What is the minimum number of receptacles required to be installed within a kitchen countertop space?

In kitchen countertop spaces, the National Electrical Code (NEC) outlines specific requirements to ensure safety and convenience. For kitchen countertops, the NEC mandates that a minimum of two receptacles must be installed. This requirement helps prevent overloading a single outlet due to multiple appliances and the increased load demand typical in kitchen environments, ensuring that cooks have adequate access to power for various devices like toasters, mixers, and other kitchen appliances.

Additionally, the code stipulates that these receptacles must be positioned so that no point along the countertop is more than 24 inches away from a receptacle. This rule reinforces the need for at least two outlets in such areas to facilitate the use of multiple kitchen appliances simultaneously without the need for extension cords, which could pose safety hazards. Keeping these standards in mind is crucial when designing or assessing the electrical layout in kitchens.