How far apart should outlets be in a kitchen?

In Ontario kitchens, outlets must be spaced no more than 1.2 meters (4 feet) apart along countertop areas, with additional specific requirements for appliance circuits and GFCI protection.

The Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires that no point along a kitchen countertop should be more than 600mm (2 feet) from an outlet. This effectively means outlets need to be installed approximately every 1.2 meters along continuous counter spaces. This spacing ensures you can plug in small appliances anywhere along your counter without needing extension cords, which are both inconvenient and potentially dangerous in kitchen environments.

Kitchen outlet requirements go beyond just spacing. All outlets serving countertop areas must have GFCI protection, either through GFCI outlets or a GFCI breaker. The outlets should be installed above the countertop but below any upper cabinets - typically 4-6 inches above the counter surface. You'll also need at least two separate 20-amp circuits dedicated to countertop outlets, as these circuits cannot serve lighting or other kitchen loads.

Major appliances require their own dedicated circuits. Your refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and microwave each need individual circuits. A built-in microwave typically requires a 20-amp circuit, while ranges need 40-50 amp circuits depending on their electrical requirements. These dedicated circuits ensure your kitchen can handle the electrical load without tripping breakers during normal use.

Kitchen islands and peninsulas have special rules too. Any island or peninsula countertop space 600mm (2 feet) or longer requires at least one outlet, and the same spacing rules apply if the surface is longer than 1.2 meters. These outlets also need GFCI protection and should be supplied by the countertop circuits, not lighting circuits.

Installing kitchen outlets requires ESA permits and inspections, as you're typically adding new circuits or modifying existing ones. The electrical load calculations for kitchens are complex, and many older homes need panel upgrades to support modern kitchen electrical demands safely. For kitchen renovations or outlet additions, always work with an ESA-licensed electrician - improper installation can create fire hazards and will fail ESA inspection.

For a free consultation on your kitchen electrical needs, Electrical Ottawa can assess your current setup and ensure your new outlets meet all Ontario code requirements.