Proper electrical function in a home is a necessity even for normal daily activity. We need power for lights, for cooking, security, entertainment, and even more! But though many of these can be wired to operate on the same circuit, there are some that really should be placed on a single, dedicated circuit. How do you know which ones? You’re in luck.  The experts at Clinton Electric will tell you.

For dedicated circuit installation, wiring, and electrical services in Baltimore, Howard and Harford Counties contact the expert electricians at Clinton Electric Company today!

What Are Dedicated Circuits?

Dedicated circuits are completely devoted to powering a single appliance or electrical application. It has a singular purpose, and it’s own place on your electrical panel where it is segmented from affecting other circuits and outlets in your home. This is primarily a functionality measure, as well as a safety one.  A circuit breaker is designed to trip when a specified amount of power is requested by a device.  If the amperage exceeds the amount judged safe for the gauge of wiring in your wall, the distance from the panel, or even the number of outlets in series on that loop of wire, the circuit will be interrupted to prevent overheating and fire danger.

You want to use dedicated circuits for anything that draws large amounts of power on a consistent basis (fridges, HVAC, etc.) or things that pull a sudden and heavy draw (hair dryers, microwaves, etc.).

Why Do I Need These?

It can seem like overkill to go through all of the effort to get a dedicated circuit for each and every one of these items, we know. But it’s very important! Ensuring the proper appliances are on a dedicated circuit prevents a lot of common home risks, helping keep you and your property secure. It’s also part of the standardized NEC safety codes. By using dedicated circuits you can avoid:

• Flickering lights
• Breaker trips
• Potential home fires
• Appliance damage
• Risks of electrical shock

Appliances That Need to be on a Dedicated Circuit

An easy rule of thumb to follow is that any stationary appliance needs to be on a dedicated circuit. These sorts of things would include:

• Refrigerators and standing freezers
• Heating and cooling systems
• Ovens, stoves, and ranges
• Hot water heaters
• Sump pump systems
• Microwaves
• Plasma televisions
• Electric Vehicle chargers

This is a good rule of thumb to follow, however, there are plenty of smaller items that should also be used on dedicated circuits, such as:

• Portable space heaters
• Window air conditioners
• Hair dryers
• Toasters
• And more

Because of this need for dedicated outlets for these items our expert electricians often recommend a “general use” dedicated outlet be installed in specific rooms throughout the home. A general use outlet in a bathroom, for example, allows the safe use of hair dryers when needed. One in the living room accommodates a space heater (or holiday tree!).  In an older home without central air, summers can be brutal. A dedicated outlet used for window air conditioners will help keep them running when you need them most.

Dedicated Circuits & Outlets in Baltimore, Maryland

Does your home need more dedicated outlets? If you aren’t sure, book a a professional assessment?  Contact Clinton Electric Company online today to learn more about our wiring and outlet services, or to set a date for your consultation and home electrical assessment!