As more and more homes have modernized over the last 30 years, the demand for bigger and better appliances has increased as well. It was not long ago that you could buy or rent a home that did not have a washer and dryer, a dishwasher, or even a refrigerator. Now, these items that were once considered a perk or a luxury, are pretty standard. While large appliances have become commonplace, some homes have not had their wiring for electricity upgraded in a long time, which means they may not be able to accommodate the demand that large appliances put on a home. So, the question stands, “Do I need dedicated circuits for large appliances?”
Many of us may have faced a situation where you are running your dishwasher or cooking on the stovetop and the unexpected happens. You plug in and use a blender, a hairdryer, or a space heater, and all of the sudden, it loses power. This could be a sign that your large appliance is not on a dedicated circuit. If breaker tripping is a common occurrence, you may need to start looking for electrical contractors to help solve the problem. Denny’s Electric Service provides residential electrical services that would include assessing whether or not you would need dedicated circuits.
Houses are wired in a way that separates the power being consumed in your home. The power is separated into different circuits in an effort to prevent the power from overloading any single circuit. This does not always happen, however, as some homes may have been wired incorrectly and this creates a safety concern. While the circumstances differ in each case, NOT having a large appliance on a dedicated circuit can create a fire hazard.
So, how exactly do you know whether or not the appliance in your home needs its own dedicated circuit? Checking the wattage of the appliance in question is a good place to start.
A good rule of thumb is that if it has its own motor, it may need to be on a dedicated circuit. Also, appliances that are rated for one thousand watts or higher may need a dedicated circuit. While this is not always the case, you also have to think about how that appliance is going to be used. Something that is rated for fifteen hundred watts that will only be used for a few minutes may not need a dedicated circuit. However, something that is rated for fifteen hundred watts that will be used for hours on end, like a heater, should have a dedicated circuit.
A list of common appliances that will need a dedicated circuit include:
- Electric oven/stove
- Refrigerator or freezer
- Dishwasher
- Garbage disposal
- Washer and Dryer
Some things you might not always think about should have a dedicated circuit as well. These might include:
- Sump Pump
- Water Heater
- Furnace
- Heat Pump
- Central Air Conditioner
- Hot Tub or Spa
- Large Holiday light display
If you are still unsure about whether or not your appliance should be on a dedicated circuit, or if you are unsure whether or not you have any dedicated circuits, then you should seek the help of experienced electrical contractors. Denny’s Electric Service hires only the best and provides a wide range of residential electrical services. With over thirty years of experience in the electoral industry, we stand behind the quality of our work and are sure to give top-notch service to every client.
