Applying SPS 316 and the NEC to a Remodel Permit
An electrician is remodeling a kitchen in a Wisconsin one-family dwelling built in 1975. The work includes replacing countertop receptacles, adding a dishwasher circuit, and extending a circuit into a new island. The local municipality has adopted SPS 316, which adopts the NEC with Wisconsin amendments. The inspector cites the electrician for using a 15 A receptacle on a 20 A small-appliance circuit and for not providing GFCI protection on the island receptacle. The electrician must determine what SPS 316 requires, what the local permit process requires, and how to correct the work.
1. What does SPS 316 require for the small-appliance circuit and the island receptacle?
Read the worked answer
SPS 316 adopts the NEC with Wisconsin amendments; the small-appliance branch circuits must be 20 A per NEC 210.11(C)(1) and must serve only kitchen, pantry, dining, and similar receptacles. A 15 A receptacle is permitted on a 20 A circuit only if it is a 15 A receptacle protected by a 20 A circuit and the load is within 15 A; however, a 20 A small-appliance circuit must use receptacles rated 20 A or a 15 A receptacle is acceptable per 406.3 only under specific conditions. The safer correction is to install 20 A receptacles (5-20R) on the 20 A circuit. For the island, NEC 210.52(C)(2) requires at least one receptacle on the island, and 210.8(A) requires GFCI protection for kitchen countertop receptacles, including islands. Install a GFCI receptacle or a GFCI breaker.
2. What permit and inspection steps does the Wisconsin process require?
Read the worked answer
In Wisconsin, electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician under a permit issued by the municipality or the Department of Safety and Professional Services, depending on local arrangements. The electrician must submit a permit application describing the scope, pay the fee, and request rough-in and final inspections. The rough-in inspection occurs before drywall; the final inspection after devices are installed and tested. SPS 316 incorporates the NEC by reference, so the installation must comply with the adopted edition. The electrician should confirm which edition of the NEC the local ordinance has adopted, since amendments can change requirements. Keep the approved plans and inspection records on site.
3. The inspector also notes the panel has no available spaces. What are the options?
Read the worked answer
Options include installing a subpanel fed from the existing panel, using tandem breakers if the panel is listed for them and the bus is rated for it, or replacing the panel. The subpanel feeder must be sized for the added load and protected at the source. Verify the service capacity with a load calculation before adding the dishwasher and island circuits. If a subpanel is added, the neutral must be isolated and a separate equipment grounding conductor run. Confirm the panel is listed for tandem breakers; using them in a panel not listed for them is a code violation. Update the permit to reflect the added panel and request inspection.