All references are based on the 2017 edition of the NEC, unless otherwise noted.
Here’s a question to chew on: If the gas range in the photo is plugged into a 125V receptacle outlet located in the wall space directly behind the range — and the receptacle is on a 15A, 120V branch circuit as permitted by Exception No. 2 in Sec. 210.52(B)(1) — does the Code still require a receptacle outlet on a 20A branch circuit to be installed in this same wall space? The short answer is yes. A receptacle on a 20A circuit is also required. Now, this interpretation is based strictly on the literal wording in the Code.
Here’s another question: Is a receptacle outlet required for the wall space behind the range? Yes, the wall space is required to have a receptacle outlet because nothing in Sec. 210.52(A)(2) allows us to exclude the wall space behind this appliance. Section 210.52(A)(2)(1) specifically includes any space 2 ft or more in width, unbroken along the floor line by doorways, and similar openings, fireplaces and fixed cabinets without countertops or other work surfaces, but does not exclude wall spaces occupied by appliances. Therefore, a 125V receptacle outlet is absolutely required for this wall space.
The literal wording requires it even if this were an electric range plugged into a 50A receptacle. Unfortunately, Sec. 210.52(A)(4) does not permit the countertop receptacles required by 210.52(C) to be considered as the wall receptacles required by 210.52(A). If it did, then most likely a countertop receptacle could be considered the wall receptacle for this space. So the wall space behind the range still requires a receptacle outlet.
Does it need to be on a 20A circuit? Yes. The wording in Sec. 210.52(B)(1) requires 20A circuits to supply all wall receptacle outlets required by Sec. 210.52(A). A quick look at Exception No. 2 in Sec. 210.52(B)(1) would seem to indicate a 15A circuit instead of a 20A circuit would be allowed to supply the receptacle installed for range. However, a closer look at the wording of the exception will reveal the reason why we still need to install a 20A circuit too.
The literal wording states: “In addition to the required receptacles” rather than saying “in lieu of the required receptacles.” Since the wall space occupied by the range is not excluded from receptacle requirements, a receptacle outlet on a 20A circuit is literally required.
Personally, I don’t think the intent of the Code is to require two receptacle outlets behind this range.