What Appliances Need a Dedicated Circuit

If there’s one common question we receive at AC Electric when we are in the field at customers homes, it’s “what appliances need a dedicated circuit”?  Safety is all home owners first priority and one of the most common questions to ask is a great question.  The reason it’s an important question to ask is because there have been too many times where we see a surge protector being used for multiple large appliances in the kitchen.  It’s much more common in older homes than newer homes.  Sometimes the older homes never planned their electrical with the thought of having dedicated circuits for microwaves, dishwashers and garbage disposals.  If you find yourself in this situation, call an electrician sooner than later before this turns into a safety issue for you. (Warning, it already is!)

Household Appliances Needing a Dedicated Circuit

Below is a list of the most common household items that require their own dedicated circuit.  If you do not have a dedicated circuit or if you don’t know if you have a dedicated circuit for one, call your local certified electrician.

• Refrigerator
• Stove/oven
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Garbage Disposal
• Countertop Convection Oven
• Toaster Oven
• Deep Fryer
• Air Fryer

How Many Dedicated Circuits are in a House?

For most homes, there is usually 28 dedicated circuits in a house.  These circuit are 20 amps.  According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), requires that kitchens have at least two separate 20 amp, 120 volt circuits for countertop outlets which also should not be more than 4 feet apart.  If you are in doubt or don’t know exactly how many circuits you need, we recommend you call your local certified electrical contractor to come over and review your current set up.  Your electrical contractor may even recommend upgrading your box to allow more circuits available based on your needs.

For any questions regarding your homes dedicated circuits, call AC Electric today if you are in Northeast Ohio!