Distance between gas line and electrical outlet.

[sublauxation]

Doing some remodeling and I'm running a dedicated circuit to my microwave and gas range. I've looked around but haven't seen anything about code for distance between an electrical outlet for the range and the gas line. I want to push the stove back close to the wall so there's pretty limited space in the recess behind the range itsself. At most I can get them about a foot apart. Any thoughts?

Also running a new circuit for my refrigerator. It may contain 4 lights also, I'm still working on trying to trace the wires for those to put them on a different circuit but it's a cluster $&*K. Would a 15amp circuit be enough or should I run a 20?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Distance between gas line and electrical outlet.

Seems like calling the building inspector and asking them would be the thing to do. Even if you haven't pulled a permit, it may come back to bite you later.

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: Distance between gas line and electrical outlet.

The fridge has to be on its own circuit. This is part of the NEC and has been for years. You may have to pull new wires.

As for the outlet for the stove can you put vertical separation between them? I have A gas stove here. My stove plug is only a few inches to the left of the gas line but it is about 2-1/2ft higher.

Microwave should also on its own circuit. The wattage of the micro plays a big here. The higher the wattage the more it needs its own circuit.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Distance between gas line and electrical outlet.

Refrigerator: Required, dedicated 20 amp circuit
Outlet and gas line proximity requirement: None
All other kitchen receptacles: 20 amp and GFCI. Must have a minimum of 2 counter-top circuits.
Dishwasher: dedicated.

 

[joed]

Re: Distance between gas line and electrical outlet.

The fridge has to be on its own circuit. This is part of the NEC and has been for years. You may have to pull new wires.

Only in Canada. The OP is in USA. The fridge can be on the counter small appliance circuit if he wants.

The is no electrical code for distance of receptacle from gas line. I don't know about the gas code.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Distance between gas line and electrical outlet.

Only in Canada. The OP is in USA. The fridge can be on the counter small appliance circuit if he wants.

The is no electrical code for distance of receptacle from gas line. I don't know about the gas code.

You are correct THE NEC states that the refrigerator can be on one of the small appliance circuits BUT it has become convention to put it on a dedicated circuit because many inspectors require it. I had always done it that way to keep from being turned down...it was not cost effective to be called back. ALWAYS check with your local inspection authority first...they have the final say, and very often rule above the NEC. I have run into all kinds of stupid things that inspectors required. As long as you work within one jurisdiction you learn the rules but when you go outside of your jurisdiction it can get frustrating.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Distance between gas line and electrical outlet.

You are correct THE NEC states that the refrigerator can be on one of the small appliance circuits BUT it has become convention to put it on a dedicated circuit because many inspectors require it. I had always done it that way to keep from being turned down...it was not cost effective to be called back. ALWAYS check with your local inspection authority first...they have the final say, and very often rule above the NEC. I have run into all kinds of stupid things that inspectors required. As long as you work within one jurisdiction you learn the rules but when you go outside of your jurisdiction it can get frustrating.

Which is why I'd say that you better talk to the inspector.

 

[joed]

Re: Distance between gas line and electrical outlet.

It must be a local code amendment because the inspector can not require something because HE thinks it should be that way. I do agree with refrigerator on a separate circuit.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Distance between gas line and electrical outlet.

It must be a local code amendment because the inspector can not require something because HE thinks it should be that way. .

YES he can! It may not be that way in Canada but in the US the inspector has the final say. The NEC sets a MINIMUM standard that must be followed but the inspector can (and often do)go above that. For instance I had one inspector demand that a dryer circuit be run with # 8-4 conductors! Another inspector required that the #6 bare ground from meter base to ground rod be run in EMT (which is OK) but he required bonding bushings on the EMT. Crazy,crazy but they can make your life miserable if you don't play their game.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Distance between gas line and electrical outlet.

Only in Canada. The OP is in USA. The fridge can be on the counter small appliance circuit if he wants.

No idea what you mean by "small appliance circuit".
But code (in Ontario) requires split receptacles at counter level....thus each plug of a duplex receptacle IS ALREADY a separate circuit.....so it is required by code effectively.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Distance between gas line and electrical outlet.

No idea what you mean by "small appliance circuit".
But code (in Ontario) requires split receptacles at counter level....thus each plug of a duplex receptacle IS ALREADY a separate circuit.....so it is required by code effectively.

Counter top outlets are referred as "small appliance recptacles". Yeah, I like the idea of multiwire circuits and removing the tie bar on recptacles to make each one independent. I like multiwire for split branch circuits....when I don't have to deal with a pinheaded inspector! Saves wire.

 

[rbh]

Re: Distance between gas line and electrical outlet.

YES he can! It may not be that way in Canada but in the US the inspector has the final say. The NEC sets a MINIMUM standard that must be followed but the inspector can (and often do)go above that. For instance I had one inspector demand that a dryer circuit be run with # 8-4 conductors! Another inspector required that the #6 bare ground from meter base to ground rod be run in EMT (which is OK) but he required bonding bushings on the EMT. Crazy,crazy but they can make your life miserable if you don't play their game.

YUP, aint that the truth.
If your doing outside plant tel cabling, the inspector has really no idea what your doing.
Grease filled cable goes into the ground and air core goes in the air, you get a ear full till you explain to him that if you put the grease filled cable in the air that even if you dam it where you do a splice the grease will start flowing and drip all over the ground over time.
But communication cabling is in the book, just not the applications for what cable.

 

[joed]

Re: Distance between gas line and electrical outlet.

No idea what you mean by "small appliance circuit".
But code (in Ontario) requires split receptacles at counter level....thus each plug of a duplex receptacle IS ALREADY a separate circuit.....so it is required by code effectively.

I was referring the NEC (USA) codes. In Canada the fridge MUST be on a dedicated circuit. The kitchen counter circuits can be either 15 amp split wired or 20 amp T slot receptacles. The 20 amp option was added several years ago to accommodate GFCI receptacle requirement within 1.5m of the sink.