Kitchen Upgrade

[port1042]

I'm redoing my kitchen including replacing and relocating the wiring in most of it. I'm putting two outlets under the sink for the dishwasher and disposal. According the installation instructions these can be either 15amp or 20amp dedicated circuits. The run for each outlet will be less than 10 feet from the panel in the basement right below. Would it make any sense, other then a minor cost difference, to put in 15amp circuits? Both outlets will be dedicated and i'm mounting single outlets at each location.

[Hot Runr Guy]

You really only need a single duplex outlet, with the break-off tab removed, and wired in a shared-neutral configuration. This will give you (2) separate 15 (or 20) amp circuits, just make sure you wire the (2) hots to a 2-pole breaker, so they use different busses.

HRG

[rzep]

Always good idea to check local codes first. I know I have mostly 20A circuits in the kitchen. If it is a choice between 15 and 20, I see not reason not to go 20 as long as you use correct rating outlets and wires.

[Ndstallmann]

If it a dedicated circuit , the outlet must match the breaker.

[rzep]

the wires, outlet and breaker all have to match ..Having 15a breaker on 20 am wires/outlet would not be harm but would defeat the 20 amp purpose.

[REW]

In the kitchen, I would certainly run only 20 amp circuits.

You can use a 20 amp duplex plug with the jumper removed as HRG illustrated and you will be good to go.

You only need one wire with multiple conductors to accomplish the task.

Best wishes.

[port1042]

Thanks for the advice. My question is: "Is there an advantage to installing a 15amp circuit rather than a 20amp circuit?"
Other than the cost of wire (breakers seem to be a wash) and a slight cost increase for outlets and switches, is there a reason to use 15amp circuits?

[Hot Runr Guy]

Originally Posted by port1042

Thanks for the advice. My question is: "Is there an advantage to installing a 15amp circuit rather than a 20amp circuit?"
Other than the cost of wire (breakers seem to be a wash) and a slight cost increase for outlets and switches, is there a reason to use 15amp circuits?

Not that I can think of, since most 20 amp outlets are dual compatible to both 15 & 20 amp plugs.

IMO, on outlets that I anticipate getting a lot of use, or will tend to carry a higher-amperage load, I spend a little extra and buy better outlets, like these: https://www.leviton.com/en/products/5352-w

HRG

[3M TA3]

Be sure to use the appropriate wire. #14 for 15 Amp, #12 for 20 Amp. #12 won't fit in spring connects on 15 Amp so screw terminals would have to be used. Since your run will be only about 10 feet as you stated and the circuits will be dedicated for single use, I'd just go ahead and use 20 Amp outlet wired as HRG suggested, using #12 wire and 20 Amp circuit breakers. You'd probably only save a buck or two if you decided 15 Amp was the way you decided to go.

Also note by the way, that the 15 Amp outlet is designed for #14 wire and really should be protected by a 15 Amp breaker, not a 20 Amp. Does all this seem redundant?

[Pooch]

Surely you know this, but everything most likely needs to also be GFI protected?
Pooch