In our last installment on dedicated circuit breakers, we discussed major appliances common in today’s homes that require dedicated circuit breaker protection. Think because the “big guns” are covered, you’re safe? Not so fast - you could still be overloading your electrical system…
Mid-range appliances like these typically need the “single pole” protection of a 20 amp dedicated circuit breaker for safe operation. These regularly used, mid-range home appliances also need dedicated circuit breaker protection:
Blow Dryers
Your hair dryer may help you fight bad hair days, but you could end up with more than split ends if you’re not operating it on a dedicated circuit. Using in the range of 800 to 1,800 watts of power, energy use depends on the mode of operation: High, medium, or low; high heat, or cool air. Low force, cool blasts from your dryer pull about 70 watts, hot blasts of air on high around 1,500. Check the power rating label on the cord to learn more about your favorite blow dryer’s maximum wattage.
Microwaves
Love the convenience of “nuking” food and leftovers with the electromagnetic radiation of a microwave? Compact models use around 500 to 800 watts. Regular-sized models around 850 to 1,800 watts, depending on the model - 1,200 watts on average.
Toasters
That bread-toasting wonder on your countertop uses a great deal of energy for its small size: About 800 to 1,500 watts, 1,200 on average when in use.
Garbage Disposals
The garbage disposal gulping down those food remnants in your sink also consumes 450 to 950 watts of energy, and performs best on its own circuit.
Garage Door Openers
Offering you convenient access to your home and shelter for your automobile, garage door openers use 1,100 to 1,400 watts, lifting a great deal of weight from a dead start, then 550 to 725 watts to “standby.”
Vacuums
The average-sized portable household vacuum uses between 500 and 3,000 watts of energy, with the average best-selling model utilizing around 1,400 watts. Central vacuums draw a similar amount of current, though they offer better suction.
Whirlpools/Jacuzzis/Hot Tubs/Saunas
Love feeling the heat? Your hot tub/Jacuzzi/whirlpool uses about 1,700 watts on average, as does the average 2-person infrared sauna, though larger models can consume significantly more.
Contact Mr. Electric
Are you regularly abusing your electrical circuits? Stop the insanity. Schedule your free electrical home safety inspection and identify the need for dedicated circuits in your home by contacting Mr. Electric® professional today.
For Further Reading:
Appliances That Need Dedicated Circuits, Part 1
