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.

As you noted, its against code. Therefore, end of story.

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

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.

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


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.

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...

Mike (mamills)

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

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.

The code doesn't permit using the 20 Amp kitchen appliance circuits for your dishwasher.

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 ( ), 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....

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.

You forgot the TV on the shelf above the sink.

We should look in the NEC for the rest of the story ..... See Section 210.52(B)(1) Receptacle Outlets Served.

In the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or similar area of a dwelling unit, the two or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits required by 210.11(C)(1) shall serve all receptacle outlets covered by 210.52(A) and (C) and receptacle outlets for refrigeration equipment.

I would just try it and it will probably be fine as already pointed out, you stated 12/2 wire on a 20 Amp fuse which makes me think not so old RX wire. If what you hook up blows this fuse you will have to upgrade with another circuit.

I do not see any safety issues in trying this as it is properly fused.

As Joe stated this is not allowable under the NEC.

1) We do not know if quickquestion has one circuit total in his kitchen, we only know that he described one that he wants to add to, he may have more.

2) Are we going to start rewiring all homes that are not up to current codes?
That seems like what is being suggested here.

Bob