Electrical Outlets and Controls as Design Elements
Outlets and Other Power Sources
Kitchens require many electrical outlets for the numerous appliances used regularly. Because many of these appliances draw considerable voltage, particularly those with heating elements, your electrician will install numerous circuits dedicated to the kitchen alone. Standard practice is to have every outlet above a counter on alternate circuits with its neighbors. Large appliances like stoves and refrigerators will have their own circuits eliminating the dimming effect when they turn on. Computers should be on a circuit with both surge protection and a power conditioner that temporarily maintains steady power during a brown-out allowing you to save any files open during the power interruption.
Outlets near water sources must be GFI or ground fault interrupter outlets or be on a GFI circuit breaker. This protective circuitry quickly interrupts the power supply if it detect a surge due to immersion or other grounding of the circuit. It is becoming common practice for all outlets near work surfaces to be GFI outlets. While this involves an extra expense it provides considerable protection from electrical shock.
It is better to err on the side of excess when installing electrical systems in your new kitchen. Numerous circuits will prepare you for the next wave of appliances and automation. Outlets over work surfaces should appear every 24” and islands should have their own dedicated outlets to avoid draping cords around the room.
Switches and Controls
The location and wiring of switches can make a big difference in the function of the room. Switches must be easily accessed and should not be hidden behind doors or around corners. Preferably, switches should be located near all entrances and wired so that you can turn lights on and off from each entrance and exit. In order to avoid having a confusing array of switches in one location plan on having different lighting accessible from different locations. This way, anyone entering a darkened room can turn on some kind of lighting from any entrance without trying out five or six switches.
Outlets, Switches and Plates as Design Elements
Detailing is vital to any successful design and your choice of switch styles and electrical plates makes a difference in the overall ambiance of the room. Stay consistent with the style, material and color throughout the entire kitchen when choosing a detail like outlets and switch plates. A consistent approach helps pull together the overall look of the room and provides a recurring motif that can be carried into other detailing like door pulls or other hardware. For instance, if you choose brushed stainless steel as a hardware material you can link pulls, plates and doorknobs by using the same finish on all. Even if they vary in style, the uniform finish can make them work.
