For kitchen countertop receptacles, the minimum number of 20-amp branch circuits required is:

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that kitchens require dedicated small-appliance circuits to feed countertop receptacles. This setup prevents overloading a single circuit when multiple countertop appliances are used at once and keeps lighting on separate circuits. The minimum number of 20-amp circuits specified for these countertop outlets is two. These circuits must supply only receptacle outlets located along the kitchen countertop surfaces (including islands and peninsulas) and are intended to handle typical small-appliance loads like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers. You can have more than two circuits, but two is the required minimum. Also, in kitchens, these receptacles must be GFCI protected.