How To Wire A Kitchen - Rough In Electrical Circuit Wiring Guide

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

That was my daughter if you were wondering! Timestamps below... Type of outlet box for kitchen outlets: 00:29 Height to place kitchen outlets: 00:58 Kitchen Outlets Codes In My Area: 01:36 How to wire for a refrigerator: 07:15 How to wire for a microwave: 07:50 How to wire a dishwasher: 08:41 How to wire for a range: 09:46 Overview of the kitchen circuit layout: 10:20 Outlets almost too far from sink to pass code!: 11:35 Tour of a kitchen I built in the past: 13:10 What I use for recessed kitchen lighting: 13:36

[@lostquartermaster52]

What about running from the kitchen to the circuit breaker?

[@troybush5899]

#2 should read "WITHIN 24" of the sink" to make it more clear ("from 24" sound like "away from").

[@jorgiep09]

This guy teaches the electrician teachers ,,I can't believe I was so afraid of doing electrical work ,right after watching this videos I went straight to installing recesed lights with dimming switches ,,remodel and new cons,,I was even teaching my partner he couldn't belive what he was actually doing it lol 😆 ,,thanks so much great work

[@TheAnon232]

Dude. You’ve become one of my favorite KZbin channels. You do such a good job of explaining things. 👏

[@PatrickEArchuleta-fs8bv]

Thanks for refreshing my memory, outstanding work second to none,may Almighty God continue to bless you and your work, family ❤😊

[@vickymerry2567]

We are building our own house and amazed at these videos and how easy they are to understand!! Thanks so much! Our go to place for information!!

[@aaudain1]

This is what I like about your Channel you teach us step by step information clearly explain on top of that another license electrician are important that is to me

[@MrNanah38]

I am thinking of building my own home, and I ran across your channel, you make it so simple, it seem intimidating at first but if I had a buddy like you at my side it would be a cake.

[@gavinnewscum]

It’s a piece of cake but takes a long time to eat

[@forcedomkombat]

@@gavinnewscum ......lol

[@kylehuberofs8052]

I started framing houses when I was 13 and started wiring houses when I was 15. Started doing everything at 25. I mostly take houses down to the studs and remodel now at 35. It's easy if you just start out taking your time and double check everything along the way. Once you've done a few it's a breeze

[@James-bv4nu]

Breakers with both GFCI and AFCI are called dual function, not combination. Great video, always enjoy your content.

[@TheRobWay1]

Licensed electrician here.. I love this video! Great job!!

[@nicholasmoore8424]

Just FYI, when you go to buy the breakers, they're called "dual function" breakers. They have GFCI and AFCI breakers, but the AFCI breakers are actually called "combination arc fault". So if you buy the ones that say "combination" on them, they're going to only be AFCI breakers without GFCI protection.

[@carlodonnell146]

fair enough but I meant the GFCI receptacles. No one ever seems to mention the danger of plugging medical devices or fridges or anything that shouldn't trip off unexpectedly. So do they have to be installed because it is code regardless of what makes sense?

[@MarcosGarcia-xg1rf]

@@carlodonnell146 regardless of what’s going in it. All new 15/20 amp must be arc fault protected. There are exceptions

[@Carl-LaFong1618]

@@carlodonnell146 yeah, I had an extra freezer in my garage on a gfi and it tripped and I didn't know it. Food went bad.

[@JamieHitt]

Just to clarify for the folks at home when an arc fault breaker says "combination", it means that it deals with both series and parallel arc faults.

[@jeremymyers5503]

Great video. I enjoy all your videos as you are good at explaining everything in layman’s terms so we all can understand.

[@richvail7551]

Great video, thanks. Even getting just this amount done on my own will save me a handsome amount of cash. I’ll leave the final hooking up process to the professionals but to have it all placed and wires run is time well spent.

[@staleenacollins5440]

Your videos are so clear and easy to follow thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@donseymour5560]

Amen👍

[@olk084]

Josh, thank you for your videos about thet Stone vineyard on the fire place I did according your knowledge.

[@MikeL-vu7jo]

Nice work thanks , one thing you could add when explaining the 12 inch rule for the island outlet is that when installing an outlet in a horizontal position always have the wider neutral blade slot in the up position and hot blade slot down , that's so if an appliance is plugged in and works it's way out the neutral is exposed and not the hot blade , thanks again .

[@grovermccoy5512]

THERE IS NO CODE REQUIREMENT FOR THIS.

[@Bradley-tx6ed]

a good tip I learned is to use slider boxes for your countertop outlet rough in, they are rigid plastic boxes as well but when tile is added you can loosen the screws and move your box forward flush with the tile afterwards. I believe they are available at most of your local big box stores

[@grovermccoy5512]

PERFECT REMEDY FOR WHERE TILE IS ADDED.

[@dallas5374]

How does it move when there is grout and tile holding it in? Just curious?

[@Bradley-tx6ed]

you install the box a couple inches forward past where the finished surface would be. then the grout is only supposed to be in between the tiles not around the box and even if the tile is tight up against the box you can lightly tap the box back flush

[@chizo5097]

good video You explain everything in a very simple way thank you for that

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

No problem! Thanks a lot for watching!

[@kennieloo6357]

Can’t wait for the recessed lighting video. That has been my nemesis to figure out when designing my place. Thanks!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You got it! Posted it today!

[@upliftadventuresu.s.a1918]

Thanks for all your videos! I'm currently building my own cabin and have started on the electric, been learning all from your videos!

[@shoneythomas9215]

Sir I suggest you if u do follow a licensed electrician it’s 3 circuits refrigeration needs to be by itself but do what you want

[@terrycaldwell9114]

Again great vid! Will be looking to see 200 panel wiring next, then onto plumbing!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Terry! Yup the 200 panel video is underway. I want to run most of the wiring so I can show everyone how to wire double breakers and single breakers. Stay tuned and thanks for watching!

[@michaeltaylorjr9962]

This guy is bout to make us all rich 🤑

[@yuhriandraikou2024]

i like your videos i want to learn how to learn elctricity

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

What a great way to make a living. I envy you.

[@dadaszeto833]

I learned from you more.thanks

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Great! I appreciate you watching my videos!

[@T.E.P.]

Superb vid Josh!!! Fantastic info and your channel is indeed EXCELLENT!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank Thor! I’m glad you appreciate my videos. It definitely takes time to make them presentable to an audience and I appreciate you watching them!

[@salfitimina2376]

Definitely put a fridge on a dedicated circuit, some new fridges/freezers these days can draw like 12/14 amps alone. The gfci requirement for the fridge has nothing to do with a water source. Its required regardless ( depending on which code year your state is on ) . I have a feeling that requirement will be reversed at some point) The microwave above the stove needs to be GFCI ( again depending what code year ) , but in 2023 code, pretty much ANY outlet in kitchen will need to be GFCI, except for the stove. Also, if your micro is on the counter , run a dedicated ct to that outlet. We run ded ct for each micro; oven hood; coffee makers; trash compactor; fryers; if you have a hot plate for some reason; disp/dish. Also, run a ded if you have an instant hot; plus the 2 required general cts. A kitchen alone , especially a new one, can easily have like 7 to 11 cts. Overkill now, no headaches later.

[@JoesPhenomenal]

So is it a good idea to just use arc protected and gfci breakers on every circuit for the kitchen including the lighting? If I did that, would I still have to use and gfci recepticles? I was thinking a still needed gfci on my cook top and oven (they are separate and apart from one another, but both are on 240v.

[@jacobkelso9867]

I need a vid on installing a kitchen sink!!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Stay tuned, I will be doing one in the future!

[@jacobkelso9867]

@@TheExcellentLaborer thanks brother.. keep the vids coming!!

[@JavierLopez-po2dv]

My respect and thank you for the excellent videos so well explain and right to the point great videos

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you for your kind comment. I’ll try to keep my videos simple and educational. Thanks for watching!

[@edrodriguez3190]

Thanks again Josh for the excellent tutorial. 👍

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

My pleasure!

[@cyrusparsaei1441]

Fantastic clips. so clear and well explanation.

[@grilledcheesesammy]

The horizontal 2x4s about 4 foot up is that to catch your cabinets? I'm in the middle of building my 1st house and you're great help Thanks

[@tonyfinck8024]

Thanks for the knowledge. I'll be doing the same thing soon and I hope to find a really good Master Electrician to pull the permit

[@mickdulmage5173]

Great video. Love the kitchen outlet 101 list!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Mick! Seemed like an original title lol

[@MrTooTechnical]

Great vid. Next time you wire, leave a loop of extra wire in the wall for all the receptacle boxes so if you ever need more wire, you can simply pull more as required. I usually leave about an additional 8 inches. Thanks.

[@dkgrace6743]

I am aware of this process. But if you need to staple within 6" how would you pull the extra if you needed it?

[@ILearnHockey]

@@dkgrace6743 pull harder

[@Bradley-tx6ed]

@@dkgrace6743 technically if the cable is secured within 6 in of the box a loop between the box and the staple is allowed

[@fjl05]

@@Bradley-tx6ed is there a limit to the size of that loop?

[@logancollins6392]

@@fjl05 not a code requirement, but an inspector will probably call it if you leave huge loops as there is a risk of them getting pinched under drywall. An extra 6 or 8 inches in case the drywaller routers the wires is a good safety.

[@rodneyhall1435]

Great video. Lots of useful information.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks Rodney! I try to pack as much information into each one of my videos. Take care!

[@tuyentran3456]

Respect u a damn good teacher

[@jeffreyvictor3678]

Could you put a dedicated junction box under the kitchen sink cabinet with a gfci outlet for both the dishwasher and garbage disposal?

[@sargentnocap1414]

Yes but make sure to run 12/2 wire and have it on a 20amp breaker.

[@ronaldoleksy8264]

I like an was taught to alternative outlets A -B -A. An so on Nice to use Ark fault breakers an GFI in the kitchen. That way when an if its trips. More convenient for the homeowner to reset

[@strungoutkid]

I'm renovating my kitchen right now and I have a huge window behind my kitchen sink so the closest wall space on either side is 32 inches. What do you have to do to meet code if you're not able to have an outlet 24 inches from the sink?

[@bigtime37ja]

Really enjoy your videos. A wealth of info and entertaining too. THANKS

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks a lot Jerry! Thanks a lot for watching. You are welcome!

[@danielphillips5045]

Thanks!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@Sean4reall]

Does the outlet for the microwave really have to go straight to the circuit breaker (I’m in Virginia)? This is an awesome and informative video!

[@randypaul5427]

Great video!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I Appreciate that Randy!

[@harshadpatel5349]

Do you have any video on range hood vent rough-in, or any suggestion on it?

[@jms6184]

Another great video. You probably have videos on the actual wiring the switches and plugs maybe should've referred us to that video(?). According to your video a kitchen will have at least 5 separate circuits (Frig, MW, DW left and right side)? I didn't realize the MW and DW had to be on separate circuits(?). I thought we could wire the DW with garbage disposal(?). Thanks -

[@JS.990]

I hammered the like button, now I need a new phone -_- . Thanks a lot my guy.

[@bobniles1928]

For a DW and disposal install a 20 amp receptacle in the sink base. This also provides the required disconnect.

[@pedropereira8924]

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience, excellent

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome!

[@JoseGarcia-zj2vd]

Awesome videos. Off topic but what subfloor do you use? Is that Advantix?

[@greensfarmland]

Great video, but what about the garbage disposal? Did I somehow miss it?

[@tszymk77]

Thank you.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome!

[@davidc9135]

Outlets 2' out from the corner makes sense for accessibility seeing as counter depths are going to be around 2' from the corner

[@markn.795]

Does the outlet have to be 20 amps for the kitchen or 15 amps on a 20 amps circuit is ok?

[@StephenLawrence-n3b]

At what high from the floor is good for drilling the stud holes for the horizontal runs to the countertop outlets?

[@wrightb4ureyes]

I really enjoy all of your videos. Thank you! Quick question on the island electric, I really like the pop up outlets with the usb ports. I am assuming that would be okay to substitute for the side outlets? I have seen WAY too many things get knocked off the island counter if someone hits the cord.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I will check your local building codes on that. I have not put in outlets like that before so I’m not sure. Good luck on your project! Thanks for watching!

[@mikeheller1225]

My electric range is 240 volt - 40amp. What are you putting in that requires 50amp?

[@mokdad1120]

Hi, would you please send me any link of your videos how to wire motion, sensor, lights, front of the house or in the back?

[@randypaul5427]

I forgot to ask, so you’re using AFCI/GFCI breakers instead of the GFCI receptacles in the kitchen and near water sources? Thanks Josh!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Correct Randy! It may cost a little more to do it that way but it is less complicated than trying to remember which circuits you’re going to buy a GFCI breakers for and which ones you are not. You are welcome!

[@Joel.215]

I had. question about your left and right code for the counter top receptacles . So Does the left side and right receps require its own circuit ?

[@lorenrickey5481]

No, you just need to have two 20 amp circuits in the kitchen for small appliance circuits on the counter top. We label them kitchen #1 and kitchen #2, both circuits require a 20 amp breaker.

[@shemicdee780]

@@lorenrickey5481 I’m confused by your answer. So you’re saying you don’t need to20 amp breakers but you do need two 20 amp outlets

[@lorenrickey5481]

@@shemicdee780 I missed reading my comments after spell check corrected what I wrote. I edited it to read what I was trying to say. Hope this helps.

[@cavemanconstruction116]

Great video. I have a plumbing question. Sorry to be that guy lol. At 12:30 in the video, you show the sink and outlets around it. I see your pvc sink drain under the window and looks like an F. Also didn’t see a vent. What are you doing there? I am assuming the bottom pvc inlet is where you will add your P trap for the sink and the top one is for a ventless vent. Is that correct? I am dealing with a similar issue, that’s why I asked thank you

[@TrueCrimeQueen]

I love your content! Be safe out there everyone 💜💜💜

[@aaudain1]

Why am I now seeing this 😭 thanks for sharing 👍 🙏

[@pugpack45]

I have a question with regard to outlet placement on an island. The island is 84 x 51. On 1 side will be a dishwasher, adjacent to the sink, adjacent to an 18" double garbage pull out. The mirror side of the 18" cabinet will be another 18" cabinet with drawers. That is it. There are no cabinets behind the sink cabinet (36") and the dishwasher (30"). The space is designed for counter seating. The only outlet planned was to have one above the baseboard behind the kitchen cabinet (GFCI). There is no place to put any outlets 12" below the counter top. Do you have any suggestions?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

In a case like that I would call the inspector to see what your best options are. In my area, the inspector will even come out to give you an alternative solution. Hope that helps!

[@holasoyabelalclopez3679]

How many outlets and lights goes connected on a 12/2 wire?

[@carlcapello9956]

Where do I go to get the local electrical codes for my town?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You can go to your local Planning Office. They should have information for you. Hope that helps!

[@geniusmarcsays2434]

do you have a wiring for a house that i not made out of wood? in my country nobody uses wood

[@04llydmaxmley27]

How do you run your wiring for under cabinet lighting while the kitchen is just studs?

[@justinbailey7281]

So what type of contractor like what license do you hold?

[@Platerpus7]

Do you need an outlet 24 inches from the sink if the sink is center on an island?

[@carlcapello9956]

Where can I get a local electrical code book with the regulations for installing outlets and switches?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You can get a NEC code book online. Because local building codes can be different I do recommend speaking with your local Planning Office or authorities.

[@stevediep4328]

Fridge doesn't have to be dedicated circuit. Can be on a small appliance circuit

[@electricaf365]

Fact

[@laura8512]

Great video! This was exactly what I needed.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Good the hear Laura! Thanks for watching!

[@clumpkin1012]

Can it be closer than 24" from the sink?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I’m my area, yes. I hope that helps!

[@martincasablanca1437]

What drill or impact driver are you using?

[@abdulzabed]

if you don't mind how much do you charge to do single family house. please

[@withphateama3094]

Awesome 👌it would be great to build a home with you. I would love to get some hands on experience with electricity installments.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hands on experience is the only way I learn also. I worked with my father for years to develop the skill set to handle wiring, plumbing, ect. Thank you for watching!

[@vikramsinh566]

Nice i M indian electricion hous 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@gene2514]

Great videos! I’ve been demolishing and rebuilding house I just bought and really enjoy your videos. Question: I’m just curious why you used a 15 amp receptacle for the microwave? (which I learned from your video, must be on a 20 amp designated circuit)I would think with venting systems commonly combined in microwaves that a 20 amp might be more suitable (again electrical newbie here). I was told a 15 amp receptacle on a 20 amp circuit could deteriorate quickly and risk electrical fire. Thanks again!

[@johnn.freisen3952]

He states he is not an electrician. He doesn't know that a dedicated 20amp circuit can NOT use a 15amp receptacle. Only the 20amp branch circuits with multiple receptacles may use a 15amp receptacle. A dedicated circuit may not have a receptacle smaller than the dedicated branch circuit. FYI some states do not allow any 15amp receptacle on 20 amp branch circuits.

[@tonyaction5284]

Great video brother!!!🤙🏼💪🏼

[@jasondeleon5511]

Was just wondering what the Hole (looks about 8inch) on floor where kitchen sink is for. I’m Just about done with drain and vent pipes, and water in, about to start electrical.

[@NaturalMeditation88]

do you have a video on upgrading panel from 100 amp to 200 amp? and do I need to rewire?

[@marcusjames3035]

Does the plug for refrigerator have to be 20amp?

[@electricaf365]

Outlet or receptacle. Not a plug 🔌

[@surferdude642]

If it's a dedicated line you could probably use a 15 amp circuit, but it doesn't make sense as a 20 amp circuit has advantages and the cost increase is not much.

[@jonthealth9187]

Do you do remodels? I am doing research I bought a house and the stove is freakishly close to the sink, I'm small and I'm the only person who can fit in there to wash the dishes.

[@nancylewis7142]

Excellent.

[@peterbourbous1035]

Hey Josh, love your videos. They are the most useful and comprehensive that I have seen. Just wondering, what about power for a garbage disposal???🙄🤔

[@bmfitzgerald3]

This is subject to your local jurisdiction, but based on my research I have found that the dishwasher does NOT need to be on a dedicated circuit. You wouldn't want to put it on your small appliance circuits, but you could likely share your dishwasher circuit with your garbage disposal. So, a 20 amp, 12 gauge wire circuit serving only your dishwasher and disposal. Worth noting, your local code may require a switch to disconnect your dishwasher. You could run an the incoming line into the sink cabinet for two receptacles. One receptacle to power the dishwasher, and another to power the disposal. You would then run two "switch legs" to switches at the front of the sink cabinet so that one switch would cut off the dishwasher (as required by code), and the other switch would turn the disposal on and off.

[@davidsteinberg8024]

Around here both the dishwasher and disposer are fed by one 20A circuit on plug receptacles in the sink cabinet. Use a two-gang box so one side gets a GFCI for the dishwasher and the other side a switched plain outlet for the disposer. There are several styles of disposer switches so I can't go into that here.

[@thebestalbum152]

can I install an electrical outlet above the fireplace for TV purpose?

[@sargentnocap1414]

Yes

[@kokyaw]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. When you said there must be 20A circuit left and right, do you mean that the two wires (one for each circuit) must travel separately? Or can I use the same holes in the studs to have two cables traveling together? Otherwise I would need to route one wire through the wall and then another wire through the floor or something so that one wire on the left side and the other is in the right side?

[@calvinjohannsen6519]

The two cables/wires(one for each circuit) can share the same hole in the stud. I believe per NEC, only two cables can run in a hole. NEC requires two separate circuits for kitchen receptacles. You can divide kitchen left and right like Josh did, or another practice is to alternative outlets for each circuit. Think every other outlet is on the same circuit.

[@Mitierragt753]

You said your not license electrician. So how did you get your house inspected . I’m confused so if is your own house the inspector does not ask for license .

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

In my jurisdiction I am building in, I can wire my own house if it is mine. It’s still gets inspected thoroughly. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@nicksmetzer9361]

So you mention 2 20amp (left amd right) what if my kitch len has another left another (L) shape on the adjacent side. Basically 4 walls of outlets?

[@divadsozavac1609]

Where are you located at? Thanks wondering how you where able to si your own electrical with out a license

[@feldmanjared]

I can’t get enough of this series. I always thought building “code” was for safety, but it seems like for outlet distances it’s just for homeowner convenience? Is most code like that?

[@idealalaska8259]

I believe the maximum spacing of outlets was determined with safety in mind. The 4' max spacing in a kitchen, for example, is based on the length of appliance cords (toaster, coffee pot, etc). Some appliances have a 2' long cord (though they might be longer), so this code rule will allow the toaster to be placed anywhere along the counter and able to plug into a receptacle without the use of an extension cord. Use of extension cords tend to increase shock and fire hazards. Floor lamps should have at least a 6' cord, which is why the maximum spacing of wall receptacles in living rooms, bedrooms, etc. is 12'. Again, to allow the lamp to be placed anywhere along the wall without having to use an extension cord to reach a receptacle. Some electrical code rules are not obvious as to how safety is involved, and the NEC (National Electrical Code) certainly does not explain the "why" behind its requirements.

[@feldmanjared]

@@idealalaska8259 Awesome explanation, thanks Alaska!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I feel like most codes are a blend of safety and convenience. Also it protects against shotty designs. For instance you would not want a toilet tight against the wall because it is not functional. Thanks for watching!

[@anthonymccoy4460]

Some of the code is made with handicapped people in mind as well.

[@kirkshirley1319]

the kitchen outlets are not required to be on an arc fault but it doesn't hurt. As of the 2023 NEC (210.52(C)(2) I believe) you cannot put an outlet on the side of an Island. You can use a pop-up outlet rated for that use or put it in the backsplash of a 2 level (bar) or cap it off underneath for future. (Weird, I know.)

[@chrisbrady9122]

I have a question my mom lives in double wide this is her place all receptacles in one room have no power Took a receptacle out check the hot wire has nothing nothing tripped in the rest of the place everything's working none of the main breakers are hot ceiling fan I did replace three receptacles cuz this has happened before I had power got power back into the room l last night it did it. The first time power comes back on by it's self

[@eodninja6]

I have an issue in my house. Builder used a 3 wire from panel to the gang box for the fridge. The black wire is only feeding the outlet for the fridge. The red wire is spliced into a new 2 wire run that feeds the microwave and stove top. Red and black are on separate breakers. My problem is, if I open the black wore breaker, I get 40vac on the red wire. Nothing is plugged in, and all other breakers are open.

[@JAM-zb2vh]

I love working with a bare bones to do a complete wire job.

[@harolddouglas4057]

Just a suggestion; tell us what version of the NEC you are working to: 2014, 2017, or 2020. (I'm pretty sure not 2020.)

[@taniksambo1969]

Hmm so if you are updating an old house. 1980. They don't have home run for fridge or range. So do you need like 3 to 4 circuit breaker for a kitchen? And what if your panel don't have space on the panel?

[@chains6558]

Does anybody know what size mail is used to mail the outlet boxes to the stud?

[@heyerfam5135]

How do you get permits to install electrical if your not license electrician? Because I'm a homeowner and a multicaft at work.

[@eklasurrahman2711]

Which one for bedroom kitchen ' bathroom and living room line size to power to every room

[@carlcapello9956]

How do you put a lock out on the breakers?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Stay tuned I will be making a video about that soon!