What is a Dedicated Circuit?

All electricity entering your home goes through your circuit breaker box or fuse box.  Within your circuit breaker box/fuse box you have individual circuits feeding electricity into different sections of your home or business.  Each of these circuits is protected by a breaker or fuse.  Outlets for small electrical appliances require 15-amp circuits.  Outlets for mid-range items, like hair dryers, toasters, small radios, require 20-amp circuits.  Heavy duty appliances like dryers can require anywhere from 30 to 50 amp dedicated circuits & are protected by, double pole, breakers.  For safety reasons, many medium & heavy duty appliances require their own circuit or a “dedicated circuit”.
At K-Electric we have worked with many families and businesses advising them on the importance of dedicated circuits.  When you contact K-Electric will make sure you have all the dedicated circuits you need to safely operate your home or business. 

Common Appliances or Areas that Need Dedicated Circuits

• Electric Range
• Wall Oven
• Refrigerator
• Microwave
• Freezer
• Dishwasher
• Garbage Disposal
• Kitchen Countertop (2)
• Toaster
• Electric Dryer
• Clothes Washer
• Space Heater
• Heating & Air Conditioning Units
• Furnace
• Water Heater
• Garage Door Opener
• Garage (2)
• Sump Pump
• Water Pump
• Central Vacuum
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi/Hot Tub/Sauna
• Bathroom (2)
• Blow Dryer

When you install a heavy duty electrical appliance it needs to have its own dedicated circuit with the appropriate size wire and circuit breaker.  K-Electric can help you determine the size of your dedicated circuit if you need help.  K-Electric is Fond du Lac's premier electrical contractor if you need an electrician, or an electrical contractor please do not hesitate to call.

What Happens if I Don’t Have the Right Dedicated Circuits? 
If you don’t have the appropriate dedicated circuit, an appliance may draw more current than the circuit can handle. This will cause the wiring to overheat & the insulation around the wire to breakdown or melt.  Once the insulating barrier around the wire has melted, the current is no longer confined, & can ignite flammable materials within the wall leading to an electrical fire. Fortunately, circuit breakers sense the flow of excess current & stop the surge of current before damage takes place.  If your circuit breaker is constantly tripping, as a safety precaution you should call K-Electric to have a dedicated circuit installed. 

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