Demystifying Kitchen Electrical Planning: What Every Homeowner Should Know Before a Remodel

When planning a kitchen remodel, most homeowners focus on surface-level design decisions—countertops, cabinetry, appliances, and layout. But behind the walls, the electrical plan plays a critical role in both functionality and code compliance. In fact, inadequate planning here can lead to costly change orders, failed inspections, or worse, long-term safety issues. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key technical considerations involved in a kitchen electrical plan so your renovation is both beautiful and code-compliant. 

1. Understand the Electrical Load of Modern Kitchens 

Today’s kitchens draw more power than ever. Between smart appliances, under-cabinet lighting, and high-end cooking gear, electrical demand can be substantial. Modern codes often require: 

• Two or more 20-amp small appliance branch circuits to serve countertop outlets 

• Dedicated circuits for major appliances like the fridge, dishwasher, microwave, oven, and garbage disposal 

• GFCI protection for outlets near water sources 

Before design even begins, your contractor should assess your existing panel capacity and determine if a panel upgrade or subpanel installation is necessary. 

2. Lighting Layers: Functional and Architectural 

A successful kitchen lighting design includes three layers: 

• Ambient lighting (recessed LEDs or surface-mounted fixtures) 

• Task lighting (under-cabinet LEDs or pendant lights over work areas) 

• Accent lighting (toe-kick lighting, glass cabinet lights, etc.) 

Each layer requires its own switching or dimmer setup. Use low-voltage LED drivers for specialized fixtures and avoid overloading a single circuit with mixed types of lighting. 

3. Smart Home Integration and Future-Proofing 

If you're incorporating smart switches, motion sensors, or app-controlled lighting, plan for neutral wires at switch locations. Many smart systems require them, and older homes often don’t have them pre-wired. Also, consider: 

• Pre-wiring for smart fridges, Wi-Fi enabled ovens, or voice-controlled faucets 

• Dedicated circuits for future expansions (e.g., installing a second oven or coffee station) 

• Conduit or smurf tubing in walls for future wire pulls without demo 

4. Strategic Outlet Placement and Code Compliance 

NEC (National Electrical Code) guidelines require: 

• Countertop outlets every 4 feet, with no point more than 2 feet from an outlet 

• Outlets within 24 inches of the edge of a sink or cooktop 

• At least one outlet on an island or peninsula, with specific mounting rules 

Outlets should be positioned for maximum usability but also designed to hide where possible—like in drawers, under cabinets, or integrated into pop-up towers. 

5. Appliance-Specific Wiring Details 

Each major appliance may have its own voltage and amperage requirement: 

• Wall ovens and induction cooktops often need 240V and 30–50 amps 

• Dishwashers typically require a 15- or 20-amp dedicated line 

• Microwaves vary—built-ins usually need 20-amp circuits 

• Refrigerators and ice makers also require their own lines 

Label all wiring clearly and use proper gauge wires (12 AWG for 20 amps, 10 AWG for 30 amps, etc.). An experienced electrician should calculate the expected load and ensure breaker compatibility. 

6. Ventilation and Hood Power Requirements 

Kitchen hoods may draw more power than expected—especially high-CFM models. Confirm whether your hood: 

• Needs a dedicated circuit (usually 15–20 amps) 

• Requires a hardwired connection vs. a standard plug 

• Has integrated lighting that must be included in your lighting plan 

Improperly wired hoods can cause nuisance tripping or insufficient airflow. 

7. Coordination with Other Trades 

Electrical planning must be coordinated with: 

• Plumbing (sink and dishwasher placement) 

• HVAC (if adding heated floors or toe-kick registers) 

• Framing (for any soffits, beams, or false walls to conceal wiring) 

• Cabinet layout (for hiding outlets or routing wires through grommets) 

If trades aren’t aligned, you’ll face costly rework and schedule delays. 

Final Thoughts 

An electrical plan is one of the most technical yet overlooked aspects of a kitchen remodel. Don’t leave it as an afterthought. Partner with a contractor who understands both design and compliance—and who works hand-in-hand with licensed electricians. 

At Maas Renovations, we create kitchens that are as functional behind the walls as they are stunning on the surface. Reach out today for expert kitchen remodeling that’s built to last.