Code Change Summary: Revised code language attempts to address the use of 15-amp branch circuits for switched receptacles in a kitchen.

During the 2020 NEC^® code cycle, an attempt was made to find out if a 15-amp branch circuit could be used to supply a switched receptacle for lighting (in a kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or similar area of a dwelling unit) that was installed in addition to the two required 20-amp branch circuits that are installed to serve the small appliance branch circuits.

The proposal intended to clarify the concept of using a switched receptacle for the required kitchen, pantry, dining room, etc. lighting instead of a ceiling lighting outlet such as a hard-wired luminaire that is connected directly to a device box controlled by a light switch on the wall.

Unfortunately, with the revised code language, the water is now muddier. The new language in 210.52(B)(1) exception 1 allows switched receptacles supplied from a general-purpose 15- or 20-ampere branch circuit “as required” in 210.70(A)(1), Exception No. 1. A careful examination of Section 210.70(A)(1) exception 1 reveals that nothing there is “required”. Instead, the exception “permits” a switched receptacle instead of a lighting outlet but only for “other than kitchens and bathrooms”.

Hopefully the above issue will be cleared up in the 2023 NEC^®.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2020 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.