Appliances that commonly need a dedicated electrical circuit include electric ranges and ovens, electric dryers, central air conditioners and heat pumps, electric water heaters, EV chargers and some kitchen appliances such as dishwashers, disposals and built-in microwaves. Whether a specific appliance needs its own circuit depends on its electrical rating, the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the electrical code.
Not every appliance needs its own circuit, but large and continuous loads usually do.
How to Tell If an Appliance Needs Its Own Circuit
The best place to start is the appliance’s installation instructions and nameplate. These list the voltage, the current or wattage and often the recommended circuit size. Many manufacturers state directly that the appliance should be on a dedicated circuit.
Appliances that draw a lot of power, run for long periods or use 240 volts are the most likely to need one. Sharing a circuit with these loads can lead to tripped breakers, warm wiring and appliances that do not perform well.
Common Appliances With Dedicated Circuits
In the kitchen, electric ranges, wall ovens and cooktops use 240-volt dedicated circuits. Dishwashers, garbage disposals and built-in microwaves are commonly placed on their own circuits as well. Some refrigerators and freezers are put on separate circuits so they are less likely to lose power from a trip caused by another device.
Electric dryers use a 240-volt circuit, and washing machines are commonly on their own circuit. Laundry areas also have code rules for the circuits that serve them.
Heating and cooling equipment, such as air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and electric baseboard heaters, typically has circuits sized for that equipment. Electric water heaters, well pumps and sump pumps are other common examples.
Other Equipment That May Need One
EV chargers, hot tubs, spas, workshop tools, air compressors, welders and some home gym equipment often need dedicated circuits, sometimes at 240 volts.
Space heaters and window air conditioners usually plug into standard outlets, but they draw heavy loads. If they keep tripping a shared circuit, a dedicated circuit may be worth considering.
Home offices with several computers and printers may also benefit from additional circuits, though they do not always require them.
Planning a New Dedicated Circuit
Adding a dedicated circuit requires space in the panel and enough capacity on the electrical service. The wire size, breaker and receptacle must match each other and the appliance’s requirements.
Some locations also need GFCI or AFCI protection. Adding a new circuit generally requires a permit and inspection in Denver.
Do not try to add a circuit yourself unless you are qualified, and never install a larger breaker to stop an appliance from tripping a circuit.
If you are adding a new appliance or dealing with repeated trips, our dedicated circuit installation page explains how circuits are planned and installed. Contact us with the appliance model and where it will go, and we can help you understand what it needs.