What is a dedicated outlet?

A dedicated circuit has its very own circuit breaker and it only supports one outlet. That means only one electrically powered device can draw voltage from that circuit at any given time. Generally, these circuits are 15 or 20 amps, just like the rest of the circuits that power your home.

What outlets should be dedicated?

What is a dedicated socket outlet?

A dedicated electrical circuit serves a single appliance. The National Electrical Code requires it for certain critical-use appliances. No other appliance, fixture, lights, or outlets can be served by these dedicated circuits.

How much does it cost to install a dedicated outlet?

Expect to pay around $125 to $175 to replace or install a standard outlet. The national average can run anywhere from $100 to $500 per outlet depending on the complexity of the job. Read on to learn more about the factors you'll need to consider for your project.

How do I know if I need a dedicated circuit?

Read the Labels in the Electrical Box

If the electrician who wired your home was thoughtful, he should have labeled the circuits in your electrical box. See if any are labeled with specific appliances rather than entire rooms to indicate dedicated circuits.

What is a Dedicated Circuit?

How do you find out if an outlet is on a dedicated circuit?

If you take a look at your electrical panel, you should see at least a couple of circuit breakers that are labeled for a single appliance, such as a washing machine or refrigerator. Those circuit breakers belong to dedicated circuits, meaning they're dedicated to powering just one device or appliance.

Does a TV need a dedicated circuit?

A general rule of thumb you can follow is that anything that is fixed (it means it is installed and not moved) should be on a dedicated circuit. Some of the items to include are: Large televisions.

Does a refrigerator need a dedicated outlet?

A modern refrigerator requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit. You may currently have a smaller refrigerator plugged into a general lighting circuit, but during any major remodeling, install a dedicated circuit (120/125-volts) for the refrigerator.

How many receptacles are on a dedicated circuit?

Up to 10 outlets can safely run on a 20-amp circuit. A circuit should not run at more than 80% of its load capacity. On a 20-amp circuit, this is 16 amps. The rule-of-thumb is one outlet for every 1.5 amps of the 80% maximum.

Does a washing machine require a dedicated circuit?

A washing machine itself does not need a dedicated circuit, but it might make the most sense to give it one depending on your dryer. For example, if you have a gas dryer, it's okay to plug both the washer and dryer into the same outlet. Electric dryers need their own dedicated circuit, however.

What is a 20-amp dedicated outlet?

20-amp receptacles have a horizontal slot branching off one of the vertical slots. Appliances, such as microwaves, often have 20-amp plugs and must be plugged into a 20-amp outlet. Electrical plugs designated as 20-amp will not fit into 15-amp outlets.

How many dedicated circuits can you have in a house?

1 Fifty years ago, a kitchen might have been served by a single electrical circuit, but today, a newly installed kitchen with standard appliances requires at least seven circuits and often more. Kitchens must have at least two 20-amp 120-volt "small appliance" circuits serving the receptacles in the countertop areas.

Can a refrigerator share an outlet?

Refrigerators are considered noncontinuous duty loads. Loads that draw current for less than three hours at a time are allowed to be on the same circuit with other noncontinuous loads, as long as the total load does not exceed the circuit breaker rating.

Does a microwave need a dedicated circuit?

Microwave ovens often demand dedicated circuitry, but this isn't always a necessity. The National Electrical Code requires it for all fixed equipment, so a circuit must be set aside for any built-in oven. Small or older countertop models draw less power than modern full-size units.

Should I use a GFCI outlet for my TV?

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are very important for minimizing shock hazards in kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors and other potentially wet areas. They are now generally required by the NEC Code in these locations.

Does a freezer need a dedicated circuit?

Upright and chest freezers require a 120 volt, individual, properly grounded branch circuit with a 3 prong grounding type receptacle, protected by a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse. The freezer should be on a dedicated circuit.

What needs a dedicated circuit in a house?

Dedicated circuits are meant for high-power appliances, allowing them to take in the electricity they need without sharing. Some examples of machines that usually require a dedicated circuit include refrigerators and freezers, ovens, dishwashers, washer and dryers, and furnaces.

Does GFCI need dedicated circuit?

While a GFCI doesn't need its own breaker or circuit, it's likely in a circuit that requires the protection of soil defects.

Do air conditioners need a dedicated circuit?

Your air conditioner must have a dedicated circuit so you can have peace of mind knowing that it's less likely to trip and that your electrical system will work more efficiently. It's also important to do this if you're looking to install an AC system for the first time or your home has an outdated electrical system.

Should I use 15a or 20a outlets?

Standard 15-amp receptacles are suitable for typical household appliances, lamps and other accessories. A 20-amp receptacle is for heavy-duty appliances and power tools, such as air compressors. Residential garages occasionally have 20-amp receptacles to accommodate larger power tools.

How many outlets can be on a 15 amp circuit?

Technically, you can have as many outlets on a 15 amp circuit breaker as you want. However, a good rule of thumb is 1 outlet per 1.5 amps, up to 80% of the capacity of the circuit breaker. Therefore, we would suggest a maximum of 8 outlets for a 15 amp circuit.

Can I install a 20 amp outlet on a 15 amp circuit?

There are no physical complications preventing you from installing a 20 amp outlet on a 15 amp circuit. You might argue that a 20 amp outlet will cause an overload. But receptacles don't draw power. Unless you plug an appliance into its slots, a 20 Amp receptacle on a 15 amp circuit is completely harmless.