Rewiring a kitchen is one of the most difficult aspects of a home renovating project, yet an extraordinary way to improve your appliances, lighting, and outlets. It can also change the look and feel of your kitchen space. When it comes to wiring, the kitchen is one of the most fundamental, yet challenging parts of it. There are a ton of variables that you need to think about when arranging your kitchen’s electrical wiring. You should make an electrical wiring plan for your kitchen space, as it can help with saving both your time and cash. As you work on your plan, consider the appliances that you need to move and the ones that are fixed.

At Southcan Electric, our Winnipeg electricians know the challenges with rewiring kitchens, which is why we suggest that every property owner call a licensed electrician for help with this kind of work, especially with older homes which might have outdated electrical frameworks.

Here are common reasons you might need to update your kitchen wiring:

• Building licenses require an upgrade your wirings 
• There aren’t sufficient circuits in your present kitchen to accommodate your redesigning plans 
• Your electrical panel should be redesigned and it’s a good idea to update your kitchen wiring simultaneously 
• Your home actually has fabric wiring (which can be a fire peril) 

Since electrical codes need regular updates, you need to ensure you follow the necessities of your local code. Countless machines are found in the kitchen, so the National Electrical Code specifies that numerous circuits are in order. In a modern kitchen, you should have seven or eight circuits, as compared to a bedroom, for example, where one universally useful lighting circuit is sufficient. 

We have outlined some of the Winnipeg electrical tips and steps to help you with your kitchen electrical rewiring:

1. Kitchen Lighting

There are different kinds of kitchen lighting. Decide on which one you need to install in your kitchen. You might need to utilize more than one blend of lighting to enlighten your space. We suggest you place lighting in working areas; since it can have a gigantic effect. You also need to consider the lighting angle while making a kitchen rewiring plan. 

A few sorts of lighting, similar to cove lighting and under-cabinet lighting, are introduced in cupboards and they deal with an astounding ambience and should be considered with the cabinetry installments. Strategically setting work lighting in areas where you will be working can help with reducing disappointment later on. In addition, highlight lighting can enlighten specific design features or decorations. All lighting should be arranged well ahead of the kitchen redesign. The switch for each appliance should be not difficult to access and they should be easy to identify from one another to avoid confusion to someone attempting to turn on the lights. 

Depending on the total wattage of the lights in the kitchen, a 15 amp, 120 volt circuit should control the ceiling light installations, recessed lights, and work areas lighting. 

Types of Kitchen Lighting 

1. General lighting, or also called surrounding light, is normally provided by ceiling mounted installations. To scatter the light, you should go for LED recessed lighting fixtures. Surface mounted brilliant installations or pendant lighting fixtures would likewise look great. 

2. Cove lighting makes a radiance impact. Go for cove lighting mounts on the highest point of divider cupboards. 

3. Area lighting, although focused on a specific spot, can likewise give general enlightenment. Assuming you need light in a particular area like the sink, install a LED recessed lighting installation for extraordinary area lighting. 

4. Pendant lights are ideal for featuring an area like the dining table or countertop. Ensure you position them over the focal point of the table and adjust the height. 

5. Task lighting, consistent with its name, illuminates a work surface. Ensure you position it in front of the working space, so it doesn’t project a shadow. A decent spot for them is the underside of divider cupboards. 

6. Accent lights are used to highlight an object, or decorations like a chinaware collection.

2. Circuit Planning 

Choosing the right circuits will rely upon the appliances you intend to introduce in your kitchen. For instance, while your fridge will require its own, some smaller appliances can share a circuit. Also, the lighting installations you intend to introduce and their wattage prerequisites will direct the number of lighting circuits you need. 

When you have a list of the electrical appliances and lighting you intend to install, we will work with you to outline where everything will be put in and the power source required. We will likewise get some information about your present design of utilities and circuits and any worries or issues. 

Having a lot of electrical receptacles can help with lessening the disappointment of continually turning off small appliances whenever an outlet is required. Spacing out receptacles along the countertops can likewise guarantee that no space of the kitchen becomes clogged with electrical devices. Plan for outlets prior to introducing countertops and backsplashes. Most kitchen electrical receptacles ought to be GFCI outlets, particularly those close to areas that get contact with water and moisture.

3. Appliance wiring

With regards to kitchen wiring, there should be a reserved circuit for every major machine or appliances. Every huge appliance in a kitchen should have its own committed circuit and that circuit is typically 240-volt. 

While rebuilding a kitchen, many like to have the option to move machines around to make their spaces more convenient. Appliances are normally consolidated into countertop and cabinetry designs, so arranging the position and sizes of appliances well ahead of a kitchen redesign is significant. During the planning phase of the renovation, try to imagine where you need to have appliances on the countertop. If that ends up being a bit difficult, basically add extra circuits just to be safe. Furthermore, ensure that circuits powering plug-in receptacles for countertop appliances have GFCI protection.

4. Keep Your Kitchen Wiring Up to Code 

The National Electric Company dictates that receptacles should be inside two feet of a break in any National Electrical Code and also requires that the distance between two receptacles be no farther than four feet, a condition we additionally make a point to meet. Moreover, GFCI receptacles must be 20 amp and 12 gauge. Outlets that are not over the kitchen counter (like the power source where your refrigerator is connected) don’t need to be GFCI receptacles.

If any of this sounds confusing, there’s no need to worry. That is what we are here for! If you need to hire a Winnipeg electrical contractor, Southcan Electric is here to address all your electrical needs. We guarantee that your electrical wiring is done effectively and meets all code, without having to spend too much money. 

A Simple Electrical Upgrade Can Upgrade Your Quality of Life 

The electrical wiring should be on top of your list, for security purposes as well as for your convenience. It is important to remember, however, that the electrical system should not be a DIY electrical work.

Whether you are looking for kitchen appliance installers or a team that can deal with custom appliance wiring and installations, our friendly electricians at Southcan Electric will be sure to provide you with excellent service for a reasonable cost. All we want your home to be protected, and for your electrical system to work properly.

Connect with us online to get started, or call 204.230.3217 to speak with a guaranteed, licensed, electrician in Winnipeg! Southcan Electric is here to help create a plan for your dream kitchen’s electrical wiring.