What is a dedicated circuit?
A dedicated circuit is a circuit used for a specific purpose with its own circuit breaker in your electrical panel, and is intended for use with a single appliance or outlet. No other devices or outlets will use energy from this circuit, making it "dedicated" to that one purpose.
What devices in my home require a dedicated circuit?
Electrical codes often require that large appliances occupy a separate, dedicated circuit not shared with any other appliance or device. A general rule is that most devices with a motor require their own circuit.
Devices that often require a dedicated circuit include:
-
Electric ranges
-
Wall ovens
-
Refrigerators
-
Large Microwaves
-
Freezers
-
Dishwashers
-
Garbage disposals
-
Toaster ovens
-
Washers
-
Dryers
-
Heating and air conditioning units
-
Furnaces
-
Water heaters
-
Sump pumps
-
Water pumps
-
Central vacuums
-
Hot tubs
-
Saunas