Capstone: Roughing In a Kitchen Circuit (Integrated Scenario)
This lesson ties Module 2 together the way a real rough-in does: one circuit touches a dozen rules at once. Follow a 20 A, 120 V kitchen small-appliance circuit in a wood-framed dwelling — NM cable to the receptacle boxes, then EMT for an exposed run in the attached garage.
The rules in play
| Step | Rule | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Secure the NM near each box | CEC 334.30 | within 12 in |
| Size the copper EGC (20 A) | CEC Table 250.122 | 12 AWG |
| Countertop receptacle protection | CEC 210.8(A) | GFCI |
| Kitchen circuit also needs… | CEC 210.12 | AFCI (so: both — dual-function breaker) |
| NM through a bored hole <1¼ in from edge | CEC 300.4 | protect with 1/16 in steel plate |
| Secure the exposed EMT near each box | CEC 358.30 | within 3 ft |
| Receptacle ratings on the 20 A circuit | CEC 210.21(B)(3) | 15 A or 20 A |
| Max breaker on 12 AWG copper | CEC 240.4(D) | 20 A |
| Wet/damp area (NM not allowed) | CEC 334.12 | switch to EMT/PVC/MC |
| Wall receptacle spacing | CEC 210.52(A) | no point > 6 ft from a receptacle |