In kitchens, what is a typical requirement for countertop receptacles?

• A. They must be installed to serve countertop surfaces and support dedicated circuits for small-appliance loads as required.
• B. They may be located anywhere, with no regard to countertop use.
• C. They must be on lighting circuits only.
• D. They are optional if the kitchen has under-cabinet lighting.

Answer: (A)

Countertop receptacles are meant to serve the countertop work surfaces, and they must be supplied by dedicated small‑appliance branch circuits as required by code. This arrangement keeps the power for portable kitchen appliances—like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers—from relying on the lighting circuit and ensures there’s enough capacity for frequent use in the kitchen. The NEC specifies that kitchen areas rely on one or more dedicated small‑appliance circuits to feed receptacles along the countertops (and related dining areas), with protective measures such as GFCI where required near sinks. That’s why the correct requirement is that these outlets should be installed to serve the countertop surfaces and be supplied by dedicated small‑appliance circuits as required. The other statements miss the purpose or the circuit rules, such as being placed anywhere, being on lighting circuits only, or being optional due to under‑cabinet lighting.