Are you frequently resetting tripped circuit breakers? Do the lights in your home dim for no apparent reason? You may need to add a few dedicated circuits in your home.
Why Should You Be ‘Dedicated’?
Each circuit or wire in your home can only handle so much electrical draw. When more than one energy-sucking appliances is plugged into that circuit, it can become overloaded. When that happens, you’ll find yourself frequently resetting breakers, which are designed to trip in the event of overload. Not every item you plug-in requires a dedicated circuit – a circuit utilized by only a single appliance – but major ones do.
Which Appliances & Electronics Typically Require a Dedicated Circuit?
To spread power consumption around, National Electrical Code requires dedicated circuits on these appliances:
- Heating, ventilation, & air conditioning equipment
- Refrigerators & freezers
- Stoves and ovens
- Dishwashers
- Washers & dryers
Other Appliances that May Require a Dedicated Circuit
Some small appliances use a lot of power. If you frequently operate more than one of these items on the same circuit at the same time, you may want to consider dedicating a circuit for…
- Toasters
- Microwaves
- Hair dryers
- Garbage disposals
- Vacuums
- Water heaters
- Space heaters
- Window air conditioners
- Sump pumps
- Well/water pumps
- Garage door openers
- Office equipment
- Pools
- Jacuzzis
- Hot tubs
- Saunas
- Power Tools
- Any appliance with its own motor
A Lack of ‘Dedication’ is Hard on More than Your Wires
When appliances cannot access adequate amperage for operation, its hard on them as well, effecting longevity. And all those daily interruptions spent jiggling breakers is more than annoying for your family – it’s dangerous. That breaker trip indicates an overloaded circuit that could have resulted in a fire. Circuit breakers aren’t fool proof. Each time wires overheat, they degrade further, increasing the fire risk and putting your family in danger.
I Think I Have Dedicated Circuits, But I’m Still Having these Problems
If you live in an older home, and believe you have dedicated circuits, you may be in need of an electrical panel upgrade or service upgrade. Older electrical panels are often prone to problems, and shocking number of models have been recalled, even those many would consider relatively new. In addition, these problems can be compounded by insufficient service in older homes with insufficient electrical service. Today’s families use a lot of electronics, and the 60-amp service found on many older homes pales in comparison to the 100 or 200 amp service installed with new builds.
Don’t get tripped-up by tripped breakers and old equipment. Dedicate yourself to dedicated circuits and a safe, sufficient electrical supply. Contact Mr. Electric and learn more about opportunities for safety and energy savings in your home. Schedule your free electrical safety inspection today.
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This blog is made available by Mr. Electric for educational purposes only to give the reader general information and a general understanding on the specific subject above. The blog should not be used as a substitute for a licensed electrical professional in your state or region. Check with city and state laws before performing any household project.
