Adding Outlet to Single Gang Switch Box

11 years ago

In order to gain another outlet in my kitchen, I want to convert a single gang box next to the kitchen door (currently with light switch that controls 6 ceiling can lights) into a double gang box and add a GFI outlet. I know it's a 15 amp circuit and power comes into the box (black, white, and red wires) for the can light switch and other downstream light switches.

I know kitchen counter outlets are supposed to be on 20 amp circuits so this plan is potentially illegal, but is it unsafe? The can lights have LED bulbs and the other lights on the circuit have CFLs or are barely used. The new outlet will be used for temporary devices light electric tea pot, food processor, etc. so even if there's an overloaded circuit, the breaker will trip and mitigate the situation. Any thoughts on this idea would be appreciated. The last thing I want to do is compromise safety (for my family and the next owners), so if this is a dangerous idea please let me know.

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Comments (4)

Ron Natalie
11 years ago
The code requires 20A for good reason. It also bars other outlets on the small appliance circuits. We can not advise you that violating the code is a good idea. Plugging in things like electric tea pots into a 15A circuit that is shared with countless other things is problematic no matter how it is protected, if not now when you know that you've done a butcher job on the wiring but to some unsuspecting future occupant of your kitchen.
mtvhike
11 years ago
I think your characterizing a "small teapot" as a light appliance is wrong.
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rileyann
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks ronnatalie and MTV! In hindsight (i.e., after sleeping on it), this is a bad idea. Yeah, the tea pot uses 1000 watts!

When you say that code bars other outlets on the small appliance circuit, does that mean I can't add another outlet to my existing countertop 20A circuit?
Ron Natalie
11 years ago
Outlet means any consumer of electricity not just receptacles. Outlet includes lighting fixtures, etc...

Only the kitchen (and related areas) receptacles are permitted on the small appliance circuits. Specifically, you can't have lighting on these circuits. You can have as many receptacles on the small appliance circuits as you want as long as they are in the kitchen areas.