Section 210.11/Branch Circuits Required
NEC 210.11 specifies the minimum number and types of branch circuits required in dwelling units, including dedicated kitchen, laundry, and bathroom circuits.
The minimum number of branch circuits is determined by the total calculated load divided by the branch circuit rating. In dwelling units, at least two 20-amp small appliance circuits must serve the kitchen, pantry, dining room, and similar areas. At least one 20-amp circuit must serve the laundry area, and at least one 20-amp circuit must serve bathroom receptacles.
Why this section exists
Kitchen countertop appliances, laundry equipment, and bathroom devices represent high-demand loads that need dedicated circuit capacity. Distributing these loads across dedicated circuits prevents overloading and reduces nuisance tripping. The requirement for two kitchen small appliance circuits ensures capacity for multiple simultaneous appliance use.
What plan reviewers look for
Plan reviewers count the small appliance, laundry, and bathroom circuits on the panel schedule and verify they meet the minimums. They check that small appliance circuits serve only the prescribed areas (kitchen, pantry, dining room) and do not extend to bedrooms or living rooms. They also verify that dedicated circuits do not serve other outlets.
Common violations
Related NEC requirements
Section 210.52 covers required receptacle outlet locations in dwelling units. Section 210.12 covers AFCI protection requirements that apply to most of these circuits. Section 220.12 covers lighting load calculations used to determine the total number of general-purpose circuits.