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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1
Q
Junior Member
Hi.

I live in an older home that has one 20 Amp fuse connected to 12-2 wire running a fridge, and 2 electrical outlets. The frige says it takes 2.4 amps. I would like to install a diswasher on the same circuit, because it would be too messy to try and run a wire back to the circuit panel. Does this circuit have the ability to run the fridge, an 8.6 amp dishwasher, and possibly a portable microwave (amperage unknown, but a small one) without tripping the circuit breaker? I have heard current code requires all kitchen appliances to be on their own circut, however, for theoritical purposes I am trying to gain an understanding of what the 20 amp circut is capable of running?

Thanks.


P.
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 270
E
Member
As you noted, its against code. Therefore, end of story.

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 7
Member
Quickly and simplified reply:
What you propose is a NEC violation
A 20 amp circuit should not be "loaded" over 80% or 16 amps.
A refrig has a larger "starting" current.
A dishwasher has a "starting" current also.

If as you say, installing another line" will be "messy"; consider a professional opinion, and hire a qualified licensed electrical contractor. (Most of us do not leave a "mess".

John


John
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 375
G
Member
You will have no problem in running your refrig and dishwasher off of the same circuit.

Your microwave may trip the breaker if run while the dishwasher is running.

Is it code compliant?

You are free to "plug" your appliances into any recept your wish.

If each appliance is required to have its own circuit, an electrictian may not "design and install" what you propose.

Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 1
C
C-H Offline
Member
Quote

The frige says it takes 2.4 amps.

2.4A @ 120V = 288VA. Unless it's a huge or ancient fridge it won't be running all the time. Therefore, the average load should be much lower than 2.4A

Quote

Does this circuit have the ability to run the fridge, an 8.6 amp dishwasher, and possibly a portable microwave (amperage unknown, but a small one) without tripping the circuit breaker?

2.4 + 8.6 = 11A, which leaves 9A. This means that the microwave must draw 9A*120V = 1080VA or less. The small microwave I have draws 500W, so yes, it should work. All under the assumption that you won't be using the appliances 24 hours/day. [Linked Image]

Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 745
M
Member
QQ:
Living in an older house myself, I tend to err on the side of safety. If the circuit is protected by a 20a fuse (which seems to date this electric installation), I would not feel good about even loading it to 80%. At the very least, I would put the microwave on a dedicated circuit. While your electrician is installing the circuit, ask him to evaluate the condition of the existing circuit and receptacles. Since he is in the walls, ceilings, etc., he might be able to install two circuits as easily as one (and replace the existing 12-2 with 12-2/Ground).

Just my thoughts... [Linked Image]

Mike (mamills)

[This message has been edited by mamills (edited 02-21-2003).]

Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,457
E
Member
I guarantee a house fire would be FAR messier than running a new circuit. Please don't let the messiness of the job be the deciding factor. Safety (the basis of codes) should be the decision maker. Run a new circuit for the dishwasher and sleep better at night.

Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 270
E
Member
The code doesn't permit using the 20 Amp kitchen appliance circuits for your dishwasher.

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,691
S
Member
If current code requires a separate circuit for every kitchen appliance, then that means you'd need a circuit (socket) for the toaster, one for the electric tea kettle or coffee percolator, one for the Frigidaire, one for the blender, one for the ferocious-looking electric hot dog cooker ( [Linked Image]), etc. And don't forget one for the radio (the most important kitchen appliance in my book!).

That would make for a lot of outlets and a big fuse/breaker box, wouldn't it....not to mention a mess of wires behind the wall.... [Linked Image]

I've never seen a kitchen with more than three duplex sockets (not counting the one used for the Frigidaire).

One in particular has one 20 amp receptacle circuit with a duplex socket and the other one is a 15 amp with two duplex receptacles.

Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,498
T
Member
You forgot the TV on the shelf above the sink. [Linked Image]

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