What Appliances Need A Dedicated Circuit

Without it wires may become hot and the circuit breaker might trip.

What appliances need a dedicated circuit. Dedicated circuits ensure major appliances that draw a lot of electrical current are able to access the energy they need without overloading your system blowing a fuse or tripping a circuit breaker. Most people understand that dedicated circuit means an electrical circuit and breaker that serves only a single appliance or outlet receptacle but it is not recognized in the national electrical code nec which uses the term individual branch circuit for essentially the same thing. The national electrical code calls for most major appliances to have dedicated circuits. What appliances need dedicated circuits.

No other appliances fixtures lights or outlets can be served by these dedicated circuits. This means that the equipment doesn t share a circuit with another machine. No other appliances will be plugged into or utilize the energy from this circuit making it dedicated to that single appliance. This circuit does not need gfci protection in most areas but it is sometimes required where the appliance plugs into an accessible outlet.

Heavy duty appliances typically require double pole 30 50 amp circuit breaker protection to prevent appliances from drawing too much power and possibly resulting in fire. Usually these appliances are ones that have motors to ensure proper and efficient power for the appliance to function best. What type of appliances requires dedicated circuits for safe operation. Although it s not uncommon to see microwave ovens plugged into standard appliance outlets larger microwave ovens can draw as much as 1500 watts and these need their own dedicated circuits.

Dedicated circuit appliances depending on your home there are several appliances that could need a dedicated circuit. A dedicated circuit is a circuit that serves only one home appliance you ll need a dedicated circuit for each of these major appliances refrigeratorfreezerelectric rangemicrowavewater heaterwasherdryerdishwasher garbage disposalfurnaceheat pumpair conditioner central and window. When an appliance is connected to a dedicated electrical circuit it means that it doesn t share the circuit and circuit breaker with any other electronic in your home. They are most commonly required for appliances that have motors to ensure there is sufficient power.

As a rule electronics and appliances that are rated for 1 000 watts or higher likely need a dedicated circuit especially if the item will be operating for long stretches of time. It s required by the national electrical code for certain critical use appliances and many fixed appliances. For example an 1 800 watt hair dryer that is used for a few minutes may not require a dedicated circuit but an 1 800 watt electric fireplace that you will use for. Dedicated circuitry is necessary to prevent dangerous overloads.