Which Appliances Need a Dedicated Circuit for Safety?

Although modern home appliance circuits are typically set up to handle high electrical capacities, some codes require large appliances and certain smaller ones to operate on their dedicated circuits. Which appliances need a dedicated circuit?

Because large appliances and heat-producing devices typically require higher wattage to operate, they can pull more current than a general-use circuit can safely handle. On a standard circuit, this can lead to fire risks and a danger of power flickers. Knowing which appliances require a dedicated circuit will help ensure that your appliances run smoothly and safely.

We’ll provide you with a list of the appliances that require a dedicated circuit to operate safely.

Why Dedicated Circuits Are Important

Who decides which appliances need a dedicated circuit? The building codes pertaining to home electrical installations are governed by the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and the similar National Electrical Code in the United States. Even 20 years ago, many homes lacked the electrical capacity needed to power the many devices and appliances used today, and the CEC is continually updating the standards and safety guidelines.

Understanding Electrical Circuits

Your home’s electrical system originates from a utility line that connects to your main service panel, which is commonly referred to as the electrical panel or breaker box. From the main panel, power is separated into electrical circuits or branch circuits, which are either “standard” 120-volt branch power circuits or 240-volt circuits that power major appliances. Certain appliances, including dishwashers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and others with substantial electricity needs, require dedicated 240-v circuits.

Advantages of Dedicated Circuits

Safety: In the absence of a dedicated circuit, certain large appliances or workshop power tools may overload a standard circuit. In some instances, the circuit may become too hot and potentially trigger an electrical fire.
Dependability: Having a dedicated circuit will better ensure that the power supply remains stable and prevent interruptions in the flow of power.
Performance: A standard circuit might struggle to provide maximum power to specific devices, which might result in noticeably poor performance, such as with a home theater system.
Adaptability: Home electrical systems without dedicated circuits may lack flexibility, meaning that the power supply is improperly distributed and unstable.
Minimizing noise: When attached to a shared circuit with other electrical components, certain electronic devices may emit audible noise or distortion resulting from interference.

What to Check On Your Appliance

First, look on the appliance’s information sticker or plate to find the wattage. As a rule, electronics, and appliances rated for 1,000 watts or higher likely need a dedicated circuit, especially if the item will be operating for long periods. For example, a 1,800-watt hair dryer to be used for a few minutes may not require a dedicated circuit, but a 1,800-watt electric fireplace you’ll use for hours at a time is likely to need one.

There are some interesting in-between examples, like an air fryer or a space heater, that are usually only turned on for short amounts of time but are occasionally on for hours at a time. In such situations, it’s better to be cautious and opt for a dedicated circuit.

Lists of Appliances That Require a Dedicated Circuit

There are a few different appliances that need dedicated circuits, and they’re not all in the same room. Here, we’ve broken down the list of appliances that require dedicated circuits into the rooms they’re most commonly located:

In the Kitchen

The kitchen features many of your most power-intensive devices. This stems from the need to generate heat, which takes a significant amount of energy. Dedicated circuits are highly recommended for all these devices:

Electric oven, stove, or range
Refrigerator
Stand-alone freezer or chest freezer
Dishwasher
Microwave
Garburator
Toaster oven
Countertop convection oven
Countertop deep fryer or air fryer

Wattage usage varies from model to model, so for some items listed, a dedicated circuit may be optional. It depends on the frequency and duration of use. Talk to an electrician about circuit needs, and always err on the side of caution to avoid a circuit overload.

Are you on the fence between installing a gas oven versus an electric one? Read the pros and cons.

In the Laundry Room

Large appliances in the laundry room require a lot of energy. You should have a dedicated circuit of at least 20 amps for the following appliances:

Electric Dryer
Washer

If you have a gas dryer, your washing machine and gas dryer may be plugged into the same outlet. If you have an electric dryer, it will need its own dedicated 20-amp, 220-volt circuit.

If you typically use other small appliances in your laundry room—like irons or steam devices—a separate circuit for them is a good idea, too.

In Living Rooms and Bedrooms

Depending on wattage requirements, the following devices may need dedicated circuits:

Electric fireplace
Infrared heater, heater fan, and space heater
Window air conditioning unit

Most lamps, fans, and other low-demand items can be operated on a general-use circuit. Typically, flat-screen televisions, desktop computers, and other electronics can be safely operated on a normal circuit, but you should always have them plugged into surge-protected outlets. This will protect them in the event of a surge, as many of these electronics are highly sensitive to power fluctuations.

In the Garage

If you are a do-it-yourself homeowner who uses lots of power tools, one or more dedicated circuits in your garage or workshop is a must-have, especially for the following:

Large air compressor
Power saw, drill, and other power tools

In Utility Rooms and Outdoors

While outdoor appliances aren’t too numerous, they tend to draw a lot of power. We recommend using a dedicated circuit for any of the following.

Furnace and water heater pump
Sump pump
Central air conditioning unit
Water heater
Hot tub or spa
Large holiday light display

Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The recent Calgary Homeowner’s Electrical Wiring Guide, which included the 2021 Canadian Electrical Code amendments, outlined the new residential wiring requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

Smoke and carbon dioxide (CO) alarms should connect to a dedicated 120V circuit. The circuit may have protection provided by either ground-fault circuit interrupts (GFCI) or arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) as long as it is equipped with a battery-powered backup source,

Smoke and carbon monoxide requirements exist throughout Canada. For example, Alberta requires the installation of smoke detectors in all “dwelling units,” which includes houses, mobile homes, hotels, and dorms. Meanwhile, Ontario's Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management requires CO alarms in homes with fireplaces, fuel-burning appliances, or attached garages.

Home Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) estimates reveal that more than 12% of new vehicle registrations are for either battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

The most practical at-home charging solution for electric vehicle owners is Level 2 stations, as Level 1 stations, which use a standard 120-volt outlet, lack the power needed to fully charge a battery overnight. Level 2 installations require a dedicated 240-volt circuit, which a licensed professional should install.

Safety Tips

Risks of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Electrical Work

In some cases, homeowners with basic knowledge of electrical systems may perform do-it-yourself electrical work. For example, the Ontario Electrical Safety Code allows homeowners to file for an electrical work permit and get a Certificate of Acceptance from the ESA. Generally, however, performing your own electrical work is discouraged, and this work is best handled by properly licensed professionals.

According to the CEC, homeowners are NOT allowed to perform the following work:

Installation of or modifications to the main service panel (electrical panel)
Electrical wiring involving hot tubs or in-ground swimming pools
Work that is related to solar photovoltaic systems, which capture energy from the sun to be used for electrical power, such as solar panels or solar inverters.
Any installations related to energy storage systems that use batteries
Home charging stations for electric vehicles or electric vehicle energy management systems (EVEMS)
Electrical work for powering air-conditioning units

Signs of Electrical Hazards

Damaged power cords: Power or extension cords with visible damage, including frayed or exposed wiring, may cause electrical shock or fires.
“Octopus” outlets: Overloaded power outlets with too many devices plugged in are susceptible to excessive heat and fire.
Improper grounding: Plugs with “missing” third prongs are potentially dangerous. Keep in mind that two-to-three-prong adapters are not intended to represent a long-term solution.
Tripped circuits or blown fuses: Experiencing repeatedly blown fuses or tripped circuits is a clear indication of a potentially dangerous electric problem.
Flickering lights: You may notice that lights will abruptly dim or flicker, which is an indication of electrical instability or a faulty wiring connection.

Professional Home Electrical System Inspections

Homeowners must recognize the importance of having periodic professional inspections of the electrical system. In general, a professional inspection is recommended every three to five years and every two to three years in older homes built more than 40 years ago. A qualified professional will make critical safety assessments, which might involve the condition of the wiring, the functionality of circuit breakers, and the safety of ground connections.

Get Professional Help with Appliance and Dedicated Circuit Installation

If you want more information regarding requirements and safety recommendations, check with your local or national codes.

If you need help with residential appliance services, trust Mr. Appliance to keep your appliances operating safely and at peak performance, including those that need dedicated circuits. We offer flat-rate, up-front pricing, flexible scheduling options, and guaranteed workmanship backed by our Neighbourly Done Right Promise^™ to make your life easier! Schedule service with us today.

This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mr. Appliance^® is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Mr. Appliance^® for more information and a professional on-site assessment.