ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Laundry circuit

Since the code talks to a 20a laundry circuit and no voltage is mentioned, am I still to figure 1500va for the laundry circuit when the appliance ask for a 15a 240v circuit? This is the rating on some of these "off shore" washers that I am seeing in the new homes lately.

George, 1500va would still need to be figured. I guess we could leave out the neutral consideration if we knew the unit would be 240v. In any case the NEC does note a two wire circuit.

Roger

[This message has been edited by Roger (edited 04-22-2005).]

Joe T has a point...it is his opinion that the NEC requires a 120v laundry circuit, even if the unit is 240v.

I agree with his reading of the code...I'm not sure I'd apply it. Heck, I recently saw some apartments that had added stack washer/dryer units to the kitchens...darned if I can sort out all the code issues that brings up!

As for the load calculations....as I see it, you'll have to do the square foot calc, and then add the known load of the appliance.

What's Joe T? Are you talking about Joe Tedesco? and I don't see his point on this page?? I agree that it is assumed to be 120v. but even if it is 240v. the wire is the same and one could easily change the receptacle and breaker at minimal cost. But the va. would be different.

I agree 120v is not specified. Perhaps if we really thought there was going to be 240v appliances you could run 12/3 and use one of those 120/240 duplexes.
The load calc is still going to be 1500va. It is an arbitrary number.

210.52 Lists the requirements for 125-volt 15 and 20 amp receptacles outlets in dwellings. 210.52(F) requires that a receptacle be provided for laundry. In my opinion all receptacles required in 210.52 (A) – (H) must be 125-volt.

Good call Caselec, I agree. That one got past me. I told you guys that us inspectors learn from this forum

Yes, I meant Joe Tedesco, and he has raised this point elsewhere........I was only giving credit where it was due :-)

I am wiring condos right now that require a 240v for the combined washer and dryer. I still provide a 120v for the washer ( even though it does not use it) to comply with the code. I asked the AHJ about this, and he said that the only way around that is if the owners were providing the washing equiptment with the condos. ( which by the way they are) But I still provide this circuit for an outlet in that space. ( a good place to hang your dust buster)

I had the same situation: building owners supplying 240-v stacked units. The AHJ still wanted 120-v receptacles. Reason: appliances can be replaced, and they don't want someone needing an extension cord.

How about gas applainces that could be replaced with electric ones later? I just finished roughing a house with gas, and I suggested, and ran, a 240-v circuit just in case, to be blanked off for now.