Which requirement is included in NEC® for small appliance circuits in residential kitchens?

The requirement for small appliance circuits in residential kitchens to operate independently of lighting circuits is grounded in safety and functionality considerations outlined in the National Electrical Code (NEC). This stipulation ensures that the circuits dedicated to small appliances, such as toasters, microwaves, and coffee makers, do not share a circuit with lighting. The rationale behind this is to prevent the risk of overloading the circuit when multiple appliances are used simultaneously, which could lead to tripped breakers or potential fire hazards.

By keeping small appliance circuits separate, it allows for a more stable power supply, ensuring that kitchen appliances have sufficient electrical capacity without interference from lighting loads. This approach also enhances the convenience of kitchen usage since the operation of appliances won't cause the lights to flicker or go out, thus providing both safety and practicality for homeowners and users in a residential kitchen.