What is a dedicated circuit?
Like its name, a dedicated circuit is a type of electrical circuit that is dedicated to one appliance or fixture. They are recommended for critical-use appliances in your home and are meant to prevent overloads in your electrical system. Appliances can access all energy they need to function properly, and they will not overload the system, trip a circuit breaker, overheat or blow a fuse.
In your home, most dedicated circuits will run between 20 and 50 amps.. Generally, these circuits are applied to heavy-duty and medium home appliances. Major appliances like water heaters, refrigerators and clothes dryers usually require dedicated circuits. Beyond household appliances, some electric car chargers, hot tubs, and spas generally require dedicated circuits.
When multiple appliances are served by a single circuit, those appliances may draw more power than the circuit can handle. In such cases, you can expect a tripped fuses or breakers.
Home Appliances That Might Need Dedicated Circuits
Dedicated circuits are useful for all appliances which draw large amounts of power and devices that pull heavy and sudden draw. Any fixed appliances should be on dedicated circuits. The National Electric Code requires furnaces, sump pumps, and water heaters to be on dedicated circuits.
Appliances that draw a large amount of power and should be on dedicated circuits include toasters, hairdryers, portable space heaters, and air conditioners. You might consider “general use” dedicated circuits in the different rooms. For instance, a dedicated circuit in your living room can be used for window air conditioners and space heaters.
Other appliances that may need their own circuit include dishwashers, garbage disposals, freezers, electric and countertop ranges, heat pumps, washers and dryers.
Always read the user manual for the power requirements of your appliances. If you find your breakers are tripping regularly, contact us to see if additional dedicated circuits in your home might solve the problem. Or, scroll down to set up an appointment for a free estimate.
