Do you have a dedicated circuit in your main panel for your appliances? A dedicated circuit is a circuit that powers a single device or electrical appliance. Some appliances even require their own circuit, like the refrigerator. It is required by the National Electrical Code for certain critical appliances. In most cases, they are needed for devices with motors to ensure that the starting load is sufficient and to safely work at maximum power. More importantly, dedicated circuits avoid the inconvenience of overloading the circuits.

Overload Protection Provided by Appliance Circuits

If you plan to install new kitchen appliances, such as a larger refrigerator, electric range, or a built-in oven, you may need to upgrade the circuits to accommodate the increased power demands. Some high-end appliances require dedicated circuits to operate safely and efficiently. Upgrading the circuits will ensure that your new appliances can function properly without causing electrical issues.

Kitchens are heavily dependent on appliances with motors (mixer, garbage disposal, blender) and heaters (toaster, pizza oven, electric grill). These types of devices are notoriously heavy users. For example, if you use a toaster and an espresso machine in the same circuit at the same time, it is quite common to overcharge the circuit and trip the circuit breaker. This is especially common in an old kitchen with only one or two 15-amp circuits that already feed the fridge and microwave oven. Overloaded circuits can lead to overheating, tripped breakers, or even electrical fires. Upgrading the circuits ensures that the wiring, outlets, and breakers are up to code and can safely handle the power requirements of modern appliances, reducing the risk of electrical hazards.

The National Electrical Code requires that any dedicated device or device intended for critical use be powered by its own dedicated circuit to eliminate the possibility of another device tripping the circuit breaker and turning off this critical appliance. These critical appliances include stoves, water heaters, sump pumps, and even refrigerators. If any of these circuits trip and you don’t know, you might find a flooded basement, a frozen house, no hot water, or a fridge full of rotten food.

Devices That Require Dedicated Circuits

Here is a list of typical devices that require dedicated circuits. Additionally, your local building authority may specify additional appliances that require its own electrical circuit. The National Electrical Code, which is reviewed every three years, can also regularly add other devices to this list:

• Laundry room outlets

• Bathroom heaters which include vent/fan heater units

• Air conditioners that include whole house and room

• Sump pump

• Electric range or oven/cooktop

• Garbage disposal

• Dishwasher

• Microwave

• Furnace or heat pump

• Electric water heater

• Freezer

• Refrigerator

 Upgrading to Dedicated Circuits

Upgrading the circuits in your kitchen is a proactive measure that can future-proof your electrical system. As technology continues to advance, new kitchen appliances may require even more power. By upgrading your circuits now, you can ensure that your kitchen is ready to accommodate future electrical demands, saving you from frequent upgrades down the line.

 If you plan to install new appliances that require dedicated circuits or experience regularly tripping breakers , contact Empire Electrical Solutions so we can help.