If you open the door to your electric panel and look inside, you should see a label for each of the breakers that indicates what is on that circuit. Some labels will show one item, such as “dishwasher” and some will show all outlets in a room, such as “master bedroom.” A number of the labels are for “dedicated circuits” — that is an electrical supply line that serves just one appliance, such as an electric range.
A dedicated circuit is set aside, or dedicated”, to a specific purpose and has only one outlet to plug into that circuit. Dedicated circuits are there to make sure heavy-use appliances like an electric dryer can get the steady supply of energy needed without an overload, blown fuse, or tripped breaker.
Generally, any appliance with its own motor should have a dedicated circuit. Typically, a refrigerator, freezer, electric range, electric water heater, furnace, washer, dryer, microwave, dishwasher, and garbage disposal will have their own circuit. Some people have hobbies that require motor-driven equipment, such as a table saw or wood lathe for a woodworker. This equipment should use a dedicated circuit located near the equipment.
Running too much equipment on the same circuit can overload it, and an overloaded circuit can start a fire. Breakers that are constantly tripping are a good indication that you need to add a dedicated circuit or change the way you use that circuit.
- Do you have breakers that have tripped repeatedly?
- Do you have motorized equipment with no dedicated circuit for it?
If so, give us a call. We can quickly install a dedicated circuit for you and eliminate the threat of an overloaded circuit fire as well as the bother of resetting a tripped breaker frequently.
Frye Electric has been in business since 1974 and we are a licensed and trusted contractor. We guarantee our work and offer the best prices in the area! Give us a try and see why we have thousands of customers who use us every time!