What You Need to Know About Electrical Circuits for Kitchen Remodels

Remodeling the kitchen is a fantastic way to add value to your home and make your life easier while cooking. However, it’s also an expensive and time-consuming project with a lot of moving parts.

One of the biggest facets of the remodel is often dealing with electrical circuits for kitchens in Alexandria, VA. Kitchen electrical systems are typically a little more advanced than ones you’ll find in the rest of the home. Continue reading to learn what electrical work needs to be done during your kitchen remodel:

Lighting: The value of having proper lighting in a kitchen can’t be understated. During your remodel, consider adding more overhead lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. If you’re going that route, be sure you have a 15-amp, 120-volt circuit to power everything properly and avoid short circuits.
Refrigerator: Newer “smart” refrigerators have tons of bells and whistles, like built-in touch screens that let you add food to your grocery list. If you’re getting a new refrigerator during your remodel, you may need to update your electrical circuits for kitchens in Alexandria, VA. Smart fridges may need a dedicated 20-amp, 120-volt circuit to be adequately powered. Speak to your electrician about the right amperage and voltage for your new fridge.
Oven range: Updating your range is always a good idea when you’re remodeling your kitchen. But before you plug in your new range, make sure it has the proper power supply. Although it depends on the size, a cooking area may require a 50-amp, 240-volt circuit to power the range and oven.
Microwave: Microwaves have gotten larger and more powerful in recent years. If you’re investing in a new microwave, you may need to think about your kitchen remodeling electrical setup in Alexandria, VA. The microwave may need a dedicated 20-amp, 120-volt circuit wired with a ground. Your electrician will know for sure whether your current circuit can handle the new microwave or if it needs to be updated.
Garbage disposal: Even if you’re not getting a new garbage disposal, now is a good time to think about its electrical situation. Your garbage disposal may be able to share a circuit with the dishwasher, but that depends on your local electrical code. To be safe, we advise giving the disposal a separate 15-amp, 120-volt circuit.
Dishwasher: Again, you may be able to put the dishwasher and garbage disposal on the same circuit. If that’s not the case, the dishwasher should have its own 15-amp, 120-volt circuit. Your qualified electrician will be able to point you in the right direction on this one.

Hire Walsh Electric to tackle your kitchen electrical needs

If you’re thinking about upgrading your kitchen, choose our professionals to handle your kitchen remodeling electrical in Alexandria, VA. We’ve been providing the highest level of service for over 30 years, so you can rest easy knowing we’ll do a great job! Contact us today to get a quote or to learn more about your kitchen’s electrical system and what might need to be done to bring it up to code during your remodel.