Nec requires at least two circuits for the kitchen outlets, and with counter
outlets being no more than 4 feet apart, it assures your appliance will be
close to an outlet, but it doesn't guaranty that you have at least two
circuits at all counter locations. The Canadian method makes good sense



"Dave Martindale" wrote in message
...
Chris Friesen writes:
RBM wrote:

Yes, but a standard household outlet is actually a *duplex* receptacle,
so it counts as two receptacles for the purpose of that rule. Thus, a
single 15A duplex receptacle can be put on a 20A circuit.

If you were putting a single receptacle outlet (which is fairly rare in
a residential scenario) then yes, it would make sense to use a 20A one.

A side question: why is the Canadian standard practice for kitchen
outlets to use split duplex outlets (upper outlet on opposite phase from
lower outlet) with 3-wire wire and 2-pole 15 amp breaker, while the US
standard practice seems to be a single 20 A circuit feeding both halves
of the outlet?

Each has advantages compared to the other.

Dave