General Information
The 2025 Energy Code Section 120.6(k) establishes electric readiness requirements for all newly constructed commercial kitchens. These requirements are mandatory and cannot be traded off.
Section 100.1 includes definitions for these types of commercial kitchens:
- A full-service commercial kitchen is dedicated to an establishment that offers table service by waitstaff.
- An institutional commercial kitchen is dedicated to a foodservice establishment that provides meals at institutions including schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, correctional facilities, private cafeterias, nursing homes, and other buildings or structures in which care or supervision is provided to occupants.
- A quick-service commercial kitchen is dedicated to an establishment primarily engaged in providing fast food, fast casual, or limited services. Food and drink may be consumed on premises, taken out, or delivered to the customer’s location.
Newly constructed quick-service and institutional commercial kitchens must meet the following electric readiness requirements:
- A dedicated branch circuit wiring and outlet that would be accessible to cookline appliances and shall meet all the following requirements:
- The branch circuit conductors shall be rated at 50 amps minimum.
- The electrical service panel shall have a minimum capacity of 800 connected amps.
- The electrical service panel shall be sized to accommodate an additional either 208-volt (V) or 240V 50-amp breaker.
Exceptions:
- Healthcare facilities
- All-electric commercial kitchens
No. The requirement for a minimum capacity of 800 amps (A) electrical service applies to the panel that serves the cookline appliances. This requirement is mandatory and can be avoided only by claiming an exception to Section 120.6(k).