What type of circuits are required specifically for kitchen lighting?

The requirement for kitchen lighting circuits is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) standards, which emphasize safety and efficiency in electrical installations. In kitchens, the focus is on ensuring that lighting is adequately powered while also separating it from the circuits used for appliances.

In residences, kitchen lighting generally needs to be on separate circuits to manage load effectively and reduce risks of circuit overload, especially since the kitchen is a high-use area with multiple electric appliances. The circuits designated for kitchen lighting should not rely solely on small-appliance circuits, which are intended for countertop receptacles and the operation of smaller kitchen devices.

Transferring the lighting load to dedicated circuits allows for better control over lighting fixtures and ensures that they are reliably powered, maintaining the integrity and functionality of the kitchen’s electrical system. The answer indicates that the two 20-ampere small-appliance circuits cannot be used for lighting, making it critical to adhere to specific circuit regulations that prioritize safety in kitchen setups.

Thus, the requirement is that lighting in the kitchen must not utilize those small-appliance circuits, effectively reinforcing both safe practices in electrical installations and compliance with relevant codes.