According to NEC code, how many receptacles are allowed in a kitchen area for small appliances?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies that in kitchen areas, there should be a minimum of two 20-ampere small appliance circuits provided for the receptacles that serve countertop surfaces. This requirement ensures that there are enough circuits to handle the load of common kitchen appliances such as toasters, blenders, and coffee makers without overloading the circuit.

While there can be more receptacles installed, as long as they remain on these dedicated circuits, the specified minimum is two. This is to allow for convenience and efficiency in using multiple appliances simultaneously while adhering to safety standards. Having just one receptacle may not accommodate multiple appliances that are often used at the same time in kitchen settings.

This is an important consideration for kitchen design and electrical safety, which is why the NEC sets this standard in residential wiring guidelines. In practice, electricians may choose to install additional receptacles for enhanced functionality, but the foundational requirement is two, which aligns with the answer provided.