlet — often installed in the island base with a floor feed
Under-cabinet lighting: New circuit or extension of existing lighting circuit
Smart appliances: May need dedicated circuits depending on draw
Electric to gas conversion (or vice versa): Different circuit requirements for different range types
Adding a second oven or wine cooler: Each needs its own circuit

Bathroom Electrical Requirements

GFCI Protection

All bathroom outlets must be GFCI-protected. This is the single most important bathroom electrical requirement:

Every outlet in a bathroom needs GFCI protection — no exceptions
This includes outlets inside cabinets or behind mirrors
GFCI protection can come from a GFCI outlet or a GFCI breaker in the panel

Circuit Requirements

Dedicated 20-amp circuit: Each bathroom should have its own 20-amp circuit for outlets
Lighting circuit: Can be shared with other bathroom or hallway lighting
Exhaust fan: Can share the lighting circuit or have its own circuit
Electric heated floors: Dedicated circuit based on square footage and wattage
Whirlpool tub: Dedicated circuit with GFCI protection; motor access panel must be accessible

Outlet Placement

At least one outlet within 36 inches of each basin (sink)
Outlets must not be placed face-up on countertops
Outlets near bathtubs and showers must maintain required clearances
Consider outlets inside medicine cabinets for electric toothbrush and razor chargers

Ventilation

While not strictly electrical, bathroom exhaust fans are electrically connected and code-relevant:

Wisconsin requires mechanical ventilation in bathrooms without windows
Fan must be sized appropriately for the bathroom (1 CFM per square foot minimum)
Timer switches or humidity-sensing switches are recommended to ensure adequate ventilation
Fan must exhaust to the exterior — never into the attic

Common Code Violations

These issues frequently come up during inspections of kitchen and bathroom electrical work:

Missing GFCI protection: The most common violation — especially in older homes
15-amp circuits for countertop outlets: Kitchen countertop circuits must be 20-amp
Shared circuits: Bathroom outlets sharing circuits with other rooms
Improper outlet spacing: Too few outlets along countertops
No island outlet: Islands over 24" × 12" require at least one outlet
Missing dedicated circuits: Major appliances on shared circuits
Improper box fill: Too many wires crammed into undersized junction boxes

Permits and Inspections

In Wisconsin under SPS 316:

Adding new circuits requires a permit
Moving outlets or switches requires a permit
Panel modifications require a permit
Simple fixture swaps (same location, same circuit) generally don't require a permit
Your electrician handles the permit application and coordinates the inspection

Plan Your Kitchen or Bathroom Project

Electrical planning should happen early in any kitchen or bathroom remodel — before cabinets are ordered and walls are opened. Call Couillard Electric at (262) 618-2851 for a free estimate.

Serving Sheboygan, Mequon, Port Washington, Grafton, Cedarburg, West Bend, Plymouth, Kohler, and surrounding Wisconsin communities.