Which kitchen equipment is permitted to be connected to the small-appliance circuits in the kitchen?

The correct choice, the clock outlet, is permitted to be connected to the small-appliance circuits in the kitchen because it is typically not considered a major appliance that draws significant power. In residential wiring, small-appliance circuits are designed to support a variety of light-duty equipment such as toasters, coffee makers, and small kitchen gadgets that do not exceed specific amperage requirements. This allows these appliances to function properly without overloading the circuit.

In contrast, appliances like refrigerators or microwaves often require dedicated circuits or larger capacities due to their higher energy demands. While a toaster oven, although small, can draw a significant amount of power and may necessitate a dedicated circuit depending on its wattage. Therefore, the clock outlet is unique in that it can serve as a minor accessory and does not conflict with the load-bearing requirements associated with small-appliance circuits.