Kitchens are the beating heart of many Florida homes, but the color and style of cabinets are not the most important thing that should be on your mind. Your kitchen needs to be functional, and that is where an electrician can help with planning. Today, we will discuss what electrical considerations should go into new kitchen remodels and why these electrical considerations should take precedence to protect you and your family.
Determining Power Requirements
When planning your kitchen remodel, knowing how much power you need ensures that your fancy new appliances are not hindered down the line. Start by listing all the appliances and kitchen devices you plan to use, then check the wattages, which tell you the recommended amount of power it needs to operate. Add up these numbers to get your total load. Some standard power requirements for common kitchen appliances include:
Toaster: 850 watts
Refrigerator: 600 watts
Dishwasher: 1,500 watts
These are only estimates – each appliance you purchase will explicitly state the information. Remember, your kitchen might need more power during peak times, like when cooking dinner and using multiple appliances. It’s wise to add a safety margin to your total. A common rule is to add 20% to your calculated load.
Tip: Always round up when calculating your load capacity. It’s better to have a bit more power than not enough.
Once you have your total, you’ll know if your current electrical system can handle it or if you need to upgrade. If you’re unsure about your calculations, it’s best to consult with a professional electrician who can quickly give you a recommendation on what your new kitchen will require.
Kitchen Remodels: Planning Outlet Placement
For kitchen outlets, convenience is the name of the game. Strategic placement of outlets can make your cooking and food preparation tasks much easier and harmonious. Some useful placement options include:
- Countertop outlets: Install outlets along the countertop at regular intervals to ensure easy access to power for small appliances like blenders, toasters, and coffee makers.
- Island outlets: If you have a kitchen island, include outlets on the sides or ends of the island. This will allow you to plug in appliances or charge devices conveniently while working in the kitchen.
- Under-cabinet outlets: Consider installing outlets underneath your upper cabinets. This will provide power for under-cabinet lighting or plug-in devices without cluttering your countertops.
GFCI outlets are a common sight in kitchens for obvious reasons. These outlets are designed to protect you from shocks by quickly shutting off power if they detect a ground fault. In a kitchen, ground faults can occur when water from a sink or pot splashes onto a live outlet. If you or a loved one are near enough to the outlet, serious injuries can occur. Laws regarding new houses and renovations mandate GFCIs in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, but it is still good to know why they are there and how they keep you and your family safe, even if they are standard sights nowadays.
Kitchen Remodels: Lighting Design and Fixture Selection
When planning the lighting design for your kitchen remodel, it’s important to consider task lighting for work areas. Task lighting provides focused illumination for specific tasks, such as food preparation and cooking. You never want to be fighting for visibility while using sharp knives or handling burning hot food.
You should place task lighting fixtures directly above work surfaces, such as countertops and stovetops, to minimize shadows and provide optimal visibility. Make sure they provide sufficient brightness for the entire area and that they leave ample room for countertop activities. For this need, many opt for recessed lighting or under-cabinet lights instead of using large lighting fixtures that take up valuable space.
You will have copious amounts of design choices during your kitchen remodel to transform it into a centerpiece of your house – but you should focus on the basics first.
If you are planning a kitchen remodel, contact Promise Electric today, and let us help ensure safety and accessibility for you and your family.
