In order to ensure the safety of all people in Ontario, there are building codes that must be followed when renovating or designing a kitchen. Here we will outline some of the most important aspects of kitchen design and how they relate to the building code. If you are considering a kitchen renovation, make sure you consult with a professional to ensure your project meets all safety requirements!
The Ontario Building Code is a set of regulations that must be followed when renovating or designing a kitchen in order to ensure the safety of all people in the province. Some of the most important aspects of kitchen design that are impacted by the building code include the height of cabinets, the distance between appliances and counters, and the types of materials that can be used in a kitchen renovation.
It is important to consult with a professional before starting any kitchen renovation project to make sure you are aware of all the building code requirements that need to be met. Failing to comply with the building code can result in fines or even worse, injuries or fatalities. So if you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen, make sure you do your research first! This article will discuss a few important buildings to keep in mind when designing your kitchen in Ontario.
Fire protection around cooking area:
There are two code items related to gas and electric range. 9.10.22.2. Vertical Clearances above Cooktops and 9.10.22.3. Vertical Clearances above Cooktops.
A metal hood is usually installed above a range. When grease from cooking overheats, it becomes flammable and causes safety issue. The Ontario building code requires a clearance of 30″ from the cooking surface to the combustible surface. This rule mostly affect insert range hoods as the wood covering is combustible. The clearance of 30″ can be reduced to 24″ if the home is using a chimney hood above. The second rule is that the adjacent cabinets need a minimum of 18″ clearance from the counter.
Other code such as TSSA gas code also restate the clearance requirement. In B149.1S1-07, it states, a residential type range shall have the following minimum clearances to combustible material: (a) above – 30″ (750mm) (b) front – 48″ (1200mm) (c) back & sides – 6″ (150mm)
Dishwasher high loop
The Ontario building code requires a dishwasher to have a high loop. This means that the dishwasher must be installed so that the discharge hose is elevated above the floor by at least 18″ and is directed into an approved drainage system. This is to prevent wastewater backflowing into the dishwasher.
S-trap
7.2.3.1 (4) states a bell trap or an S-trap shall not be installed in a drainage system. Only P-trap should be used. This is for continuous flowing of water and avoid blockage in the trap.
Clean-out
Sink drainage require a seaparate clean out. This help with future maintainance.
Garburator
Many manicipality do not allow use of garburator. Burlington, Toronto, Guelph has confirmed banned in kitchen remodel.
Electrical requirements
1) All receptacles shall be GFCI protected if near water area and tamper-resistant. This is standard safety requirement. This can prevent electrical shock for small children and adult.
2) Receptacles shall be provided at all countertop areas with a minimum dimension of 12 inches, located no farther than 4 feet apart and no farther than 2 feet from edge of counter. The keyword here is countertop, appliances, and dishwashers are considered separations and the outlet takes those out of the calculation.
3) Receptacles shall be located no more than 20 inches above countertop. This is an accessibility requirement.
4) Islands and peninsula shall have at least one receptacle mounted not more than 12 inches below the countertop and where the countertop not extending more than 6 inches beyond its base. This rule came in effect because home owner would trip over cord when an extension cord is used to plug into appliances used on island.
5) Countertop receptacles shall be supplied by a minimum of two 20-amp small appliance branch circuit. This is to avoid shorting for larger appliances.
6) Dishwasher, garbage disposals, and other built-in appliances (e.g. microwave) require dedicated circuits. This is again to avoid short circuits and causes fire.
7) A dedicated 20-amp circuit is required for cord and plug connected microwave with range exhaust hoods. If the rangehood does not have a microwave component, it can be a 15-amp circuit assuming the instruction manual allows it.
Ceiling height
Kitchen require to have a height of 90″ over at least 75% of the required floor area with a clear height of 82″ at any point over the required area
Hallway
The Building Code requires most hallways in houses to be 34″ wide.
When designing your kitchen, it is important to be aware of the Ontario Building Code requirements. Some of the most important items to keep in mind are the clearances around cooking appliances and dishwashers, as well as the height requirement for ceilings. Make sure to consult with a professional if you have any questions or need help implementing these building codes into your kitchen design.
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