How far apart do kitchen counter outlets need to be?

In New Brunswick, kitchen counter outlets must be spaced no more than 1.2 meters (4 feet) apart along the countertop, according to the Canadian Electrical Code as adopted by TSANB. This ensures you're never more than 60cm (2 feet) from an outlet when working at the counter.

The Canadian Electrical Code Rule 26-722 specifically addresses kitchen counter receptacle spacing to prevent the use of extension cords, which are a major fire hazard in kitchens. Every section of countertop 300mm (12 inches) or wider must have access to an outlet within that 1.2-meter spacing requirement. This means if you have a long run of counter, you'll need multiple outlets evenly distributed.

Additional New Brunswick kitchen outlet requirements include GFCI protection for all outlets within 1.5 meters of the kitchen sink. These outlets must be on 20-amp circuits (using 12 AWG wire), and you typically need at least two separate 20-amp circuits serving the kitchen counter outlets to handle the electrical load from multiple appliances.

Islands and peninsulas have their own rules - any island or peninsula countertop space 600mm x 300mm (24" x 12") or larger requires at least one outlet. The outlet must be located on the island/peninsula itself, not on the wall behind it, and must also be GFCI protected.

Safety considerations are critical in kitchens due to the combination of electricity and water. All kitchen electrical work requires a TSANB permit and must be completed by a licensed electrician. The outlets must be properly grounded, and many electricians recommend installing outlets with USB charging capability during kitchen renovations.

If you're planning a kitchen renovation or need additional counter outlets installed, the work will require both a TSANB electrical permit and inspection. A licensed electrician can assess your current electrical panel capacity and determine if additional circuits are needed to meet code requirements.

Need help finding an electrician for your kitchen project? New Brunswick Electrical can match you with local licensed electricians who specialize in kitchen electrical work and understand all TSANB requirements for safe, code-compliant installations.